"When I was an athlete, I had a couple of injuries and didn’t have the opportunity to work with an athletic trainer, so I now appreciate the value of being cared for by an athletic trainer. I loved the idea of going into the profession. Once I started my studies, I realized master’s degrees were becoming more and more important in our career field, so I continued straight through with that. Throughout my master’s program, I found that I was really enjoying research and how it plugged into the larger picture in sports medicine and athletic training."
—Trish Kelshaw, BS Athletic Training '14
The Master of Science in athletic training (MSAT) provides students with personalized, high-quality classroom and experiential learning opportunities, preparing them to pass the Board of Certification (BOC) examination required for practicing athletic trainers. It is a full-time, year-round program comprising 65 credits, including practicum courses that require a series of clinical education field experiences in an array of practice settings. The union of classroom instruction and clinical application is a vital part of the program, as it represents multiple opportunities for students to develop, practice, and refine the knowledge, skills, and professional disposition necessary to succeed as high-caliber health care professionals.
Our location in a large, diverse metropolitan region, along with our faculty's expertise and experience, allows us to provide our students with high-quality educational experiences in a wide variety of practice settings. Our pediatric and performing arts sports medicine experiences have been recognized as some of the best in the nation.
The U.S. Department of Labor projected employment for athletic trainers to grow by 16% from 2019 to 2029. With increasing sports-related injuries in young people, demand for athletic trainers is expected to continue to increase, particularly in schools and youth leagues.
Certified athletic trainers provide care for athletes and those who are physically active within six areas of clinical practice: prevention; immediate care; clinical evaluation and diagnosis; treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning; organization and administration; and professional responsibility.
All full-time faculty members are state-licensed and nationally certified athletic trainers. They combine teaching excellence, clinical experience, and research expertise to provide students with a high-quality professional education. The athletic training program also provides students the unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in numerous work settings under the direct supervision of preceptors. In addition, the adjunct faculty affiliated with the program consists of professionals from a variety of health care fields, including physicians, certified athletic trainers, pharmacists, physical therapists, nutritionists, and psychologists.
Yes, Mason’s master’s degree in athletic training is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
Course Sequence for MSAT
Downloadable Advising Plan
Summer 1 (on-line June/July; face-to-face August)
Fall 1
Spring 1
Summer A 2
Fall 2
Spring 2
Eligible to take the Athletic Training Board of Certification Exam (AT BOC)
Total: 65 credits
Notes:
- Practicum courses require a clinical education field experience component.
- Students will engage in coursework during the summers of their academic program.
- All courses must be passed with a B or higher before progressing in the sequence. In the first nine credits of the program, one course with a grade of B- or C may be allowed.
- You must maintain current Health Care Provider Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC) and First Aid certifications.
- Our school and agency partners require Mason students to be fingerprinted and pass a criminal background check prior to practicum experiences. Students must assume the risk that due to the individual severity of notations on such a check and review by individual agencies, the program may not be able to be completed.
All ATEP courses will assess a $17 accreditation fee per credit, a $25 program fee per credit, a $200 practicum clinical supervision fee for ATEP 686, through student accounts when paying tuition. For more information on the need for these fees please see the Student Accounts website under College of Education and Human Development. For additional information on housing, transportation, and other costs please see the admissions Paying for College website.
Health Insurance: All students will be required to show proof of health insurance during ATEP 525. MSAT students will be required to maintain health insurance throughout the program. Students choosing to not provide proof of health insurance will be required to sign a Health Insurance Declination Form.
Travel: It is the student's responsibility to arrange for transportation to and from the clinical education site which will be located either off or on campus.
Technical Standards: In ATEP 525 students must submit a Technical Standards Certification Statement indicating that they have read, understand, and can meet the Technical Standards for athletic training Students either with or without accommodation. These standards outline the essential functional tasks that students must be able to perform in order to enroll in and complete the program. Students requiring special accommodations are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services.
Immunizations: Athletic training students are required to obtain a physical health exam and provide immunization records before entering the professional phase of the program. Students must provide evidence of completion of Hepatitis B immunization and may be required to provide proof of tuberculosis screening. Students choosing not to complete Hepatitis B Immunizations will be required to sign a declination waiver.
Trainings: All students must complete annual bloodborne pathogens, FERPA and HIPPA trainings as indicated by the program. All students must have Emergency Cardiac Care (CPR, AED) certifications before entering their first clinical experience and maintain these certifications through the remainder of the MSAT. Emergency Cardiac Care Certification must include the following: adult & pediatric CPR, airway obstruction, 2nd rescuer CPR, AED and barrier devices (e.g., pocket mask, bag valve mask). The following courses are examples of acceptable courses:
- CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer-American Red Cross
- BLS for Healthcare Providers-American Heart Association
- CPR for Professionals-American Safety & Health Institute
- Professional Rescuer CPR-National Safety Council
- First Responder CPR/AED-American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Basic Life Support for Professionals-Medic First Aid
- ACLS-American Heart Association
- Healthcare Provider CPR/AED-Emergency Response Institute
Background Check: Our school and agency partners require Mason students to be fingerprinted and pass a criminal background check prior to practicum experiences. Students must assume the risk that due to the individual severity of notations on such a check and review by individual agencies, the program may not be able to be completed.
This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.
George Mason University will verify completion of the requirements of a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) state-approved preparation program at the graduate or undergraduate level. Such verification does not guarantee the issuance of a Virginia Collegiate Professional, Postgraduate Professional, or Pupil Personnel license from the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is solely the student's responsibility to comply with all requirements for licensure by the Commonwealth. Under Virginia law, a social security number is required for licensure.
Work is completed in-person, online, and at clinical sites.
Fall Semester
(classes starting in August) |
Spring Semester
(classes starting in January) |
Summer Semester
(classes starting in May, June, or July) |
| August 18 |
Applications not accepted for this term |
Priority*: April 1
Space Available: May 1 |
For more information and to apply, visit the admissions website.
* Priority deadline ensures consideration for the intended semester as well as financial aid options for students. Programs will continue to review applications until at capacity. Some programs do not review applications past the priority deadline.
All application materials must be submitted through George Mason’s online graduate application. In addition to meeting general university admissions requirements, applicants will need to provide the requirements below.
To be considered for graduate studies, the following items are evaluated during the admission review process:
- Graduate application and fee
- 750- to 1,000-word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
- Current resume
- Two letters of recommendation: Applicants should follow the instructions included in the online application to submit the recommendation forms directly to their recommenders. Mason does not accept paper recommendations. Recommendations should be professional or academic in nature.
- Transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the United States. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions information page for specific requirements regarding uploading unofficial transcripts.
- Applicants with transcripts from institutions outside of the United States could have additional requirements. Please refer to the How To Apply page for specific requirements about submitting international transcripts, evaluations, and English language proficiency.
- An earned baccalaureate and/or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from official transcripts. Expectation of an earned baccalaureate and/or graduate degree prior to the first day of classes for the term for which the student is applying will also meet this requirement. See the admissions policy here for information.
- A minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale in baccalaureate study. The GPA requirement may be higher for some graduate programs. The university, at its discretion, may, in evaluating the meeting of this requirement, additionally consider the difficulty of the baccalaureate degree, relevant work experience, any/or other evidence of ability to succeed in graduate study.
- International students should reference Admission of International Students for additional requirements.
- Proof of current Basic Emergency Cardiac Care (CPR/AED) Certification
- Grade of C or better in the following content areas:
- Anatomy and Physiology, 6-8 credits
- Biology, 3 credits
- Chemistry, 3 credits
- Exercise Physiology, 3 credits
- Medical Terminology, 3 credits
- Basic Nutrition, 3 credits
- Physics, 3 credits
- Psychology, 3 credits
- Research Methods, 3 credits
- Statistics, 3 credits
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
| Virginia Resident |
$752.50
(includes MSF*) |
| Non-Virginia Resident |
$952.50
(includes MSF*; discounted from $1,641.50) |
| VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program** |
$640.00
(includes MSF*) |
| CEHD Course Fee |
$25 - $84 |
| Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit |
$777.50 - $836.50 |
| Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit |
$977.50 - $1036.50 |
| Total cost for VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program** |
$665.00 - $724.00 |
Graduate New Student Fee
(non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$60 |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Internship courses will incur a higher course fee to fund on-site assistance involving intensive clinical training/supervision.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $163.50
**VA state residents who are eligible must apply for the 15% PreK-16 VA Educators Discount in order to take advantage of the lower tuition. Eligible students receive 15% off the total tuition and mandatory student fee.
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Also, many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.
Academic Advisor
Dr. Amanda Caswell
Katherine G. Johnson Hall, Room 208D
Science and Technology Campus (PW)
Phone: 703-993-9914
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Caswell, please send her an email.
Amanda Caswell
Director
Jatin Ambegaonkar
Shane Caswell
Marcie Fyock
Candace Lacayo