Statistics have always been part of sports. But the digital age has altered the playing field, as organizations seek out those with the skills to use statistics as a tool for success. Combine sports marketing skills with the analysis and management of data when you earn a master’s in Applied Data Science with a specialization in Sports Analytics at IU Indianapolis.
Analytics is a crucial part of decision-making in amateur and professional athletics. Teams rely on those with the knowledge to interpret data and relate it to the world of athletics. (Nikhil Morar—pictured above—earned his Applied Data Science master's degree with a specialization in Sports Analytics from our program, and became Manager of Business Analytics & Strategy for the Los Angeles Lakers basketball franchise.)
Indianapolis boasts 10 professional sports teams. The city is home to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Federation of State High School Associations, and is widely considered the Capital of Amateur Sports.
I was able to use machine learning and descriptive statistics to create actionable scouting reports focused on finding strategies that will give a team a better chance of winning.
Rishi Chandran, M.S. '23 & Basketball Operations Seasonal Assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers
Research and Innovation Analyst for the Milwaukee Bucks
"Overall, the job has been absolutely incredible. I definitely feel like having my master’s was extremely important to being ready for the job that I have. My classes at IU Indianapolis and my internship (with the Indiana Pacers) were both instrumental to where I am today."
Students who earn a Master of Science in Applied Data Science with a specialization in Sports Analytics learn core skills in data analysis, data management and infrastructure, and client–server application development, and ethical and professional management of data projects.
Earn additional competencies in sports sales, the management of massive, high-throughput data stores, cloud computing, and the data life cycle.
The plan of study is 30 credit hours. It includes six core courses and four specialization/elective courses. Transfer students may be able to transfer in approved graduate courses from an accredited institution.
F-1 students can only take one online course per semester. They must take a minimum of 8 credit hours per semester; the exception being in their final semester. These limitations apply to fall and spring semesters but not summer sessions.
Students may test out of LIS-S 511. Students do not receive credit toward their required 30 credit hours by testing out of a course. However, they may instead replace the course with a specialization course or approved elective.
