Wearable Technology Program
Specialization for UCalgary graduate students enrolled in a thesis-based program.
Study wearable technology
The University of Calgary offers a specialization in wearable technology for UCalgary students enrolled in a thesis-based MSc or PhD program. Participating faculties and departments include Kinesiology, Computer Science, Psychology, the Computational Media Design program, and Engineering (Electrical, Biomedical, and Geomatics streams).
Wearable sensor technology is one of the fastest growing fields in the world and there is a growing demand for professionals in this area. Graduates will drive the future of smart technology in Canada. Read more about how the program got started and its impact on a rapidly growing industry.
Job prospects in wearables
It’s estimated that for every wearable job posting, there are only 16 qualified professionals. This compares to an average of 59 applications for any other technology-related job posting.
Graduates can work with wearable technology companies, or receive training to start a business of their own with the new skills they gain in entrepreneurship. Many industries such as sports, recreation, healthcare and education need trained professionals.
Training in four areas
Successful applicants will receive hands-on job experience as well as training in these main areas:
Human Movement
Learn how human body systems work together to facilitate movement and how the increasing presence of smart wearable sensors will expand our knowledge of the human body.
Data Science and Analytics
Become familiar with various machine learning techniques and advanced methods for analyzing complex data-sets for human health and movement.
Data Visualization
Develop new skills and advanced methods for presenting data and communicating results to facilitate evidence-based decision making.
Knowledge Translation and Entrepreneurship
You'll be introduced to pre-start-up business development through group projects and case studies. Develop skills in creativity, idea generation and feasibility analysis, and learn - will this new project or business work?
Benefits of the program
This program offers graduates a well-rounded skill set with hands-on training in multiple disciplines.
- Gain experience working at a leading wearable tech company. Tailored practicum placements deliver mentorship opportunities and strengthen your professional network.
- We-TRAC is built upon collaboration and interdisciplinary learning. Our team of researchers and industry leaders provide unparalleled education and training across multiple areas of study.
- Work with coaches, athletes, and wearable users in the community to collect year-round data using smart devices. With access to millions of data points your research will advance fields of health and wellness, performance and urban planning.
Discover potential supervisors
See who is conducting wearable technology research in your faculty. Explore potential supervisors, as admission decisions are handled by your department or faculty through your graduate supervisor.
Explore student research in wearables
Check out highlights of student research in wearable technology to see what you may do.
In the media
We-TRAC expands partnership with City of Calgary
Helping diagnose brain health of combat athletes
We-TRAC student among Neuro Nexus winners
First We-TRAC start-up company - Vibratus Inc.
Calling all cyclists - making your ride safer.
Proper use of wearables is 'Wild Wild West'.
What should you do with the data you own?
Share it! Sharing your wearable technology data can build a better world. Learn how with Dr. Reed Ferber in this TEDxYYC.
The We-TRAC program and its students are proud to work closely with and contribute to the Biomedical Engineering: Health Monitoring and Management research focus area.
Funding provided by NSERC
We-TRAC FAQ
The Wearable Technology (WTEC) graduate specialization is offered through several UCalgary faculties and departments, including Kinesiology, Computer Science, Psychology, the Computational Media Design program, and Engineering (Electrical, Biomedical, and Geomatics streams).
Only current UCalgary graduate students enrolled in a thesis-based MSc or PhD program within a participating department or faculty are eligible for WTEC. Students from other universities, those in course-based programs, or those outside the listed departments are not eligible at this time.
No. Your thesis topic does not need to directly involve wearable technology. As long as you're in a thesis-based MSc or PhD program within a participating department or faculty, you may enroll in the WTEC specialization.
Admission decisions are handled by your department or faculty through your graduate supervisor. Once admitted to a qualifying thesis-based MSc or PhD program, you may apply for the WTEC specialization.
Eligible students can declare the Wearable Technology specialization through their Student Centre, once admitted to an appropriate thesis-based graduate program at UCalgary.
Program requirements for MSc (thesis-based) and PhD students are outlined in the WTEC section of the UCalgary Graduate Calendar.
Note: The following course can substitute KNES 608 or CPSC 601.36:
- BMEN 619.02 – Digital Health
- ENCM 509 – Fundamentals of Biometric System Design
- BME 602 can substitute ENTI 625 – Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Students are encouraged to work with their supervisor to explore practicum options. Please keep the following requirements in mind while searching for a suitable industry partner:
- Students must complete a total of 72–80 hours with their practicum host.
- These hours can be scheduled at the discretion of the student and the host organization.
- No monetary compensation is permitted, as the practicum is for course credit.
- To receive credit, you must be enrolled in KNES 612.01, which includes submitting a self-reflection paper at the end of your placement to Program Director Dr. Reed Ferber (rferber@ucalgary.ca).
MSc students must complete all WTEC requirements within the duration of their graduate program. PhD students must complete all requirements — except KNES 612.01 — before their candidacy examination.
No. The We-TRAC website lists faculty who are familiar with or have previously supervised students in the program, but you are not limited to that list. Any UCalgary faculty member may participate in WTEC supervision.
Yes, students may declare the WTEC specialization after starting their graduate program, as long as they meet eligibility requirements and have time to complete the required courses within their program duration
Yes, once you officially declare the WTEC specialization and complete all requirements, it will be noted on your official UCalgary transcript and parchment.
WTEC itself does not currently offer direct funding. However, students may be eligible for funding through their home department, supervisor, or external research grants related to wearable technology.
