Athletic Training

MSAT

Why study Athletic Training?

The University of Cincinnati Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program prepares you for a fast-paced and exciting career as an athletic trainer (AT). This degree is the entry level professional degree and meets the eligibility requirements for both the national professional examination administered by the Board of Certification (BOC) for Athletic Trainers and the state licensure exam necessary for practice.

The program provides students with:

  • knowledge in the biomechanical/pathomechanical aspects of human movement and the physiological/pathophysiological aspects of injury and healing;
  • knowledge and training in methodologies used in the evaluation, management, treatment, referral, and rehabilitation of people who have suffered an injury or illness;
  • training in the skills necessary to recognize and reduce the risks associated with physical activity and sport;
  •  training in the skills required to manage the day-to-day operations of a sports medicine/athletic training practice;
  • and basic skills in research design, implementation, evaluation, and interpretation. 

This is a professional program of study that is guided by the Accreditation Standards for Athletic Training Education. Courses will be completed over two years of full-time study (six consecutive semesters). Included in the curriculum are intentionally designed interprofessional classroom, co-curricular and clinical experiences. Each semester the clinical experiences progress in complexity and with increasingly autonomous patient care and client-care experiences consistent with your level of training. These clinical experiences are with our nationally and regionally renowned clinical affiliates.

A variety of student backgrounds brings valuable experiences and perspectives to the program. As such, the program welcomes application from students with a bachelor's degree in any area of study as long as they meet program pre-requisites. The most applicable degrees, however, are those in Health Sciences, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or other areas based in the natural sciences and human movement.

Admission Requirements

Please view our  Admissions Requirements to learn about our prerequisites and other program requirements. 

Early Admission Opportunities 

The Master of Athletic Training program offers two early admission pathways into the program, the Accelerated Early Assurance Pathway and the Early Assurance Pathway.

The Accelerated Early Assurance Pathway allows you to complete the undergraduate and graduate coursework in just 5 years.

Students who graduate from the Master of Science in Athletic Training program enter into a career as an athletic trainer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for athletic trainer is expected to grow 17% by 2031 (much faster than the national average).  

Athletic Trainers generally work in:

  • Educational settings: universities and colleges, high schools, private offices and clinics
  • Professional sports teams
  • Hospitals
  • Fitness centers
  • Physicians’ offices
  • Performing arts medicine
  • Military and tactical medicine
  • Industrial medicine
  • Health and wellness centers and more

The structure of the program as a Master of Science may also be useful for students who choose to pursue further graduate study at the doctoral level.

Upon entry into the program, you will be assigned your faculty advisor.

Application Deadlines

Visit the How to Apply page to find information on application deadlines, fees, where to send your materials, and more.

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.


This Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.

Contact Information

Athletic Training Program
Health Sciences Building
3225 Eden Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45267
(513) 558-8937
athletictraining@uc.edu

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Program Code: 35MAS-ATH-MSAT