News Summary
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) is set to introduce the only Bachelor of Science in Sports Analytics in the Southeastern United States. This program emphasizes essential technical skills such as coding and artificial intelligence, offering practical experience through internships with NCAA Division I teams. Co-directed by faculty members, the curriculum aims to prepare students for a growing field where analytics play a crucial role in decision-making within sports organizations. Graduates can expect career opportunities with major companies like ESPN and FanDuel, highlighting the increasing relevance of sports analytics.
Charlotte, NC – The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) has announced the launch of a unique Bachelor of Science in Sports Analytics for the upcoming fall semester in 2024. This program will be the only one of its kind offered as a bachelor’s degree in the Southeastern United States, joining a select group of only four other universities across the nation that have similar offerings.
Sports analytics has gained significant traction as teams increasingly rely on data to improve their competitive edge across all sports. Associate Professor Abbey Thomas has noted the growing importance of analytics in enhancing performance, underscoring its role in the decision-making processes of various sports teams.
The curriculum for the new program will equip students with essential technical skills, including coding and artificial intelligence, which are vital in today’s data-driven sports environment. Moreover, students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience by interning with UNC Charlotte’s 19 NCAA Division I teams, earning credit hours while actively participating in real-world sports analytics applications.
This bachelor’s program is co-directed by Associate Professor Abbey Thomas and John Tobias, a 1994 graduate of UNC Charlotte. It will be part of a collaborative effort between the School of Data Science and the College of Health and Human Services, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of sports analytics.
In addition to the bachelor’s degree program, UNC Charlotte already offers a Sports Analytics Certificate, which has been highlighted as the first of its kind in the Carolinas. This certificate program, requiring twelve credit hours, includes three core classes and one elective, designed for students looking to enhance their understanding of sports analytics specifically.
Admission to the bachelor’s program requires students to be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program and to have completed statistics and programming courses with a grade of C or above. The program aims to attract a diverse student body from various majors, fostering collaborative learning and innovation in sports analytics.
Industry experts emphasize the continuing relevance and expansion of sports analytics within professional sports. Organizations in leagues such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and MLS typically employ dedicated personnel or departments focused on applying analytics in player evaluations, strategic planning, injury prevention, and financial decision-making. The integration of data science into sports management is seen as a significant factor in shaping the future of the sports business landscape.
As the field of sports analytics grows, graduates of the program will find opportunities in various organizations, including major companies like ESPN and FanDuel. With the knowledge and skills acquired through the program, former students are expected to drive innovations in areas such as player performance analysis.
Recent graduate Daniel Camacho has expressed how the program has effectively aligned his technical skills with sports performance analysis, allowing him to carve a niche that he aspires to innovate further. His goal is to advance analytics methodologies specifically for track and field sports, demonstrating the impact that this new academic offering can have on both individual careers and the broader sports industry.
As UNC Charlotte prepares to embark on this new educational initiative, it seeks to position itself at the forefront of sports analytics education in the region, meeting the growing demand for skilled professionals in this rapidly evolving field.
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Additional Resources
- WBTV: UNC Charlotte to Offer Sports Analytics Degree
- Wikipedia: Sports Analytics
- WRAL: UNC Charlotte’s Sports Analytics Program
- Google Search: Sports Analytics
- IndyStar: IHSAA Track and Field Analytics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Data Science
- Charlotte FC: Data Analytics Additions
- Google News: Data Analytics
- GrepBeat: Gemini Sports Analytics
- Google Scholar: Sports Analytics
