Master of Science in Athletic Training
Get the on-hands experience you need to be one of the top athletic trainers in your field and region.
About this Program
The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) is one of the newest programs in Mississippi and the Southeastern Conference. The MSAT includes a multitude of experiences that will create a well-rounded athletic training professional. This program gives students academic and clinical opportunities to work with a wide range of partners, including:
- Ole Miss Athletics
- Area high schools
- Professional sports teams
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Physician’s offices, and more.
The MSAT program starts in the summer (end of May) and is a designed to be a two-year, 54 credit hour, lockstep cohort program.
Each student will be required to complete intensive coursework, 5 semesters of clinical rotations (including a fully dimmers field experience), and an evidence-based capstone experience in which the student will have the option of a research thesis or a field service project. All capstones must be evidence-based and should result in a product worthy of dissemination.
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Program Information
Program Type
Master's Program
Area of Study
Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology
School
Duration
Two years
Degree
M.S. in Athletic Training
Program Location
Emphases
N/A
Required Credit Hours
54
Explore Everything the M.S. in Athletic Training Has to Offer
Clinical Education
Students involved in the UM-MSAT will gain clinical knowledge and experience through a broad spectrum of opportunities that include both traditional and non-traditional settings throughout the course of the 2-year program.
These clinical experiences will allow the UM-MSAT students the opportunity to apply what has been learned in the classroom to patient care while working under the supervision of an approved healthcare provider. Refer to the MSAT Student Handbook for more information on clinical experiences.
Clinical Experience Expectations
All UM-MSAT students must complete a variety of clinical experiences in accordance with CAATE requirements. These clinical experiences may include exposure to a vast number of settings such as:
- College/university,
- High school,
- Recreational/club sports,
- Military, and
- Industrial settings
The experiences allows students to participate in hands-on style of learning and develop a skill set that that is applicable to all populations regardless of age, skill, socioeconomics or identity. Each setting will deliver the skills and proficiencies to allow students to fully understand the continuum of care defined within the domains of Athletic Training as necessary for an entry-level Certified Athletic Trainer.
Here's how the Clinical Experience works:
- Clinical experiences are assigned by the Clinical Education Coordinator, with input from the Program Director. Clinical experiences are based on the needs and aspirations of each athletic training student.
- Certified and licensed Athletic Trainers or Physicians at an affiliated site will supervise each clinical experience.
- Preceptors trained through the UM-MSAT program will be assigned to each UM-MSAT student.
- All UM-MSAT students will be allowed to perform skills learned within the classroom in real-time situations under the supervision of their designated preceptor. This provides the opportunity for students to take didactic skills and translate them in the clinical setting on patients of all backgrounds.
- In some cases, students may be required to perform skills in a simulation to ensure competency in their ability to perform the skill. Students may also be exposed to learning opportunities supervised by health care provider other than athletic trainers or physicians known as supplemental clinical experiences.
The purpose of clinical experiences for UM-MSAT students is to further observe real-life patient care and engage in their learned skills. The UM-MSAT students may utilize any “down-time” within the clinical setting to further practice clinical skills or other tasks designated by the clinical preceptor as well as discuss learning objectives or other relevant topics with their clinical preceptor or fellow students.
Professional Development
Students become members of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association as well at the Mississippi Athletic Trainers’ Association and actively participate in professional conferences, service activities, and the University of Mississippi Athletic Training Club.Transfer students must go through the SAME application process as all other students. Further consideration towards potential transferable credits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Students interested in potential transferable credit opportunities will have to provide documentation that demonstrates coursework aligns with the requirements of the UM-MSAT curriculum and associated accreditation standards embedded within each course. There is no guarantee of acceptance for transferable credits.
The following associated costs with the MSAT program are the student’s responsibility unless noted otherwise.
MSAT Tuition & Fees
The following estimated cost breakdown includes tuition, course fees, and capital improvement fees for graduate students. This breakdown is based on curriculum structure that UM-MSAT students will be required to follow throughout the program.
YEAR 1 – Summer (6 credits), Fall (11 credits), and Spring (11 credits)
YEAR 2 – Summer (6 credits), Fall (11 credits), and Spring (9 credits)
Term | Cost (In-State) | Cost (Out of State) |
Summer (Year 1) | 3,574.00 | 6,598.00 |
Fall (Year 1) | 5,086.00 | 13,696.75 |
Spring (Year 1) | 5,068.00 | 13,696.75 |
Summer (Year 2) | 3,174.00 | 6,198.00 |
Fall (Year 2) | 4,936.00 | 13,546.75 |
Spring (Year 2) | 5,002.67 | 13,613.42 |
Total* | 26,858.67 | 67,349.67 |
*Costs are estimated based on the most recent University of Mississippi Graduate School tuition and fees, and do not include room and board, parking and transportation, and other expenses. Estimates are subject to change.
Additional Program Costs*
- Clinical Education Attire
- Transportation (to and from), food, & housing for Clinical Education Experiences
- Parking Permit on-campus and at clinical sites (if required)
- Health Insurance (existing plan or optional plan can be purchased through UM-University Health Services)
- Immunization
- Student Professional Liability Insurance (Cost ~ $40 per year)
- Board of Certification Examination (Last semester in MSAT, ~$35 application fee, ~$330 exam)
See the MSAT Handbook for additional details.
*Subject to change annually, check with program director for updates.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
The University of Mississippi Graduate School administers graduate recruiting fellowships and scholarships (including for academic excellence and excellence in inclusivity), dissertation fellowships and Summer Graduate Research assistantships. For information on recruiting fellowships and scholarships and other potential options, please click HERE.
The largest source of funds for graduate support is from teaching, research and graduate assistantships offered by academic department, along with partial tuition and nonresident waivers. For more information on graduate assistantships, contact the MSAT program director, Dr. Heather Shirley (hlandry@olemiss.edu).
Federal Financial Aid is also an option. Students must complete a FAFSA form online. For information on student loans, please click HERE. If you have questions pertaining to loans and other forms of financial assistance not noted above, please contact the Financial Aid Office:
The University of Mississippi
P.O. Box 1848
University, MS 38677-1848
Phone: 800-891-4596
Email: finaid@olemiss.edu
For FAQs on Financial Aid, please click HERE.
After admission to the MSAT, students are also eligible for state, regional, and national professional organization scholarships from athletic training organizations.
Step 1: Complete the ATCAS Application
All applications for the MSAT program must be submitted through the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS). Click here to access ATCAS.
For more information about ATCAS or for assistance, visit the ATCAS Help Center. For help with application-related questions, contact customer service by chat via the icon in the lower right corner, by phone at 617-612-2075, or by email at atcasinfo@atcas.org.
To be considered for early admission an application must be completed on or before October 1, for priority admission an application must be completed on or before March 1. Applications will continue to be considered, following the March 1 deadline, on a rolling basis until May 1 of the year in which the planned cohort will begin.
A complete application is one that has been e-submitted and all transcripts, scores, resume and cover letter, observation hours, video submission, personal statement, technical standards attestation form, and payments have been received by ATCAS and attached to the application. Documents should be sent several weeks prior to the March 1 deadline to ensure that items arrive on time. The timeliness of the application is considered the responsibility of the applicant. Current UM students may request official transcript via the my.OleMiss.edu portal by searching “Request a Transcript”. A holistic approach will be utilized in the evaluation of student applicants admitted into the MSAT program.
Required Documentation:
- Letters of Recommendation – Each applicant must submit two (2) letters of recommendation that reflect the applicant’s academic and clinical abilities, the potential for success in graduate studies, and personal qualities predictive of professional success as an Athletic Trainer.
- Resume & Cover Letter
- Observation Hours – Each application is encouraged to demonstrate time spent under the direct supervision of a Certified Athletic Trainer. Documentation must be provided. (Recommended minimum of 50 hours.)
- Video Submission – Each applicant is required to submit a video that demonstrates their interest in the program.
- Personal Statement – Each student is required to submit a statement as to why they want to do be an Athletic Trainer.
- Completed Technical Standards Attestation Form – Each student is required to a submit a completed copy of the Technical Standards Attestation Form.
Step 2: Complete the UM Graduate School Application
Applicants must also submit an application through the UM Graduate School.
Required Documentation:
- Complete and submit online application for the Graduate School at the University of Mississippi and pay the application fee ($50).
- Official university transcripts
- TOEFL/IELTS scores (International Students ONLY. Institution code for sending scores: 1840)
The GRE is optional and all test scores must be sent directly from the testing service. The institution code for the University of Mississippi on the GRE is 1840.
Copies of official transcripts for all institutions from which you have received a degree or enrolled in graduate or professional courses must be sent directly to the UM Graduate School at the following address. We cannot accept official transcripts that are sent to the program.
The University of Mississippi
Graduate School
P.O. Box 1848
54 Galtney-Lott Plaza
University, MS 38677-1848
U.S.A.
If you graduated from the University of Mississippi, the UM Graduate School will access your official transcripts free of charge if you indicate that you attended the University of Mississippi on your application. However, if you have a hold on your account, we will not receive your UM transcript and your application may not be considered complete
Note: Students that are conditionally admitted to the program, will have terms for continuance outlined in the terms of conditional acceptance.
The University of Mississippi Master of Science in Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
Find Courses in the M.S. in Athletic Training
What does MSAT look like on the job market?
Median income for Athletic Trainers in 2023.
Athletic Trainers employed in the U.S. in 2022.
Projected job growth over the next 10 years for Athletic Trainers—much faster than average.
Of Athletic Trainers are employed in athletics. But because of their success in prevention, rehabilitation, and risk management, the AT job market is constantly expanding.
Hands-on experience that will change your life
Tanner Hunter is a second year MSAT student
"Oxford varsity football won our first round playoff game in double overtime. This was extra special because I didn't expect to get done with an ACES prep course in time to make the game, but I made it at halftime to watch the Chargers pull off the win!"
Sarah Martin had her clinical rotation in the fall of 2023
"My favorite experience from my clinical rotation was getting to experience the win against LSU with the team."
Topanga Taylor loved her summer immersion
"I enjoyed working with the Memphis State Tigers. My preceptor Darrell Turner took me under his wing and showed a great example on how to operate in athletics. I was able to work alongside different legends and make a connection. The Tigers welcomed me into their family and treated me like they've known me forever. I got to experience and see a lot of new injuries and new ways to better myself in this profession."
See Where Athletic Trainers Work
- 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
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Next Steps
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