Master in Economics
The University of Oregon offers a distinguished Master in Economics pr...
Master in Sports Product Design
Eugene, Oregon
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The Master in Sports Product Design at the University of Oregon is a specialized graduate program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the sports product industry. This program combines creativity, design thinking, and technical expertise to help students develop innovative products tailored to the needs of athletes and sports enthusiasts. Students are trained in various aspects of sports product design, including materials selection, ergonomics, functionality, and aesthetics, with an emphasis on performance-driven design. Through a mix of theoretical learning and practical, hands-on projects, the program aims to develop the next generation of sports product designers capable of leading design initiatives in the global sports market.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Master in Sports Product Design is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of both the creative and technical sides of sports product development. Core courses include product design fundamentals, user experience design, 3D modeling and prototyping, material science, and sustainable design practices. Students also study sports technology and biomechanics, which are essential in developing performance-oriented products that meet the unique needs of athletes. The program offers collaborative project-based learning, enabling students to apply their skills to real-world challenges, including designing products for sports gear, apparel, footwear, and equipment. With a blend of design theory, industry-specific knowledge, and hands-on experience, the curriculum ensures students are prepared for the evolving demands of the sports product industry.
Research Focus: The research focus of the Master in Sports Product Design at the University of Oregon centers on developing innovative sports products that enhance athletic performance and meet sustainability standards. Students have the opportunity to engage in research related to materials innovation, ergonomic design, and the integration of new technologies in sports products. Areas such as the use of advanced fabrics in sportswear, the development of smart sports devices, and the sustainability of product manufacturing processes are key research topics. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore how new design methodologies, such as human-centered design and rapid prototyping, can be applied to the sports product development process. Research projects often involve collaboration with industry partners, providing students with access to cutting-edge developments in the sports design field.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a critical component of the Master in Sports Product Design program. Students have numerous opportunities to collaborate with leading sports brands, manufacturers, and startups. Through internships, live projects, and mentorship programs, students gain real-world experience and industry insights that are crucial for career success. The program fosters strong connections with major companies in the sports design space, providing students with access to experts and professionals who can offer guidance and job placement opportunities. Students also participate in design challenges, competitions, and networking events, ensuring they build a robust professional network within the sports product industry.
Global Perspective: The Master in Sports Product Design program at the University of Oregon embraces a global perspective, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in an international sports market. The program explores how sports products are designed and marketed across different cultures and regions, considering factors like performance needs, consumer behavior, and market trends in various parts of the world. Students learn about global supply chains, manufacturing standards, and regulatory frameworks that impact the design and distribution of sports products worldwide. Additionally, the program integrates sustainability practices, ensuring that students are prepared to create environmentally responsible products that meet global sustainability expectations in the sports industry.
Location
Eugene, Oregon
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
USD 33378
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $90
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 88 or higher.
The University of Oregon (UO) offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students to support their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and provide financial assistance to help students from around the world achieve their educational goals.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UO offers several merit-based scholarships for international students, which are awarded upon admission to the university. These scholarships are primarily based on academic achievement and are available to both undergraduate and graduate international students. The scholarships are designed to recognize students who have demonstrated exceptional performance in their academic pursuits and are intended to provide financial relief to those who meet the eligibility criteria. The Global Excellence Scholarship, for example, is one of the most notable merit-based awards, offering significant funding to outstanding international students.
UO International Scholarships: The University of Oregon provides several merit-based scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and the ability to contribute to the university community. Eligible international students are automatically considered for these scholarships upon admission to the university. Some examples include the International Student Scholarships, which can cover partial tuition costs and are renewable for up to four years, depending on the student's academic progress.
UO Global Education Fund Scholarships: The Global Education Fund offers financial assistance to international students who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships are designed to help ease the financial burden of studying abroad at UO and are awarded based on the student’s financial circumstances and academic standing. Students must apply for these scholarships through the UO financial aid office, providing necessary documentation to demonstrate need.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at the University of Oregon offer their own scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study. These departmental scholarships can provide additional financial support for students enrolled in particular programs, such as business, engineering, or the sciences. These awards are often based on academic performance, research contributions, or specific criteria within the field of study.
External Scholarships: In addition to the scholarships offered directly by UO, international students are encouraged to explore external scholarships provided by government agencies, international organizations, or private institutions. Some well-known programs include the Fulbright Program, the U.S. Department of State's Education USA, and scholarships offered by the student's home country.
Graduates of the Master in Sports Product Design program at the University of Oregon have a variety of career options within the sports and outdoor product industries. The combination of design, engineering, and business skills gained in the program makes them highly competitive candidates for roles in top sports brands, outdoor gear companies, and sports technology firms.
Sports Product Designer: As a sports product designer, graduates can work for sports brands or design agencies, focusing on the creation of innovative and high-performance sports gear, apparel, footwear, or equipment. They are responsible for turning concepts into functional products that meet athletes' needs while ensuring aesthetic appeal and usability.
Industrial Designer: Graduates with a specialization in industrial design can pursue roles in product development teams for sports companies, working on the design of products that improve athletes' performance and safety. They often work with engineers and material scientists to select appropriate materials and ensure products are manufacturable at scale.
Product Development Manager: In this role, graduates lead cross-functional teams to oversee the creation and launch of new sports products. They are responsible for managing the development process, coordinating with design, engineering, marketing, and sales teams, and ensuring that products meet market demands and quality standards.
Footwear Designer: Given the growing demand for specialized athletic footwear, graduates may choose to focus on designing shoes and sports footwear. These roles require knowledge of biomechanics, material science, and market trends to develop footwear that enhances athletic performance and comfort.
Sports Apparel Designer: Sports apparel design is another prominent career option. Graduates in this field create clothing tailored to specific sports, considering factors like comfort, durability, flexibility, and style. They also focus on incorporating new materials such as moisture-wicking fabrics or compression technology.
Ergonomics Specialist: Graduates with a focus on ergonomics can pursue careers in designing sports products that enhance user comfort and performance. As an ergonomics specialist, they apply their knowledge of human physiology and biomechanics to create products that reduce injury risk while maximizing comfort and usability.
Sustainability Specialist: As sustainability becomes an increasing priority in product design, graduates can work as sustainability specialists, ensuring that sports products are designed and produced with environmentally responsible materials and processes. This includes researching eco-friendly materials, reducing waste in production, and implementing circular economy principles.
Sports Technology Specialist: Graduates can also specialize in the integration of advanced technologies into sports products, such as wearable tech, smart equipment, and performance-tracking devices. They can work in the development of cutting-edge products that help athletes improve performance and track progress.
Brand Manager: Graduates with an interest in marketing and business can pursue roles as brand managers for sports companies, developing strategies to promote sports products, build brand recognition, and drive sales. They collaborate with design and marketing teams to ensure the product's design aligns with the brand's identity and values.
Entrepreneur/Start-up Founder: Some graduates may choose to start their own sports product design firms or launch new product lines within the sports industry. Entrepreneurship offers the opportunity to innovate and create niche products that address specific needs within the sports and fitness market.
