Wearable Technology Program

The University of Calgary offers a specialization in wearable technology for national and international students enrolled in a thesis-based MSc or PhD program.

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.
 
The Wearable Technology Research and Collaboration (We-TRAC) training program is funded through a grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE). 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 studying at UCalgary

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, Check out the new section highlighting student research in wearable technology to see what you may do. 

Contact us

If you are ready to apply, or you have questions, contact the program coordinator, Kirsten Penrose at: kirsten.penrose@ucalgary.ca

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'.

Wearable tech program launches as demand explodes.

UCalgary launches wearable tech training program.

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.