Admission into the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program is selective and competitive.
Applying does not guarantee your admission.
Admission Requirements
Apply through GradCAS
For admission into the MSAT program, you must apply via the GradCAS online system.
You must be a Board of Certification (BOC)-certified athletic trainer or eligible to sit for the BOC exam to be considered for admission.
Interested in a graduate assistantship?
Note: Application to the MSAT program is separate from the process to apply for a graduate assistantship associated with the program.
If you're interested in a graduate assistantship, email your resume, cover letter, a list of three references and a one-page essay indicating your career goals and how the MSAT program will assist in reaching those goals to SportsMedicine@Missouristate.edu.
Master of Science in Athletic Training
W. David Carr, Program Director
Kampeter Health Sciences Hall, room 160F
Phone: 417-836-8220
wdavidcarr@missouristate.edu
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 Sports Medicine and Athletic Training Department.
Degree requirements (minimum of 36 hours)
- 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 (36 hours)
Course Code Course Title Credit Hours ATC 610 Leadership Theory and Issues in Athletic Training 2 hrs ATC 612 Human Movement 2 hrs ATC 620 Leadership Concepts in Athletic Training 3 hrs ATC 630 Leadership Practicum 1 hr ATC 632 Manual Therapy Techniques 3 hrs ATC 640 Evidence Based Practice 2 hrs ATC 710 Seminar in Athletic Training (3 courses) 2 hrs ATC 723 Movement Pattern Assessment 3 hrs ATC 732 Research Methods for the Health Professions 3 hrs ATC 733 Corrective Exercise Techniques/Movement Pattern Interventions 3 hrs ATC 743 Advanced Therapeutic Interventions 3 hrs ATC 791 AT Research Project 1 hr ATC 797 Non-thesis Project 3 hrs RCH 710 Statistics for the Health Professions 3 hrs Electives Electives approved by advisor 2 hrs - 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.