Program Overview
The University of Kansas offers a masters in athletic training designed for individuals who are passionate about sports, health care, and helping active individuals recover from injury and illness. As a professional graduate program, this degree prepares students to enter the athletic training profession through a comprehensive curriculum that blends classroom instruction, laboratory learning, and immersive clinical education experiences. Students develop the knowledge and clinical skills needed to prevent, evaluate, and treat injuries and medical conditions affecting physically active populations.
This MS in athletic training program combines rigorous coursework with structured, supervised clinical experiences in a variety of settings. Students complete extensive clinical education under the supervision of qualified preceptors, gaining hands-on experience with diverse patient populations across multiple practice environments. Graduates are prepared to work in settings such as professional sports, collegiate athletics, secondary schools, health systems, and rehabilitation clinics.
The masters in athletic training at KU emphasizes an evidence-based, patient-centered approach. The curriculum integrates foundational sciences, clinical reasoning, and interprofessional collaboration to ensure students can provide high-quality care. Coursework aligns with national standards for athletic training education and supports eligibility to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. Through a balance of didactic instruction and applied practice, students gain expertise in injury prevention, emergency care, therapeutic interventions, and return-to-play decision-making.
As one of today’s professional athletic training masters programs, this degree reflects the evolving healthcare landscape by preparing graduates to work collaboratively with physicians, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers. Students benefit from learning experiences that emphasize clinical decision-making, ethical practice, and culturally responsive care.
Graduates of this masters degree in athletic training are prepared to pursue certification and state licensure, positioning them for entry into the profession with a strong foundation in both theory and practice.
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Athletic Training, MSKU School of Health Professions
The Master’s of Athletic Training is part of the School of Health Professions, where top-notch training programs and research put our graduates in high demand.Master’s in Athletic Training Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the masters in athletic training program will:
- Demonstrate competency in injury and illness prevention, clinical evaluation, and diagnosis for physically active individuals.
- Design and implement evidence-based intervention and rehabilitation plans.
- Integrate principles of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pathology into clinical decision-making.
- Apply ethical, patient-centered care practices within diverse healthcare environments.
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.
- Meet educational requirements necessary to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam, a critical step toward credentialing as an athletic trainer.
These outcomes ensure that students graduating from the MS athletic training program are prepared for professional practice and lifelong learning.
What Careers are Possible with a Master’s in Athletic Training?
Earning a masters in athletic training prepares graduates for professional roles in a range of employment settings. Certified athletic trainers provide healthcare services to physically active populations in environments such as:
- Professional sports teams
- Colleges and universities
- High schools and secondary schools
- Fitness centers and rehabilitation clinics
- Sports medicine practices
According to data from Lightcast, demand for healthcare professionals with specialized clinical training continues to grow. Employment opportunities and masters in athletic training salary outcomes vary by region, experience, and work setting, but athletic trainers play a vital role in injury prevention and patient care.
Graduates of the MS in athletic training are equipped for entry-level positions and may pursue advanced opportunities in clinical leadership, education, or specialized practice areas as they gain experience.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for the MS in Athletic Training is competitive with similar programs across the country, and a variety of financial aid options are available to help make your graduate education affordable.
Students who qualify may be eligible for federal assistance, including grants, work study, and direct loans (subsidized, unsubsidized, and Parent PLUS). The School of Health Professions also offers scholarship opportunities specifically for enrolled students, and additional grants and scholarships may be available through KU Medical Center.
To get started, complete the FAFSA as early as possible — you don’t need to wait for an admissions decision. KU’s school code is 001948, and the priority deadline is March 1. For current tuition rates and full financial aid details, visit the KUMC Costs & Financial Aid page.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the masters in athletic training program at the University of Kansas, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must have a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Satisfactory completion of prerequisite courses: Biology with lab, Chemistry with lab, Exercise Physiology, Human Anatomy with lab, Human Physiology with lab, Kinesiology/Biomechanics, Nutrition, Psychology, Physics with lab, and Statistics.
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Applicants are expected to demonstrate understanding of athletic training through a minimum of 40 hours of observation or volunteer experience with a credentialed athletic trainer
- GRE scores are not required
- Two letters of recommendation – one letter must come from a credentialed athletic trainer (or international equivalent), and the second should be from a faculty member, advisor, or employer.
- A personal statement detailing your career goals and interest in athletic training.
For more detailed information, please visit the Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
Students enrolled in the MS in athletic training engage in a collaborative academic community that values professional growth and leadership development. Clinical education experiences are complemented by classroom discussions, laboratory simulations, and opportunities for professional engagement.
Faculty are involved in advancing clinical practice and research in athletic healthcare. Students may have opportunities to participate in scholarly activities, contributing to the evidence base that informs modern practice within athletic training masters programs.
Professional development opportunities—such as conferences, workshops, and networking events—support students as they transition from graduate education to professional practice.
Master’s in Athletic Training Sample Courses
The masters in athletic training curriculum includes coursework designed to develop clinical competence and critical thinking. Sample areas of study may include:
- Foundations in Athletic Training
- Applied Anatomy
- Integrated Clinical Education
- Clinical Reasoning
Through this integrated curriculum, the MS in athletic training prepares students for certification, licensure, and professional success in a dynamic healthcare field. For a complete list of courses and descriptions, visit the KU Catalog.
Master’s in Athletic Training Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications are accepted July 1–March 15, with a final deadline of March 15 for consideration.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in two years.