Sport Analytics (MS)
Description
The Master of Science in Sport Analytics (MSSA) program is a one‐year, fully online degree program with three emphasis areas – sport performance, sport business, and a combined sport business and performance. The online MSSA program is designed to enhance knowledge, skills, and competencies in data acquisition, management, analysis, visualization, and interpretation for improving sport performance and sport business. Coursework will prepare professionals with strong practical skills in analytics, focusing on measurement and statistical modeling and big data analytics in sport. The program combines academic, practical, and research‐based skills to allow students to develop in their selected area.
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 30
Course Requirements
The MSSA program will be administered through remote online instruction using distance-learning technologies and the Blackboard learning management system. The 30 or 36 credit hour curriculum is composed of 24 credit hours of core coursework and 6 or 12 credit hours of emphasis area coursework. All classes are eight weeks, and each class is 3 credit hours. The program is designed to be completed in five eight‐week sessions/terms over three semesters (fall, spring, and summer).
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| SPTA 5610 | Applied Statistics | 3 |
| SPTA 6010 | Measurement and Evaluation in Sport | 3 |
| SPTA 6020 | Predictive Analytics in Sport | 3 |
| SPTA 6030 | Big Data Analytics and Data Management | 3 |
| SPTA 6040 | Quan and Qual Research Methods | 3 |
| SPTA 6050 | Comm & Data Visualization in Sport | 3 |
| SPTA 6130 | Machine Learning in Sport | 3 |
| SPTA 6996A | Sport Analytics Capstone | 3 |
| Emphases | ||
| Select one of the following emphases: | 6-12 | |
Sport Business | ||
Sport Performance | ||
Sport Business and Performance | ||
| Total Hours | 30-36 | |
- 1
All students must take the SPTA 5610 Applied Statistics course at the beginning of their program.
- 2
All students must have completed 21 hours of coursework before they will be approved to take the SPTA 6996A Sport Analytics Capstone course. The final format and the requirements of the project are completed in direct consultation with the student’s faculty adviser or a member of the teaching faculty. Students must complete this course with a grade of B‐ or above.
Emphases
Sport Business Emphasis (6 Credit Hours)
In addition to the core requirements, the MSSA degree with emphasis in Sport Business requires completion of the following courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPTA 6110 | Sport Business | 3 |
| SPTA 6120 | Sport Economic Analytics | 3 |
Sport Performance Emphasis (6 Credit Hours)
In addition to the core requirements, the MSSA degree with emphasis in Sport Performance requires completion of the following courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPTA 6210 | Data Analytics in Strength & Conditionin | 3 |
| SPTA 6220 | Phys Aspects of Sport Perform & Monitor | 3 |
Sport Business and Performance Emphasis (12 Credit Hours)
In addition to the core requirements, the MSSA degree with emphasis in Sport Business and Performance requires completion of the following courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPTA 6110 | Sport Business | 3 |
| SPTA 6120 | Sport Economic Analytics | 3 |
| SPTA 6210 | Data Analytics in Strength & Conditionin | 3 |
| SPTA 6220 | Phys Aspects of Sport Perform & Monitor | 3 |
Sample Degree Progression
Students must take the SPTA 5610 Applied Statistics course at the beginning of their program. Courses are offered in eight‐week terms on an annual rotational basis. Since there are no prerequisites for any course, learners can enter the program the first fall, the first spring, and/or the summer term throughout the academic calendar year. The 30 or 36 credit hour curriculum is designed to be completed in 12 months. Part‐time progression is an option; however, all learners will be encouraged to complete the degree within two years of enrollment. A bachelor’s degree is required to start the master’s program. For MSSA coursework advising, please contact the program director. The following course plan in tailored for students entering in the first fall term.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fall First Term | ||
| SPTA 5610 | Applied Statistics | 3 |
| SPTA 6020 | Predictive Analytics in Sport | 3 |
| SPTA 6030 | Big Data Analytics and Data Management | 3 |
| Fall Second Term | ||
| SPTA 6130 | Machine Learning in Sport | 3 |
| SPTA 6120 | Sport Economic Analytics 2 | 3 |
| Spring First Term | ||
| SPTA 6040 | Quan and Qual Research Methods | 3 |
| SPTA 6050 | Comm & Data Visualization in Sport | 3 |
| Spring Second Term | ||
| SPTA 6010 | Measurement and Evaluation in Sport | 3 |
| SPTA 6110 | Sport Business 3 | 3 |
| SPTA 6996A | Sport Analytics Capstone (Or in summer) | 3 |
| Summer Term | ||
| SPTA 6996A | Sport Analytics Capstone | 3 |
- 1
All students must take the SPTA 5610 Applied Statistics course at the beginning of their program.
- 2
And/or SPTA 6210 Data Analytics in Strength & Conditionin
- 3
And/or SPTA 6220 Phys Aspects of Sport Perform & Monitor
- 4
All students must have completed 21 hours of coursework before they will be approved to take the SPTA 6996A Sport Analytics Capstone course. The final format and the requirements of the project are completed in direct consultation with the student’s faculty adviser or a member of the teaching faculty. Students must complete this course with a grade of B‐ or above.
Note: To accommodate for rolling admission, SPTA 5610 Applied Statistics1 will be offered every semester, and SPTA 6996A Sport Analytics Capstone2 will be made available during any semester should a student need it outside of the summer term.
Admissions
The MSSA online program accepts rolling admission with application deadlines one month prior to the term seeking admission.
- Evidence of an awarded baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university (transcripts required).
- Quality of the applicant’s academic record, as evidenced by cumulative grade-point average. At least a 3.0 or equivalent grade-point average on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework is required.
- Official GRE score. GRE must have been taken within five years of applying for the graduate program. Scores equal to or greater than 146 on the verbal, 140 on the quantitative, and 3.0 on writing divisions are recommended for admission at the master’s level. The GRE requirement is waived for applicants who have (1) at least one year of post/secondary professional work experience related to sport performance, business, and/or analytics, and (2) one letter of recommendation.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- Statement of Interest. A 400‐ to 500‐word statement of interest that describes your interest in pursuing the MSSA degree, your chosen emphasis in (1) sport performance, (2) sport business, and (3) sport business and performance, your future career goals, and why you believe you will be successful in graduate school.
- International students must demonstrate compliance with the University of Mississippi’s English Language Proficiency Score Requirements and Exemptions policy.