Athletic Training (M.S.)
M.S. Athletic Training (Professional Master's)
Program Overview
Responding to recent trends in sports health, a master's degree can help propel professionals to advanced career success. Texas State University's athletic training program has maintained national accreditation since 1972. It has a long, proud history for athletic training education involving both didactic and clinical education and for placing graduates in athletic training careers in industry, professional sports, college and university, and high school, as well as sports medicine clinical settings.
Course Work
The current program has two routes to completion; the 3/2 route (see Undergraduate Catalog) and the 2-year post-baccalaureate route. Both programs encompass two consecutive calendar years involving very specific course work (55 credit hours), competitive clinical experiences and immersive experiences and culminate with an evidence-based research project.
| Degree | Hours | Thesis Option | Minor Option | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.S.* | Hours 55 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor | Location San Marcos |
*The dual degree program (3/2) allows undergraduate Exercise and Sports Science students to enter the Master of Science in Athletic Training program beginning during the summer of their 4th year and earn a B.S. in Exercise & Sport Science and a Master of Science in Athletic Training.
Program Details
Students will have the opportunity to obtain clinical skills in NCAA Division I and II intercollegiate athletics, high school athletics, general medical, and semi-professional and professional sports.
Program Mission
The mission of the professional master's program is to provide students with a course of academic study in patient-centered care, interprofessional practice and education, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, healthcare informatics, and professionalism.
Career Options
Graduates holding a master of science degree in athletic training are prepared for employment in a variety of settings within the following areas:
- colleges/universities
- high schools
- professional sports
- rehabilitation/physical medicine clinics
- hospitals and research facilities
- industry
- tactical settings (police, fire/EMS)
Program Faculty
Texas State University's faculty in the professional master's in athletic training program are national leaders in the field of athletic training. They are the authors of peer reviewed publications and grants, and officers and board members in professional associations and set high standards for students in the program. Additionally, the clinical faculty and staff have years of clinical experience, serve as role models and set high standards for the students' learning.
Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Carla Heffner
ch37@txstate.edu
512.2456.338
Jowers Center, Room A164
Apply Now Already know that Texas State is right for you?
Application Deadlines
| Deadlines | U.S. Citizen | International |
|---|---|---|
Deadlines Summer I | U.S. Citizen November 15 (*Flexible) | International November 15 (*Flexible) |
*A flexible deadline means applications received after the standard deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees for admission consideration.
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Funding Information Applications must be complete by the deadline to be considered for certain types of funding. |
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Decision Timeline This program reviews applications on a rolling basis. |
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
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Application
- Completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
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Application Fee
- $55 Nonrefundable application fee, OR
- $90 Nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
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Transcripts & GPA
- baccalaureate degree from an accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
- a 3.0 overall GPA or a 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
- minimum 3.0 GPA in all background courses
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
Background Course Work
As required background coursework, there is a set of 10 pre-requisites that will prepare the student for the rigors of the program. Each of these courses is necessary for a basic understanding of the fundamentals of the various courses that the student will be taking in the professional master's curriculum. The following is the list of pre-requisites that students must have completed in their undergraduate degree or are in progress of completing prior to admission:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Introduction to Nutrition
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Statistics
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanics
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy & Physiology (with lab)
- Care & Prevention (or equivalent)
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
B.S./M.S.
Exercise & Sports Science majors who have at least a 3.0 GPA by the spring semester of their junior year and who have completed all of their prescribed courses by the spring of their junior year will be eligible to apply for the five-year program.
Applicants to the five-year program will submit materials as other MSAT applicants by the spring deadline of their junior year and those that meet all the minimum requirements, including having earned a B or better in (AT 2298, AT 2356, AT 2400, AT 3298 ), along with an interview process, will receive placement in the MSAT program. The admission criteria for the five-year program will be the same as for other (post-baccalaureate) MSAT students. -
Test Scores
GRE
- GRE not required
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
- minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Review important information about official test scores. -
Documents
- confirmation of 75 observation hours signed by a certified (ATC) and/or licensed (LAT) professional who has guided the observational experiences
- resume/CV
- statement of purpose (maximum two pages) discussing why you have chosen to pursue graduate studies in athletic training at Texas State University
- three forms of recommendation
Review important information about documents.