Undergrad students work on community engagement research in the Grid Control and Visualization Lab for the Center for Ultra-Wide-Area Resilient Electronic Energy Transmission Networks (CURENT) inside the Min H. Kao Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Building on March 08, 2024. Photo by Breven Walker/University of Tennessee.

Sport Analytics, Minor

The Sport Analytics Minor program provides students and learners with skills and best practices for applied sport data analytics. Students and learners who complete the Sport Analytics Minor program are prepared to partner with various transdisciplinary personnel to bridge data management, computer science, statistical analysis, emerging technology, and sport acumen to make data-driven strategic decisions.

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Program Overview

Foundational topics will include (a) player and team performance, (b) health and wellness, (c) injury rehabilitation, (d) talent identification and evaluation, (e) coaching strategy, (f) game management, (g) sport business econometrics, (h) sport consumer and audience behavior, and (i) community engagement. The curriculum is designed to align with the current demands and trends in the sport analytics industry. Upon completion, students and learners will gain a foundational understanding of sport analytical concepts and practical skills. Students and learners may continue their education in sport analytics at a higher level if desired.

A sign displaying "VOLS" is prominently lit as the sun sets behind Neyland Stadium during the game between New Mexico State and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN, on November 15, 2025. Photo by Craig Bisacre/University of Tennessee. Photo by Steven Bridges/University of Tennessee.

Why study Sport Analytics

Data-Driven Career Preparation

Sport organizations increasingly rely on data to inform decisions related to performance, strategy, operations, and engagement. The Sport Analytics minor helps students build the analytical mindset and practical skills needed to contribute in environments where evidence-based decision-making is essential.

Applied Learning Opportunities

Students engage with sport-related data, analytical methods, and interdisciplinary concepts that connect technical knowledge with real-world applications. Through applied coursework and problem-solving experiences, learners develop the ability to translate complex information into meaningful insight.

Forward-Looking Curriculum

The Sport Analytics minor is designed to reflect the evolving landscape of sport, technology, and data analysis. Students are introduced to foundational analytical concepts and emerging practices that support decision-making across a wide range of sport-focused settings.

Broad Industry Relevance

Coursework explores how analytics can be applied across multiple dimensions of sport, including player and team performance, coaching strategy, health and wellness, talent evaluation, business operations, and audience behavior.

Practical Skill Development

Students strengthen their abilities in data management, statistical analysis, interpretation, and communication, preparing them to work effectively with data in applied sport contexts.

Pathways for Future Growth

In addition to building foundational knowledge and practical skills, the minor can support students who want to pursue advanced study or expand their professional opportunities in sport analytics and related fields.

What can you do with a minor in Sport Analytics?

A minor in Sport Analytics gives learners the opportunity to pursue in-demand careers in sports, sports medicine, talent scouting, sports management, and more.

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Athletic Performance Analyst

An athletic performance analyst collects and analyzes data to evaluate an athlete’s performance in training and competition. They use video analysis, statistical models, and performance metrics to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. They collaborate with coaches and trainers to develop personalized strategies that enhance player development and help optimize game strategies, prevent injuries, and improve overall performance.

Sports Broadcaster

A sports broadcaster provides live commentary, analysis, and updates on sporting events for television, radio, or online platforms. They research teams, players, and statistics to offer insightful and engaging coverage. They may also conduct interviews with athletes and coaches. Their goal is to entertain and educate viewers while capturing the essence of the sporting event.

Game Operations Director

A Game Operations Director oversees the planning and execution of sporting events to ensure a seamless experience for fans, teams, and staff. They coordinate with multiple departments, including marketing, security, and facilities, to manage game-day logistics. They also develop and implement strategies to enhance the overall fan experience.

Talent Scout

A talent scout identifies and evaluates athletes for their potential to succeed at higher levels of competition. They attend games and showcases to assess players’ skills, athleticism, and attitude, analyze performance data, and provide detailed reports to coaches or organizations. They build relationships with athletes, families, and coaches to facilitate recruitment and career development and to match athletes with the right teams or programs.

Featured Courses

Sport Analytics courses are comprehensive and hands-on, equipping students with the skills required in the growing world of sports.

DATA 101

Data Knowledge and Discovery

Introduction to the essential elements of data science through the examination of data sets drawn from a variety of fields. Explores data collection and management, exploration and visualization of data, modeling, computing, and ethical issues associated with data science. Introduces students to programming through hands-on activities.

DATA 202

Data Management and Visualization

Introduction to foundational concepts and techniques in the management and presentation of data for effective data-informed decision making. Explores data storage and indexing strategies, data warehousing, metadata management, visualization of time-series and geospatial data, and best practices for presenting data to inform decision making, such as heat maps and infographics.

RSM 355

Analytical Methods in Sport

This course enables students to understand and apply foundational analytics skills in the sport setting to guide person-centered, data-driven strategic decision-making. Students will increase their knowledge of working with descriptive and inferential statistics as well as modeling techniques, data engineering, management and visualization, and applied data analytics in the sport setting.

CECS 399

Transdisciplinary Capstone

This Capstone course is a hands-on course during which students will complete a comprehensive project. Students will apply their knowledge and use their skills as they work in collaborative teams and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. Under faculty guidance, students will present their findings through a final report and/or presentation.

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Related Programs, Certificates & Minors

CECS offers innovative, customizable majors, minors, and certificates in areas of emerging technology and the skills required by the workforce of the future.