M.S. Degree in Athletic Training
Description
The 3+2 Master's of Science in Athletic Training program is a unique combination degree, offering students an opportunity to obtain an Exercise Science undergraduate degree and a Master's degree within a 5-year time period. The course track for the 3+2 MSAT program is highly prescribed for students interested in pursuing the combination degree, mapping a very specific set of LASC, core curriculum exercise science, and master's level athletic training (AT) courses. The primary focus for year one, two, and three of the 3+2 program is to complete all foundational LASC courses as well as the majority of Exercise Science core curriculum classes. Year three marks the "candidacy period" for the aspiring MSAT student. Year four offers a blend of undergraduate exercise science courses in conjunction with a variety of Master's level interdisciplinary coursework, while year five is exclusively mapped for a student to complete the remaining required Master's level courses. Completion of the prescribed coursework confers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science following year four, and a Master's of Science Degree in Athletic Training following year five of the MSAT program.
Unique aspects of the MSUM 3+2 MSAT program provide students with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience to become a competent athletic trainer and health care provider. Students will receive a quality interdisciplinary education from experienced professors of exercise science, health, athletic training, health care administration, and nursing. The clinical education component associated with the 3+2 MSAT program will take place in reputable local, regional, and national clinical education sites.
Students who have recently completed a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from MSUM or another four-year health/science-related degree from a qualifying institution of higher education may be eligible to complete the MSAT program over a two-year period. All MSAT two-year candidate transcripts would require review by the MSAT Program Director prior to program admission.
Admission Requirements
Application Deadline for Summer: May 1 (priority)
Steps to Apply
You may begin your application before all documents are ready. ATCAS saves your progress, and you may return any time to continue updating your application.
- Create your account in ATCAS
- Select Master of Science in Athletic Training and click the "+" to add to your cart
- Complete the three general application sections
- Complete the fourth, MSUM section (see application requirements below)
- Make sure to request all documents before submitting your application. Once you submit, you can no longer amend or upload additional documents.
- Pay the $99 application fee
The Admission and Graduate Studies Offices will verify your documents and requirements.
MSUM 3 + 2 Accelerated Students Only
Current MSUM Exercise Science majors may apply to the MSAT program during the third year of the Exercise Science Program. An Athletic Training faculty member will complete a careful review of the student's academic transcripts to determine the appropriate application timeline and start date.
- Interested 3 + 2 students will be academically advised by an Athletic Training faculty member.
- Ideally, 3 + 2 students would complete three years of undergraduate Exercise Science coursework then apply to the MSAT program. During the fourth Year, students take a combination of undergraduate Exercise Science and graduate Athletic Training coursework.
- The undergraduate Exercise Science degree would be conferred in the fourth year and the MSAT in the fifth year.
Athletic Training Admission Requirements
- A BS degree in Exercise Science from MSUM or another 4-year degree in health/science from a regionally accredited institution.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and at least 3.25 for the last 30 semester credits (300-level courses and above).
- Meeting with Athletic Training faculty via Zoom or in-person
- (Preferred) Athletic Training Observations - 25 hours.
- A background check is required before clinical experience starts (first fall semester).
- Students must have CPR/FA certification (Healthcare provider or BLS).
- International students may complete the MSAT as a "double master's" with another program requiring sufficient in-person academic credits. All international student applications must be reviewed by the MSAT Program Director before determining eligibility consideration.
Pre-requisite Coursework
- Semester of Biology (cell or plant/animal)
- Semester of Chemistry (general or fundamental)
- Semester of Physics
- General Psychology
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
Athletic Training Application Requirements
We encourage early application. Applicants are reviewed based on admission requirements and seat availability.
- ATCAS application
- Professional resume (including education, work, and volunteer experience).
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions from which you earned credit toward your undergraduate degree.
- Three letters of recommendation. At least one of the three letters should be from someone who can speak to your academic skills. Non-academic recommendations should come from people who you have collaborated with professionally, such as a work supervisor.
- A personal statement is required as part of the general application. The personal statement should include a brief synopsis of your educational background and why you wish to pursue Athletic Training as a profession.
For questions about the program or application process, please contact the MSUM Admissions Office.
Student Learning Outcomes
Exercise Science Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will apply knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, risk factors, health appraisal, fitness assessments, orthopaedic exercise, nutrition, weight management, test administration, exercise programming, and metabolic calculations to personal fitness and sports performance training.
- Students will implement the optimum performance training model to design exercise programs that are safe, effective, maximize performance and optimize health.
- Students will apply basic competencies required of a fitness professional in a sports medicine, cardiac rehabilitation, fitness center or sports training facility.
Masters in Athletic Training Student Learning Outcomes:
Athletic training students will demonstrate knowledge using a competency-based approach in both the classroom and clinical setting, using a medical-based education model within the Board of Certification (BOC) five domains of Athletic Training:
- Risk Reduction, Wellness, and Health Literacy
- Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis
- Critical Incident Management
- Therapeutic Intervention
- Healthcare Administration and Professional Responsibility
Also, within the core competencies as required by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE):
- Patient Centered Care
- Interprofessional Practice and Interprofessional Education
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Quality Improvement
- Healthcare Informatics
- Professionalism
- Patient/Client Care (Care Plan; Evaluation, Diagnosis, & Intervention; Prevention; Health Promotion & Wellness; and Healthcare Administration)
Students will complete a variety of clinical learning experiences culminating in an immersive experience that demonstrates and practices patient care with respect to cultural competency and in collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
Students will employ proficient critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills within the Board of Certification (BOC) practice domains of Athletic Training.
Students will be able to communicate effectively and appropriately, through verbal and written skills, with patients and other healthcare professionals.
Students will provide athletic training patient-centered care within the ethical, professional, clinical, and legal parameters of the Board of Certification (BOC), National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), and/or state practice acts.
Students will advocate for the profession and healthcare needs of clients, patients, communities, and varying populations.
Program Delivery Mode
Land plus: face-to-face where some online courses may be available or required
Core Requirements
( 40 credits )
Students will complete the Exercise Science Core Requirements, along with the following electives:
AT 220 Care & Prevention of Injuries and Illnesses (3)
HLTH 110 Personal Health & Wellness (3)
AT 225 AT Emergency/Immediate Care (3)
HLTH 305 Introduction to Nutrition (3)
HLTH 330 Disease Prevention (2)
EXS 202 Strength & Conditioning Exercise Techniques (1)
EXS 302 Strength & Conditioning Program Design (2)
EXS 310 Sport and Play in the USA (3)
EXS 311 Motor Learning (2)
EXS 320 Anatomical Kinesiology (3)
EXS 321 Human Physiology (3) or BIOL 349/BIOL 349L Human Physiology (4)
EXS 365 Exercise Program Design (3)
EXS 402 Strength & Conditioning Practicum (1)
EXS 420 Biomechanics (3)
EXS 421 Physiology of Exercise (3)
EXS 469 Exercise Science Internship (2)
EXS 473 Exercise Testing and Interpretation (3)
AT 210 Medical Terminology (1)
BIOL 111/BIOL 111L Cell Biology (4) and/or BIOL 115/BIOL 115L Organismal Biology (4)
BIOL 323/BIOL 323L Human Anatomy (4)
CHEM 150/CHEM 150L General Chemistry I w/Lab (4) or CHEM 110 Fundamentals of Chemistry (3)
PHYS 160 Physics I with Algebra & Lab (4)
Graduate Athletic Training Core Requirements (40 credits):
AT 600 Athletic Training Techniques (3)
AT 610 Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Intervention I (4)
AT 615 Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Intervention II (4)
AT 620 Athletic Training Research Seminar (3)
AT 625 Athletic Training Clinical Experience I (2)
AT 626 Athletic Training Clinical Experience II (2)
AT 627 Athletic Training Clinical Experience III (3)
AT 630 General Medical Conditions (2)
AT 669 Athletic Training Internship (1)
AT 692 Athletic Training Clinical Immersion/Capstone (4)
MHA 605 Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Management (3)
MHA 628 Healthcare Delivery Systems, Policy, and Reimbursement (3)
MHA 638 Health Information Systems (3)
NURS 662 Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment for Health Professionals (3)
Program Requirements
The Exercise Science Major has six credits of required Program Requirements. These six credits will be substituted within the 3+2 MSAT Program by eight credits.
Exercise Science Program Requirements:
AT 321 Orthopedic Clinical Assessment (3)
AT 324 Therapeutic Exercise (3)
3+2 MSAT Program graduate courses that will substitute for the above six credits include:
AT 610 Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Intervention I (4)
AT 615 Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Intervention II (4)