Athletic Training: M.S. - Master of Science

Admission Requirements

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all required materials are submitted by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be read and may be canceled if left incomplete. Materials should be tracked using the checklist in the application system. Admission into the program is highly competitive and is based on the following criteria:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Students may apply to the program in their last year of undergraduate work, but must have completed their degree prior to starting in June of matriculating year.
• Completion of a minimum of 50 clinical hours (75 or more preferred) under the direct supervision of an athletic trainer. Applicants will provide proof of hours through a signed supervisor letter that indicates the number of hours completed under their supervision.
• Completion of and preferred  3.0 GPA in the following courses. Please contact the Program Director if you have questions about whether a course meets the requirements listed below.

REQUIRED COURSES

• Psychology
• Biology with Lab
• Anatomy and Physiology with lab (two courses)
• Physics or Human Movement Science (e.g. Biomechanics, Motor Control)
• Chemistry 

PREFERRED COURSES

• Statistics/Biostatistics
• Exercise Physiology 
• Nutrition 
• As part of the application process, students are required to also submit the following documents that will be used in assessing the applicant.

Along with your application, the following materials need to be submitted:

• A resume
• Two letters of recommendation
• A one-two page goal statement indicating why you are seeking a degree in athletic training

Accelerated Degree Plan Admission for UVA Kinesiology Undergraduates

UVA students currently in the B.S.Ed. in Kinesiology program who choose to focus their course work and practical experience in Athletic Training can complete both the B.S.Ed and M.S. in Athletic Training (MSAT) program in a total of 5 years. These candidates must be in good academic standing in order to matriculate into the MSAT and should declare their intent to pursue the MSAT in the fall of their 3rd year to be considered. Additionally, all candidates must meet the M.S. in Athletic Training program prerequisites and requirements to be considered*. Students interested in pursuing this option must complete specific coursework within the B.S.Ed by the end of the Spring semester of the 3rd year to qualify.  Students interested in pursuing this degree plan should speak with their academic advisor to develop a plan to ensure that all required coursework will be completed in a 3-year period.

*SAT or ACT scores may be substituted for the GRE score. Applicants who had SAT or ACT scores sent to the university previously do not need to have them re-sent.

NOTE: In the academic semester after the student reaches 120 credits required for their B.S.Ed they will be matriculating as a graduate student.

Accelerated M.S. in Athletic Training Applicants should submit the following to ehd-information@virginia.edu.

• A resume
• Two letters of recommendation
• A one-two page goal statement indicating why you are seeking a degree in athletic training

Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education CAATE

The MSAT is an accredited program by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). This 24-month, year-round program is designed to exceed the CAATE standards.  It provides instruction, clinical, and research experiences to prepare students to become certified athletic trainers. Emphasis is placed on didactic coursework, and mentored clinical experience, with opportunities for students to pursue scholarly achievements.

CAATE Information and Outcomes

Classroom Instruction and Hands-on Clinical Experience

• This is an intensive, practical based program with classes 2-4 days per week and clinical experiences during the week and on weekends as applicable (e.g. sporting events/practice).
• The second summer includes 6 weeks of classes and a general medicine clinical experience.
• The second fall semester will consist of a 14-week immersive clinical educational experience at varying sites across the country.
• This focus on clinical work prepares our students to be effective in their jobs right away. Positions are plentiful as the athletic training field is expected to grow at a faster than average rate according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.