Master of Science (M.S.) Major in Athletic Training (Professional Master's)
Program Overview
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a Major in Athletic Training is designed as an professional master's curriculum for students seeking to become board-certified. To enter the professional master's, students are expected to have completed a bachelor's degree. The program begins in June each year.
Professional athletic training education uses a competency-based approach in both the classroom and clinical settings. Using a medical-based education model, athletic training students are educated to provide comprehensive patient care in five domains of clinical practice: prevention; clinical evaluation and diagnosis; immediate and emergency care; treatment and rehabilitation; and organization and professional health and well-being. The educational requirements for CAATE-accredited athletic training education programs include acquisition of knowledge, skills and clinical abilities along with a broad scope of foundational behaviors of professional practice. Students complete an extensive clinical learning requirement that is embodied in the clinical integration proficiencies (professional, practice oriented outcomes) as identified in the Athletic Training Education standards.
Athletic trainers treat a range of patients and can work in a variety of settings. Regardless of their practice setting, athletic trainers practice according to their education, scope of practice and state practice act. Athletic Trainers work in:
- Public and private secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional and Olympic sports
- Youth leagues, municipal and independently owned youth sports facilities
- Physician practice, similar to nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists and other professional clinical personnel
- Rural and urban hospitals, hospital emergency rooms, urgent and ambulatory care centers
- Clinics with specialties in sports medicine, cardiac rehab, medical fitness, wellness and physical therapy
- Occupational health departments in commercial settings, which include manufacturing, distribution and offices to assist with ergonomics
- Police and fire departments and academies, municipal departments, branches of the military
- Performing arts including professional and collegiate level dance and music
Application Requirements
The items listed below are required for admission consideration for applicable semesters of entry during the current academic year. Submission instructions, additional details, and changes to admission requirements for semesters other than the current academic year can be found on The Graduate College's website. International students should review the International Admission Documents page for additional requirements.
- completed online application
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
or
- $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
- 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.)
- official transcripts from each institution where course credit was granted
- a 3.0 overall GPA or a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
- minimum 3.0 GPA in all background courses. As required background course work, there is a set of 10 pre-requisites that will prepare the student for the rigors of the program. Each of these courses are 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:
Course List Code Title Hours Physics Chemistry Introduction to Nutrition Introduction to Psychology Introduction to Statistics Exercise Physiology Biomechanics Medical Terminology Anatomy& Physiology w/lab Care & Prevention (or equivalent)
- GRE not required
- Confirmation of 75 observation hours signed by a certified (ATC) and/or licensed (LAT) professional who has guided the observational experiences
- resume
- statement of purpose (maximum two pages) that discusses the student’s reasons for pursuing professional master's degree in athletic training at Texas State University
- three forms of recommendation
The program does not offer admission if the above requirements are not met.
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
- 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
The program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a major in Athletic Training (Professional Master's) requires 55 semester credit hours.
Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| AT 5120 | Principles in Athletic Training | 1 |
| AT 5191 | Capstone I | 1 |
| AT 5192 | Capstone II | 1 |
| AT 5230 | Clinical Experience I | 2 |
| AT 5231 | Clinical Experience II | 2 |
| AT 5232 | Clinical Experience III | 2 |
| AT 5320 | General Medical Conditions Assessment and Care | 3 |
| AT 5333 | Internship in Athletic Training | 3 |
| AT 5334 | Clinical Experience IV | 3 |
| AT 5335 | Clinical Experience V | 3 |
| AT 5340 | Research Methods and Evidence Based Practice in Athletic Training | 3 |
| AT 5341 | Pathopharmacology | 3 |
| AT 5342 | Administration and Leadership in Athletic Training | 3 |
| AT 5343 | Interdisciplinary Approach to Athletic Training | 3 |
| AT 5344 | Advanced Clinical Decision Making | 3 |
| AT 5400 | Gross Applied Anatomy | 4 |
| AT 5300 | Musculoskeletal Assessment of the Lower Extremities | 3 |
| AT 5301 | Musculoskeletal Assessment of the Upper Extremity | 3 |
| AT 5305 | Musculoskeletal Assessment of Head/Face/Spine and Neurological Systems | 3 |
| AT 5313 | Therapeutic Interventions I | 3 |
| AT 5314 | Therapeutic Interventions II | 3 |
| Total Hours | 55 | |
Comprehensive Examination Requirement
Students will complete a capstone project (written paper, poster presentation) for this component of the graduate education. They will be able to make any changes needed and re-present to faculty members with changes made based on rubric for the project.
Students who do not successfully complete the requirements for the degree within the timelines specified will be dismissed from the program.
Courses Offered
Athletic Training (AT)
AT 5101. Graduate Assistant Development.
This course is required of all graduate assistants and provides regular in-service and planned periodic evaluations of instructional responsibilities. Graduate assistants are required to register for this course in the spring semester of their employment. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Graduate Assistantship|Exclude from Graduate GPA
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
AT 5120. Principles in Athletic Training.
This course builds upon current competence of health and exercise sciences to instill an evidence based, graduate-level proficiency of best practices in athletic training and healthcare.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 1 Lab Contact Hour.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5191. Capstone I.
This course is a supervised project to analyze outcomes in a defined area of clinical practice. The course includes patient outcomes data collection in a practice-based research environment. Completion of full research sequence is required for graduation.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 2 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5192. Capstone II.
This course is a continuation of the research sequence that culminates in a supervised project to analyze outcomes in a defined area of clinical practice. The course includes completion of data collection and analysis for an oral presentation and final paper and poster. Completion of this last course is required Prerequisite: AT 5191.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5199B. Thesis.
This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
AT 5201. Graduate Assistant Development.
This course is required of all graduate assistants and provides in-service and planned periodic evaluations of instructional responsibilities. Graduate assistants are required to register for this course in the fall semester of their employment. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.
2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Graduate Assistantship|Exclude from Graduate GPA
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
AT 5230. Clinical Experience I.
This course will integrate topics in athletic injury evaluation, management and intervention into an immersive clinical education experience designed to assess professional behaviors, cognitive knowledge, psychomotor skills and proficiency-based case simulations. The course incorporates didactic and clinical education at an assigned clinical site under the supervision of a clinical instructor. Prerequisite: AT 5320.
2 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 20 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5231. Clinical Experience II.
This course will integrate topics in athletic injury evaluation, management and intervention into an immersive clinical education experience designed to assess professional behaviors, cognitive knowledge, psychomotor skills and proficiency-based case simulations. The course incorporates didactic and clinical education at an assigned clinical site under the supervision of a clinical instructor. Prerequisite: AT 5230.
2 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 20 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5232. Clinical Experience III.
This course will integrate topics in athletic injury evaluation, management and intervention into an immersive clinical education experience designed to assess professional behaviors, cognitive knowledge, psychomotor skills and proficiency-based case simulations. The course incorporates didactic and clinical education at an assigned clinical site under the supervision of a clinical instructor. Prerequisite: AT 5230; AT 5231.
2 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 20 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5299B. Thesis.
This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
AT 5300. Musculoskeletal Assessment of the Lower Extremities.
This course will present students with a study and critical analysis of injury and illness signs and symptoms. Specific tests and skills used in the clinical evaluation and assessment involving the lower extremities will be included. Prerequisite: AT 5400 with a grade of "B" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 1 Lab Contact Hour.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5301. Musculoskeletal Assessment of the Upper Extremity.
This course will present students with a study and critical analysis of injury and illness signs and symptoms. Specific tests and skills used in the clinical evaluation and assessment involving the upper extremities will be included. Prerequisite: AT 5400 with a grade of "B" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 1 Lab Contact Hour.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5305. Musculoskeletal Assessment of Head/Face/Spine and Neurological Systems.
This course will enable the student to critically analyze the specific tests and skills used in the clinical evaluation and assessment involving the head, spine and neurological systems. Prerequisite: AT 5300 and AT 5301 and AT 5400 all with grades of "B" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 1 Lab Contact Hour.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5313. Therapeutic Interventions I.
This course is designed to provide both a theoretical and clinical basis for the standardized systems approach to therapeutic modality applications to treat patients with musculoskeletal conditions and injury. Prerequisite: AT 5400 with a grade of "B" or better. Corequisite: AT 5301 and AT 5300 both with grades of "B" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 2 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5314. Therapeutic Interventions II.
This course is designed to examine both a theoretical and clinical basis for the standardized systems approach to therapeutic exercise applications to treat patients with musculoskeletal conditions and injury. Prerequisite: AT 5313 with a grade of "B" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 1 Lab Contact Hour.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5320. General Medical Conditions Assessment and Care.
This course will enable the student to recognize, evaluate, differentiate and manage common systemic and traumatic conditions and diseases.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5333. Internship in Athletic Training.
This 400-hour internship provides students with professionally related experience. Students may work with diverse clinical populations in varying athletic training settings. Internship is approved and supervised by Program Coordinator or assigned faculty. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 40 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5334. Clinical Experience IV.
This course will integrate topics in athletic injury evaluation, management and intervention into an immersive clinical education experience designed to assess professional behaviors, cognitive knowledge, psychomotor skills and proficiency-based case simulations. The course incorporates didactic and clinical education at an assigned clinical site under the supervision of a clinical instructor. Prerequisite: AT 5230; AT 5231; AT 5232; AT 5333.
3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 30 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5335. Clinical Experience V.
This course will integrate topics in athletic injury evaluation, management and intervention into an immersive clinical education experience designed to assess professional behaviors, cognitive knowledge, psychomotor skills and proficiency-based case simulations. The course incorporates didactic and clinical education at an assigned clinical site under the supervision of a clinical instructor. Prerequisite: AT 5230; AT 5231; AT 5232; AT 5333; AT 5334.
3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 30 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5340. Research Methods and Evidence Based Practice in Athletic Training.
This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the statistical terminology when reading and appraising research studies in order to use evidence to inform clinical practice.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5341. Pathopharmacology.
This course will examine the physiological responses and progression of injuries, illnesses, and diseases to the physically active individual. Additionally, this course will provide instruction in the principles and issues of the physiological and psychological response to the pharmacological use and/or abuse of substances. Prerequisite: AT 5320.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5342. Administration and Leadership in Athletic Training.
This course will evaluate administrative aspects of an athletic training program management such as: risk management, medical record keeping, facilities, third-party reimbursement, health informatics and other current professional issues.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5343. Interdisciplinary Approach to Athletic Training.
This course will examine the practice and educational implications of effective and efficient interprofessional teamwork and collaboration in patient care.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5344. Advanced Clinical Decision Making.
This course provides students various settings to explore aspects of patient evaluation, intervention and outcomes in a simulated learning environment. Students will identify issues in patient care including physical and psychosocial characteristics. Students will apply clinical decision-making skills learned in all courses leading up this final semester class.
3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 3 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5347. Independent Study in Athletic Training.
This course may be taken by a student who desires to work on a research problem or investigation in Athletic Training. The student gathers and analyzes pertinent data and submits a report of the results of the research. Repeatable once for credit. Prerequisite: ESS 5346 with a grade of "C" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5399A. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s initial thesis enrollment. No thesis credit is awarded until student has completed the thesis in AT 5399B. Graded on a credit (CR), progress (PR), no credit (F) basis.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
AT 5399B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
AT 5400. Gross Applied Anatomy.
This course will examine the structure and function of the human body with emphasis on the skeletal and muscular systems. The course focuses on anatomy and physiology of systems of special interest to students preparing to become athletic trainers. Laboratory study of the human cadaver is included.
4 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 4 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AT 5599B. Thesis.
This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
5 Credit Hours. 5 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
AT 5999B. Thesis.
This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
9 Credit Hours. 9 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
