Master of Science in Athletic Training

What sets UGA's athletic training program apart from other programs?

• Students complete clinical education experiences in the Southeastern Conference!
• Over 40 weeks of immersive clinical experiences
• Individually tailored clinical experiences to professional goals
• Opportunity to obtain emergency medicine technician (EMT) credential
• Option to conduct research and prepare for a terminal degree
• Opportunity to study abroad
• Faculty and staff expertise in behavioral health, biomechanics and injury, concussion, emergency care, environmental conditions, manual therapy, and spine evaluation and treatment

The University of Georgia has been formally approved to offer a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT). The Athletic Training Program at UGA is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and is currently applying to the CAATE for a change in level of degree and is pending approval.

Pending CAATE approval of the degree transition, students who successfully complete the Master of Science in Athletic Training program will be eligible to take the Board of Certification Examination. Certification as an athletic trainer through the Board of Certification is required to practice as an athletic trainer.

The athletic training curriculum is a 79-credit, two-year, six-semester program. Classes are offered in an accelerated manner to allow for an immersive clinical education. Students can only complete this program on a full-time basis.

The program's unique and progressive curriculum includes:

• 2 courses on cadaver anatomy
• 8 courses on evaluation and treatment
• A course preparing students to treat athletes with disabilities
• A course preparing students to read and perform diagnostic testing and imaging

Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal.

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) degree program is currently accepting applications for its first cohort to begin in June of 2021. Applications for the AT program will only be accepted through ATCAS.

Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For strongest consideration, students should apply by December 15th, 2020, however applications will continue to be considered until the class is full. Students admitted to the AT program will begin with a program orientation Wednesday, June 7th and Thursday, June 8th. Classes will begin on Friday, June 9, 2021.

The Athletic Training Program conducts a competitive admission process. In order to be admitted to the MSAT program, students must minimally meet the following requirements:

Please note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the athletic training program at UGA.

• Completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Pre-requisite courses completed at the post-secondary level, within 10 years of program application
• At least 8 of the 10 program pre-requisites must be complete or in progress by the application deadline. Transcripts for in-process courses must be submitted after the semester in order for program review. All pre-requisites must be complete by program matriculation.
• General biology (3 credits minimum) (lab preferred)
• General chemistry (3 credits minimum) (lab preferred)
• General physics (3 credits minimum) (lab preferred)
• Anatomy and physiology I & II (3 credits minimum/class) (labs preferred)
• General psychology (3 credits)
• Statistics (3 credits)
• Nutrition (3 credits) (sports nutrition preferred)
• Exercise physiology (3 credits minimum) (lab preferred)
• Applied kinesiology or biomechanics (3 credits minimum) (lab preferred)
• Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0
• Minimum pre-requisite grade point average of 3.0 with no grade below a "C"
• AP credit will be accepted with an earned exam score of 3 or higher
• 50 hours of observation of an athletic trainer (within 5 years of application)
• Students must complete this observation form and upload to ATCAS.
  Students who are unable to complete a minimum of 50 Athletic Training observation hours due to COVID-19 by the application due date should contact the Athletic Training Program Director for instructions.

• 3 letters of recommendation
  (Although anyone who can speak to your personal and professional characteristics may be an appropriate individual to write your letters, preference will be given to strong letters from allied health professionals.)

  At least one letter of recommendation must be from an athletic trainer or physician familiar with sports medicine (however an athletic trainer is strongly encouraged).

  Please do not submit letters of recommendation from a family member.

• Completed application and essays

Once students complete the application through ATCAS, a supplemental application fee to the University of Georgia must also be submitted. Students will be contacted directly regarding payment of this fee ($51.50 for US students; $77.50 for international students)

Candidates for admission into the Athletic Training Program will be required to complete a virtual interview. Candidates selected for interview will be notified upon their application review.

Candidate Selection

The Athletic Training Program Admissions Committee will review all applications that meet the minimum criteria for admissions on an on-going and rolling basis. Once program application materials have been reviewed, recommended applicants will be invited for a virtual interview. Formal admission will be offered to the top candidates, based upon overall and pre-requisite GPA, observation experiences, essays, recommendations, and interview.

UGA Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy

For information on the UGA Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy, please visit the Equal Opportunity Office website.

Transfer of Credit Policy

The Master of Science in Athletic Training Program will typically not accept transfer of credits. Students wishing to be considered for transfer credit should contact the Program Director.

Although not guaranteed, students in the athletic training program at the University of Georgia have had many opportunities to complete internships with several professional organizations, including:

Students will complete clinical education experiences during each semester. Clinical education experiences will be tailored to the goals of the student. Students have opportunities to complete clinical education experiences across the country and internationally.

View the proposed clinical education plan.

All students will gain experience working with:

• UGA football and other sports
• Secondary schools
• Physician offices
• Orthopedics (clinic and surgery)
• Emergency departments
• EMS
• Rehabilitation
• Neurological conditions/concussion
• Behavioral health
• Radiology

Students must be able to provide their own transportation to and from clinical sites. Clinical Education Experiences and Supplemental Clinical Experiences may occur up to approximately 75 miles away from Athens. During the spring of the 1st year and the fall of the 2nd year, students may choose to complete their immersion experiences at a great distance from Athens. During these experiences, students may choose to live near their clinical sites. Identifying housing options, and the cost of this relocation is the responsibility of the student.

2021 – 2022 Clinical Schedule

• June 11 – August 6
  • Supplementary Clinical Experiences within the Athens Area
• August 16 – September 19 (Immersion)
  • University of Georgia football
  • Secondary Schools (within ~30-mile radius)
• September 20 – November 12
  • Supplemental Clinical Experiences (within ~45-mile radius)
    one day per week
• November 15 – December 17 (Immersion)
  • University of Georgia football
  • Secondary Schools (within 30-mile radius)
• January 10 – March 4
  • Supplemental Clinical Experiences (within ~45-mile radius)
    one day per week
• March 14 – May 11 (Immersion)
  • College/ University Clinical Education Experience
  • University of Georgia or student choice

Information regarding tuition, fees, and cost of attendance can be found on the Bursar and Treasury Services website. Students will pay the Standard rate for Master Students based upon residency.

Based upon the tuition and fees for the 2020 – 2021 academic year, cost of attendance (excluding personal expenses) are:

In-State Students

• Year 1 UGA Tuition & Fees: $14,746
• Year 2 UGA Tuition & Fees: $13,637
• Total: $28,383

Out-of-State Students

• Year 1 UGA Tuition & Fees: $38,534
• Year 2 UGA Tuition & Fees: $35,391
• Total: $73,925

Additional Costs

• Background Check – Year 1
  $37.50
• Background Check – Year 2
  $18.00
• Liability insurance
  ~$25.00 / year
• Personal AT equipment
  ~$100.00
• NATA Membership
  $80.00
• BOC Examination – Year 2
  $365 (if NATA Member)/ $390 (non-NATA Member)
• Drug Screens
  Dependent upon clinical sites
• Clothing
  Variable
• Clinical Transportation
  Variable
• Books
  Variable per year / course
• Immunizations
  Varies based upon health insurance and medical history
• Parking

Graduate Assistantships are not offered through the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program. Students seeking financial assistance should refer to the College of Education Financial Assistance page for information.

Students have the opportunity to complete a study abroad experience in Taiwan during the Maymester.

This program will allow students to learn athletic training techniques, traditional Chinese therapeutic techniques, and Eastern medicine practices.

• UGA athletic training program mission, goals, and objectives

If you have any questions about the Athletic Training Program, please email Dr. Jill Manners (Program Director) or use our online form.