Working in the sports industry is incredibly alluring, yet notoriously hard to crack. Ever since the Oakland A’s Billy Beane used his “Moneyball” big data analytic approach to successfully compete against MLB big spenders, analytics across the world of sports has exploded. Teams are using analytics to improve the fan experience and team performance. From customized game day experiences for fans to optimal game strategy for teams, the world of sports is experiencing a major paradigm shift thanks to big data.
It is common for sports teams at the professional and college level to have two different sports analytics departments. One department focuses on business-oriented application of data and includes analytics for ticket pricing, sponsorship activation effectiveness, fan loyalty analysis, promotions, social media, fan engagement and operations management. The second department focuses on player and team performance and includes optimal lineup analysis, player scoring for recruiting and draft analysis, player salary optimization, simulation of games and analysis of game tactics.
To prepare individuals for a career in one of these exciting fields, Samford's Center for Sports Analytics partners with Brock School of Business to offer rigorous sports analytics curricula for mathematically gifted and highly motived candidates paired with a real-world analytics internship in the sports industry.
Analytics Track Options
Preferred Internship Program
The Center for Sports Analytics Preferred Internship Program offers exclusive internships to students seeking to complete one of the sports analytics career preparation tracks. Students should apply at the end of their sophomore year and must maintain a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 to qualify.
Application Process - Current Student
The Sports Industry Program offers a rigorous curriculum paired with real-world sports business experiences, preparing you for a successful career in the highly competitive sports industry. Current Samford students can apply to join this exclusive program at any time after completing one semester at Samford if spots are available. However, with enrollment capped at 20 students per class, early application is strongly encouraged.
Eligibility and Application Timeline
- While there's no strict deadline, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
- Early application is highly recommended to secure your place in this limited-enrollment program.
Application Requirements
- Academic Excellence: Maintain an overall Samford GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Character References: Provide references that speak to your personal character and potential.
- Statement of Purpose: Clearly articulate your educational and career goals in sports business.
- Extracurricular Activities: Highlight experiences in the sports industry that demonstrate your potential for success.
Applicants should demonstrate high standards of scholarship, outstanding personal character, and serious educational aims. Your application will be carefully analyzed based on your academic records, character references, clarity of educational purpose and relevant extracurricular activities.
Ready to Apply?
To request an application and begin your journey in the Brock School of Business Sports Industry Program, please email Marshal Smith, Assistant Director for the Sports Industry Program, at msmith60@samford.edu.
Application Process - Entering Freshman/Transfer
Entering freshmen and transfers are invited to apply for early assurance into the Sports Industry Program in Samford University’s Brock School of Business. In order to apply for early assurance, students must apply to Samford University through the Office of Admission and have declared a major within Brock School of Business. Follow these steps and timeline to ensure that you submit the required materials and meet appropriate deadlines:
- Submit The Common Application or Samford University Application declaring a major within the Brock School of Business. Any major within the Brock School of Business is sufficient.
- Submit the Sports Industry Program application which will appear on your Application Status Page checklist once you have been accepted to Samford University and have declared a major in the Brock School of Business.
Application Timeline and Rolling Admissions
- Application Opens: November 1, 2023
- Priority Deadline: February 15, 2024
- Final Deadline: April 1, 2024 (if spots remain available)
We strongly encourage students to apply as early as possible after November 1st. This is a rolling admissions process, which means we will review and decide on applications as they are completed. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of securing a spot in your preferred program.
Important: While applications will be accepted through April 1st, once the programs are filled, the application will close. Given our rolling admissions process and limited spots, we strongly recommend not waiting until the priority deadline to apply. Many qualified candidates are turned away each year simply because they applied after the program was full.
For students who either do not apply during their senior year of high school or are not accepted, the next opportunity to apply will be during the second semester of their freshman year at Samford
Students that do not apply for early assurance or that are not accepted into the early assurance program during their senior year in high school must wait until their sophomore year at Samford to apply.
