Which Are The Best Colleges For Sports Analytics Degrees?
Sports degrees are some of the most lucrative options for students. While there are different types of sports-related degrees, nothing dives deeper into sports as a sports analytics degree. So, there’s no wonder a lot of students hope to find the best colleges for sports analysts.
Now there are plenty of options in the USA that offer graduate, undergraduate, and online options. So, which one of these colleges with sports analytics degrees should you pursue? There are a few things to understand first, so let’s dive in and find out.
Why Choose Sports Analytics Degree?
Choosing a college degree in sports, regardless of the type, just makes sense to the average sports fan. You might get to work in your favorite sports for the team or organization that you like. Besides that, it helps students understand the intricacies of sports as a business.
Those with a mind for business and sports analytics can only appreciate the opportunities that it provides. Some of them include:
- A probable high-paying job in your favorite sports;
- A moderate possibility of you getting to work with your favorite team/athletes;
- And the ability to translate your degree and skills into a well-paying job anywhere in the world.
Sports are a major part of people’s lives—not just in the United States. That’s why people who go to colleges with sports analytics degrees will find jobs anywhere where there is a need to handle sports as a business.
Undergraduate Sports Analytics Degrees
Now there are good colleges, and then there are great colleges. The priority of this article is to show you the best grad, undergrad, and online programs to become a sports analyst. So, here are the best colleges for sports analysis in each category:
1. Syracuse University – Syracuse, NY
Syracuse offers perhaps the best undergraduate sports analytics degree. This university in New York has many great programs, and it has a department for sports as well. That’s why it provides a program called:
The Bachelor of Science in Sports Analytics is one of the best on-campus programs for sports analysis in the United States. This outstanding undergraduate degree offers a unique curriculum that has some of the best courses, such as:
- Game Theory and Economic Strategy
- Sport Economics
- Sports Data Analysis
- Principles and Contemporary Issues in Sport Management
These courses make it an ideal and perhaps the best sports analysis program available today.
2. The University of Akron – Akron, Ohio
The University of Akron, Ohio, is one of the top 5 undergraduate business schools in the state of Ohio. That’s because it has some of the best business programs, and one of them is the sports analytics degree called:
The Bachelor of Science in Sports Analytics is a great option for people looking to analyze the depths of sports and make a living out of it. You can judge the contents of this degree by the curriculum that offers:
- Programming for Data Science
- Current Topics in Sport Business
- Statistical Data Management
- Financial Issues in Sport
Thus, it’s another great program for sports analytics.
3. Rice University – Houston, Texas
Rice University is one of the most prolific names in the state of Texas and one of the best universities for sports degrees. That’s why it has an outstanding undergraduate sports analytics program called:
Bachelor of Arts in Sports Analytics at Rice University is another incredible graduate degree for sports analysis. The course curriculum offered by this degree includes:
- Advanced Sport Analytics
- Advanced Sports Business Analytics
- Sport Management Practicum
- Introduction To Data Science Tools And Models
As you can see, this program dives into data and helps students by providing a deep insight into sports as a business.
Graduate Sports Analytics Degrees
Now that sports analytics graduate programs are out of the way, let’s talk about some of the best sports analytics masters programs available in the U.S. today:
1. Miami University – Oxford, Ohio
Miami University is one of the best universities in the state of Ohio. That’s why there is no shortage of great programs here, including the graduate sports analytics program called:
The Master of Sports Analytics at Miami University can be taken as an extension to the bachelor’s program, or anyone coming fresh of BBA, BSC, or any other bachelor can take this course and head into the field of sports analytics. It has a curriculum that includes:
- Sport Business Analytics
- Sports Performance Analytics
- Sport Economics
- Sport Marketing
- Sports Communities & Public Relations
Thus, making it an ideal program for graduate students to dive into.
2. Northwestern University – Chicago, Illinois
Northwestern University in Chicago is one of the best institutions that Illinois has to offer. And it has some of the best Master’s programs in predictive analysis, which translates into its master’s degree in sports analytics program as well:
This outstanding Master’s program has many great courses and some of them include:
- Introduction to Statistical Analysis
- Sports Performance Analytics
- Sports Management Analytics
- Math for Modelers
As you can notice, the program relies on data and advanced analytics to teach graduate students the intricacies of sports analysis. And that’s why it’s another incredible university with a master’s in sports analytics program to enroll in.
3. Indiana University – Indianapolis, Indiana
Indian University in Indianapolis is one of the top schools in the state. This university also offers some of the most lucrative and affordable programs, and one of them happens to be:
The Master of Science in Sports Analytics is an extension of the bachelor’s sports management program at Indiana University. But any graduate student can enroll in it for the sake of getting a master’s in sports analytics and learning courses like:
- Applied Sports Event Research
- Media and Technology Entrepreneurship
- Sports Marketing and Sponsorship
- Sports Tourism Management
That’s why it’s another great program for graduate students to enroll in.
Learn more: Is a Sports Management College Degree for Undergraduates a Good Choice
Sports Analytics Degrees Online
Now last but not least, let’s talk about two of the best graduate and undergraduate sports analytics degrees online, respectively.
1. American University – Washington, DC
The American University in Washington, DC, is known for some of the best online sports degree programs. One of these programs falls under the sports analytics and Master’s category called:
This great program has all the key courses you’d need in an online sports master’s degree like this, such as:
- Strategic Leadership of Sports Organizations
- Client Communications & Professional Consulting
- Sports Analytics, Marketing, and Consumer Engagement
- Sports Analytics and Management Capstone
That’s why it’s perhaps the best online Master’s program for sports analytics hopefuls today.
2. The University of Mississippi – University, Mississippi
The University of Mississippi is a great institution in the Magnolia State. The university offers a master’s program in sports simply titled:
While there’s not much information available about the courses, the university does say that it is an 8-week accelerated program. That means a bachelor can become a master within 3 months by taking this accelerated online sports analytics course.
3. Missouri Online University – University of Missouri
Missouri Online University offers one of the best online bachelor’s degrees for sports analytics titled:
This great at-your-pace program has many different courses in the 12-credit curriculum. Two of those include:
- Applied Statistical Models I
- Methods in Sports Analytics I
And that should indicate the priority of this program toward applied data analytics in sports. That’s why it’s one of the leading sports degrees online that you can enroll in right now.
Sports Analytics Job Outlook
One of the reasons why students seek sports analytics college degrees is because there is a hefty job outlook for sports analysts in the United States. The University of San Diego suggests that the sports industry will be adding around 95,000 new jobs by the time 2031 is here. That is aligned with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics prediction of sports jobs growing by 13% by 2031.
Now, it also comes down to the state and region, as there are some regions that offer more opportunities than others. According to BLS, California is the state with the most jobs in sports management and analysis. Whereas Illinois is the highest in terms of average pay for an entry-level job, with $45,000 per year.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wages
Conclusion
These are the top universities offering graduate, undergraduate programs and online sports analytics degrees in the United States. All of these universities and their courses have something in them for specific types of students. So, it all comes down to your preference, the option that is nearest and most affordable to you.
Feature image: pexels.com
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