Sports Engineers

High School

In high school, take courses in science (e.g., biology, physics, chemistry), mathematics, shop, psychology, and computer science (e.g., programming, artificial intelligence, data science and analytics). Engineers are often required to give presentations and write reports about their work, so it’s a good idea to take English, speech, and writing courses.

Postsecondary Education

Many sports engineers have backgrounds in traditional engineering disciplines such as mechanical, biomedical, civil, or electrical engineering. Others have degrees—or pursue academic concentrations, certificates, or minors—in material science, mathematics, biomechanics, medical physics, or physics.

Some colleges and universities offer degrees and other academic credentials in sports engineering. For example, the University of Miami (Coral Gables, Florida) offers a master of science in sports engineering. According to the school’s Web site, “courses cover topics such as sports equipment materials and manufacturing, data acquisition, real-time performance analysis, and product testing, giving students the practical skills to address real-world challenges faced by companies specializing in sports equipment, performance wearables, and biomechanics.” Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana) also offers a master’s degree in sports engineering, and the University of Texas at Dallas offers a master’s degree in systems engineering and management, with a specialized concentration in sports technology systems.

The International Sports Engineering Association provides a list of colleges and universities around the world that offer degrees, minors, and concentrations in sports engineering on its Web site, https://www.sportsengineering.org/students/university-courses.

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer certificate programs in general engineering, engineering specialties, sports technology, material science, biomechanics, and related fields. For example, New York University offers a certificate in sports technology and innovation. To earn the certificate, students must complete one required course (Foundations of Digital Disruption) and three of the following elective classes: Foundations of Sports Analytics; Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; The Business of Esports; Blockchain in Sports; and Immersive Media in the Age of AI, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality. Visit https://www.sps.nyu.edu/certificates/sports-technology-and-innovation.html for more information. Certificate programs are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

Professional associations, colleges and universities, unions, and for-profit online learning platforms offer continuing education seminars, webinars, and conference sessions about engineering, sports technology, and related topics. Contact these organizations for more information.