MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SPORTS AND PERFORMANCE ENGINEERING
Shape the future of sports, health and human performance with Villanova University’s forward-looking Master of Science in Sports and Performance Engineering.
Villanova University’s 30-credit Master of Science in Sports and Performance Engineering (MSSPE) program applies engineering principles to address complex challenges across the global athletics technology landscape. Designed for those pursuing careers in the technology behind how we move, the program emphasizes human-centered design—from robotics to biomechanics to wearable technology—and prepares you for helping individuals when they’re on the field, in the classroom and throughout their careers.
A Villanova Master of Science in Sports and Performance Engineering offers classes in areas of study that include:
- Data analytics
- Business entrepreneurship and emerging technology
- Technical topics such as biomechanics and sensors
Classes are small and conveniently held in late afternoons and evenings, and can be completed in person or online in real time—all while either completing a thesis or pursuing a capstone design course instead.
100% online,
on-campus or hybrid options
Dedicated sports engineering. Division I excellence.
Thesis or nonthesis curriculum options
Why Choose Villanova’s MS in Sports and Performance Engineering?
Earn your Master of Science in Sports and Performance Engineering and design innovative, human-centric solutions that will advance human performance both on and off the field.
Villanova’s top-ranked program offers 100% online, on campus or hybrid degree completion.
Get your degree from a Division I institution that’s at the forefront of sports and performance engineering.
Specialized electives in high-demand areas, including:
Data Analytics (machine learning, biostatistics, experimental design)
Business Entrepreneurship (emerging technologies, research-driven innovation)
Technology (biomechanics, sensors, dynamics, engineering simulation)
Pursue either a thesis or nonthesis MSSPE degree.
Learn from faculty with extensive industry experience and research expertise.
Build a professional network that connects you to leaders and innovators, throughout the Nova Nation and beyond.
Gain cutting-edge skills and technological savvy to advance your career in the global sports technology market
Flexible Options
Classes are conveniently offered in several modalities for degree completion: 100% online, on campus or hybrid.
The program offers a flexible learning schedule through a combination of asynchronous content and optional synchronous sessions that can be attended in person or via Zoom. This unique structure allows students to complete the program fully online and synchronously.
Our program is ideal for working professionals, blending structure with flexibility so you can tailor your learning experience to your needs by combining online and on-campus participation as you prefer.
Industry Connections and Partnerships
Villanova Engineering graduates are united by a shared commitment to social responsibility and the greater good. Their dedication to sustainability and their pursuit of ethical, innovative solutions will help build a safer, healthier and more equitable world for all.
Villanova’s Master of Science in Sports and Performance Engineering extends our College’s mission by preparing graduates to lead in an emerging field where engineering, sports performance and human potential can intersect, interact and make a difference.
Our alumni network, affectionately known as Nova Nation, includes more than 40,000 Villanova Engineering graduates who can also be found making an impact in their own leadership roles all around the world.
Advance your career by designing technologies that elevate human performance and potential with Villanova University’s Master of Science in Sports and Performance Engineering. Join a prestigious institution where advanced learning empowers you to drive innovation—both in your career and all across the digital world.
Applicants with BS degrees in other engineering disciplines may be considered. Contact engineering.grad@villanova.edu for more information.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The MSSPE program requires a minimum of 30 earned semester credits (10 three-credit courses). The program includes a research thesis option or nonthesis option.
The 30 semester credit hours include:
- 3 core courses:
- Sports and Performance Engineering
- Quantitative Physiology
- Sports Analysis for Engineers
- 5 elective courses (with thesis option) or 6 elective courses (with nonthesis option), including subject areas such as data analytics, business/entrepreneurship, biosensors and biomechanics.
- 2 three-credit research courses (for thesis option) or 1 three-credit capstone design project course (for nonthesis option).
Students must maintain a B average.
MSSPE Admission Requirements:
- US applicants with a BS degree in Biomedical, Mechanical, Electrical or Computer Engineering
- US applicants with BS degree in non-engineering disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Computer Science may be considered
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0
- Two letters of recommendation
International Requirements:
- Applicants with a BS degree from a non-US university
- Minimum GPA of 3.25 out of 4.0 or equivalent.
- Minimum TOEFL score of 90 or IELTS score of 7.0 or other proof of English language proficiency (waivers available)
- Two letters of recommendation
SAMPLE COURSES
Required Core Courses:
- Sports and Performance Engineering
- Quantitative Physiology
- Sports Analysis for Engineers
Elective Courses:
Data Analytics (select 1)
- Advanced Machine Learning
- Machine Learning for Engineers
- Biostatistics and Experimental Design
- Statistical Methods
- Statistical Programming
Business/Entrepreneurship (select 1)
- Business Basics for Engineers
- Management for Engineers
- Emerging Technologies and Innovation in 21st Century
- Research Driven Innovation
Technical (select 3 for thesis option, 4 for nonthesis option)
- Biomechanics of Hard Tissues
- Biomechanics of Soft Tissues
- Transport Phenomena in Biological Systems
- Wearable Biosensing
- Continuum Mechanics
- Numerical Methods for Engineering Simulation
- Introduction to Computational Fluid Mechanics
- Introduction to Finite Element Analysis
- Advanced Dynamics
- Simulation of Multibody Systems
- Nano/Microscale Material Behavior
- Mechanical Behavior of Materials
- Polymer Engineering
- Additive Manufacturing
- Fiber Composite Structures
- Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics
- Advanced Fluid Mechanics
- Elasticity and Stress Analysis
- Robotics: Analysis and Control
- Applied Fracture Mechanics
- Control Systems Engineering
- Nonlinear Control
- Nonlinear Dynamics
- Applied Digital Signal Processing
- Analysis of Biomedical Signals
- Statistical Signal Processing
- Sensors
- Biomaterials and Drug Delivery
Capstone Design Project (Nonthesis option)
- Capstone Design Project in Sports and Performance Engineering
Thesis Research (Thesis option)
- Thesis research in Sports and Performance Engineering