Athletic Training, MS

Program Description

The Master of Science in Athletic Training degree is designed to prepare certified athletic trainers to function in advanced athletic training roles within an evolving health care delivery system. Students will explore topics directly related to the program’s point of distinctiveness: Advanced Clinical Skills in Rehabilitation and Athletic Training Leadership.

Admission Requirements

Completed applications will be reviewed beginning December 1st for admission the following fall, and will continue until the class is filled. An individual wishing to become a candidate for the MSAT degree must complete the online GradCAS application. Full details of applying to graduate programs at Missouri State can be found at Graduate Application. Admission of students for the MSAT program is selective and competitive due to limited resources. Student not accepted into the program may apply for the next application deadline. See admission processes and requirements in Graduate College section of the Graduate Catalog.

Full Admission to the MSAT Program

Full admission to the MSAT program will be based on:

Eligible for acceptance into the Graduate College at Missouri State University.
A cumulative GPA of no less than 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in the last 60 hours of college course work attempted. Consideration may also be given to an applicant whose GPA falls below the minimum if a strong GRE score has been earned or if other evidence of potential for academic success in graduate education can be presented. Graduate work will be considered on an individual basis.
Eligible for the BOC or an equivalent athletic training credential (e.g., Canadian Certified Athletic Therapist).
Licensure as an Athletic Trainer in good standing in Missouri or eligible for licensure in Missouri.
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university - including a Statistical Methods course (IPE 381, PSY 200 or equivalent).
Applicants must have the capacity for performance of the technical functions and tasks required of an athletic trainer. Students must complete and submit the technical standards form to the MSAT program director.

Retention Requirements

After admission into the MSAT program, a student must achieve the following for retention in the program:

Maintain a GPA of 3.00, with no more than 9 semester hours of graduate work below a grade of “B”, and no hours of graduate work below a “C”.
Demonstrate acceptable professional progression in application of skills and knowledge.

Students who fail to meet the retention criteria may:

Be placed on academic or clinical probation in the MSAT program, or be dismissed from the program, based on the judgment of the majority of the MSAT ranked and clinical faculty.
Students who fail to meet the probationary criteria or are dismissed from the program are not eligible for readmission into the MSAT program. Students have the right to follow the University’s appeal process on any disciplinary sanction received.
Students should refer to the Missouri State University Sports Medicine and Athletic Training Handbook for Graduate Athletic Training Students for additional policies and procedures of the School of Health Care Professions.

Degree Requirements Credit Hours: 36 Minimum

Academic Advisor. Graduate students are assigned an advisor at the time of admission. If desired, the student may select a different advisor once fully matriculated into the program. This occurs most often when a research topic is chosen and it is appropriate for a different faculty member to direct that project. The role of the graduate advisor is to:

Assist the student in the selection of course work for his/her graduate program;
Evaluate transfer credits as acceptable for meeting requirements;
Recommend acceptance or rejection of all graduate course work toward the program of study as shown in the student’s degree audit; and
Advise and assist the student in completion of all Missouri State University and departmental requirements for degree.

It is extremely important that students have early contact with their advisor and gain advisor approval before registering for classes. The advisor is a key person in helping individuals plan their graduate program, ensuring that classes fit the program, planning an appropriate class sequence, and providing other input that ensures a student is successful in their graduate program. All degree-seeking students must have the advisor complete an electronic release prior to registering.

Core Course Credit Hours: 36

Elective Courses

Students must work directly with their advisor and committee to determine which elective courses should be completed to strengthen their plan of study and compliment their non-thesis project. Courses must be approved by the student’s committee to be counted toward the degree completion.

Research Requirement

Completion of a non-thesis project approved by the advisor or thesis committee.

Non-thesis Project. Three (3) credit hours in ATC 797 - Non-thesis Project will count toward a degree. A formal oral presentation of the project is required. The seminar paper must be approved by the student’s Advisory Committee before the degree is granted.

Comprehensive Examination

A comprehensive examination administered during the student’s final semester of course work must be passed by the candidate before a degree will be granted.