Athletic training faculty and students working together in a simulation lab

Athletic Training: M.S. - Master of Science

The M.S. Athletic Training goes beyond athletics, it's part of the broader healthcare profession. As such, this degree prepares student to work as an athletic trainer and provide a continuum of care along the five domains of athletic training.

At a Glance

Program Results

M.S. - Master of Science

Athletic Training

Career Outcomes

Clinical athletic training positions in a variety of health care settings including (but not limited to) colleges, high schools, professional sports, sports medicine centers, military, physician offices, and clinical settings.

Best Suited To

  • Individuals who have completed a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • Current undergraduates completing their last year of coursework (degree must be completed prior to starting this degree program in June of the matriculating year).
  • UVA undergraduates currently in the B.S.Ed. in Kinesiology program may qualify to complete the M.S. in Athletic Training program through an accelerated track.

Program Type

  • Full Time

Location

  • In-Person

Estimated Length

2 year, year-round program

Application Deadline

  • February 1 through ATCAS (the Athletic Training Central Application System)
  • Applications will be accepted until May 15th on a space-available basis

Credits

67

About This Program

  • Become an athletic trainer and work with a physically active population across a spectrum of settings, ages, and activities.
  • This program gives healthcare professionals the ability to build close working relationships with patients, and ultimately improve their health-related quality of life. If you're looking to join a dynamic profession where workdays are seldom the same, apply today.
  • This degree prepares the student to work as an athletic trainer and provide a continuum of care along the five domains of athletic training practice:

  1. Injury/Illness Prevention & Wellness Protection

  2. Examination, Assessment & Diagnosis

  3. Immediate & Emergency Care

  4. Therapeutic Intervention

  5. Healthcare Administration and Professional Responsibility

UVA undergraduates currently in the B.S.Ed. in Kinesiology program may qualify to complete the M.S. in Athletic Training program through an accelerated track. See admission requirements below.

Program Overview

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

Graduate Admission

External Candidates and Non-Accelerated UVA Graduate Applicants should submit their applications via ATCAS as early as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling admissions basis until we have filled our class for the upcoming year. It is strongly encouraged to apply by February 1st. Applications will be accepted until May 15th on a space-available basis. For more information about how to use ATCAS, please visit the ATCAS Help Center.

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

Logo of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)

Athletic Training Board Certification

Students who successfully complete a degree in Athletic Training from an accredited athletic training program are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. BOC certification (ATC) establishes the entry-level credential to work as an athletic trainer.

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.

Program Faculty

Jay Hertel

Jay Hertel

  • Chair, Department of Kinesiology
  • Joe Gieck Professor in Sports Medicine
Michael Higgins

Michael Higgins

  • Professor
  • Athletic Training Program Director
Chris Kuenze

Chris Kuenze

  • Associate Professor
Emily Madrak

Emily Madrak

  • Assistant Professor
  • Director of Simulation, Athletic Training Program
Erin M Moore

Erin M. Moore

  • Assistant Professor
  • Athletic Training Clinical Education Coordinator
Jacob E Resch

Jacob E. Resch

  • Associate Professor
Curriculum Vitae Susan Saliba

Susan Saliba

  • Professor

Contact Information

M.S. in Athletic Training News

Disclosures

The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Graduate Record represents the official repository for academic program requirements. These publications may be found at http://records.ureg.virginia.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=55&poid=7415.

As a member of the State Authorizations Reciprocity Agreement, the University of Virginia (UVA) is authorized to provide curriculum in a distance learning environment to students located in all states in the United States except for California. (34 CFR 668.43(a)(6)& 34 CFR 668.72(n)).

Upon completion of the M.S. in Athletic Training program at the UVA School of Education and Human Development, graduates may be eligible for initial professional licensure in another U.S. state by applying to the licensing board or agency in that state. Please visit the University’s state authorization web pages to make an informed decision regarding which states’ educational requirements for initial licensure are met by this program. (668.43(a)(5) (v)(A) - (C))

Enrolled students who change their current (or mailing) address to a state other than Virginia should update this information immediately in the Student Information System as it may impact their ability to complete internship, practicum, or clinical hours, use Title IV funds, or meet licensure or certification requirements in the new state. (34 CFR 668.402).