Athletic Training (M.S.)

M.S. Athletic Training (Professional Master's)

Students obtain knowledge through didactic and clinical experiences with evidence-based injury prevention, diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions.
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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.

DegreeHoursThesis OptionMinor Option
Degree
M.S.*
Hours
55
Thesis Option
Non-Thesis
Minor Option
No minor

*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 BESS in Exercise & Sport Science and a Master of Science in Athletic Training.

What Our Alumni Say

“Texas State's AT program provides you with so much more than a solid education. It also brings you the support of mentors and peers alike who are always willing to lend out a helping hand to see you succeed. The Bobcat AT Family runs deep and gives everything it can to support you in the journey to completing your goals.ˮ

— Jovany Perez, Class of 2020

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 The Graduate College for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more. If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following individuals.

Graduate Advisor
Dr. Carla Heffner
ch37@txstate.edu
5122456338
Jowers Center, Room A164

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Application Deadlines

DeadlinesU.S. CitizenInternational
Deadlines
Summer I
U.S. Citizen
November 15 (*Flexible)
International
November 15 (*Flexible through March 15)

*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.

Funding Information
Applications must be complete by the deadline to be considered for certain types of funding.

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.

  • Review important information about the online application.

    • $55 Nonrefundable application fee, OR
    • $90 Nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials

    Review important information about application fees.

    • 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
    • minimum 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.

    Effective Fall 2024

    • 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.E.S.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.

  • 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.

    • 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.

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