Course Overview
This course merges a passion for athletics with the principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will gain insights into how STEM fields play a key role in enhancing athletic performance, improving sports equipment, and informing decision-making in sports. The course will cover topics such as biomechanics, material science, data analytics, and the role of technology in modern sports.
All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to request a Syracuse University noncredit transcript.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the engineering principles in sports from biomechanics to the materials used in sports equipment
- Recognize the broad relevance of STEM by seeing its influences in sports and everyday life
- Explore human movements in sports by learning the science behind how our bodies move efficiently in athletic performance
- Understand the role of math in sports decisions by exploring how math and data analytics are used by coaches and athletes to make informed, strategic decisions in sports
- Investigate technology in sports equipment by studying the innovations in sports equipment from smart chips in soccer balls to high-tech displays in stadiums
By the end of this course, students will have a deeper understanding of how STEM shapes the world of sports, and how they can apply these insights to both athletic endeavors and real-world problem-solving.
Course Information
Course Prefix and Number: TBD
Format: On Campus (at Syracuse University)
Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school sophomore, junior, or senior status – or a 2025 high school graduate.
Credit: Noncredit
Grading: Noncredit: Pass/Fail
- Residential: $2,395
- Commuter: $1,908
Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees. Discounts and scholarships are also available.
Program Information
Summer College – On Campus: Experience what college is really like: take a college-level course, live in a residence hall, have meals with friends in a dining hall, and participate in activities and events on campus.
Course Dates and Details
| Program | Course Dates | Synchronous Class Time (Eastern Time) | Credit/Noncredit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer College – On Campus | 1-Week Session I: Sunday, July 6 – Friday, July 11, 2025 | MTWThF; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Noncredit |
To see if this course is ‘open,’ refer to the full course catalog.
Course Requirements
Required Supplies
Please know that any supply purchases are not included in the overall tuition fee. Students will need to budget for additional course supplies, textbooks, supply kits, etc.
Students need to bring tennis shoes and active wear for possible events at Syracuse athletic facilities.
Typical Day
Tentative Schedule
- 9 a.m. – Noon: Course instruction and hands on projects each day
- 1 – 4 p.m.: Team-oriented projects and field trips (2 days working on project, 2 days field trips, last day competition)
There will be an end event open to parents and guests at the end of this course.
When class is over, and on weekends, students can look forward to various Summer College – On Campus activities to meet and connect with other students! Check out our On Campus Experience page for more information!
Faculty Bio
Cindy Smith
Dr. Cindy Smith has been an assistant teaching professor at Syracuse University for five years in the college of engineering and computer science. Her interdisciplinary background combines computer science and biomedical engineering, enabling her to teach courses in both the Biomedical and Chemical Engineering department and the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department.
In addition to her academic expertise, Dr. Smith has a passion for outdoor sports and adventure races. She has participated in a wide range of athletic events, including triathlons, marathons, GoRucks, and Tough Mudders, which reflect her enthusiasm for pushing physical and mental boundaries.
One of Dr. Smith’s contributions has been the creation and teaching of a Sports Engineering course, which she has taught for over a decade to upper-level and graduate engineering students. The course merges her academic interests with her personal love of athletics, offering students a unique perspective on the engineering principles behind sports and performance technology.
In the Summer of 2023, Dr. Smith got to be a part of launching a groundbreaking initiative with Micron, Syracuse Athletics, and the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Together, they developed a STEM in Sports Academy, a summer program designed for high school students. This academy aims to inspire younger students by demonstrating how STEM fields are integral to the world of sports.
Through these endeavors, Dr. Smith has played a key role in bridging the gap between engineering and athletics, fostering an environment where students can explore the intersection of technology and physical performance.