Admission

To be considered for admission to the accelerated 3+2 Master of Science in athletic training (MSAT) program, a prospective student must submit a Graduate School application and fee, and complete the following requirements:

  1. Overall undergraduate GPA of 2.750;
  2. Completion of at least 60 credit hours of undergraduate study;
  3. Personal interview with MSAT faculty before formal selection and admittance; and
  4. Submit the completed MSAT admission packet which includes the following:  
    1. MSAT application;
    2. Letter of interest expressing reasons to seek admission and career goals;
    3. Three letters of recommendation (i.e. teachers, coaches, advisors, employers);
    4. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended;
    5. Health examination by a licensed medical professional;
    6. Immunization records including HBV, TB and Influenza;
    7. Signed technical standards (Americans with Disabilities Act Statement);
    8. Student liability insurance;
    9. Personal health insurance;
    10. Hold current CPR/AED/First Aid certification from a nationally accredited organization;
    11. Complete and successfully pass a background screening;
    12. Verification of 100 observation hours by a Certified Athletic Trainer;
    13. Successful completion of the following required courses with a C or higher before the first summer in the MSAT program:
      1. Human Anatomy and Physiology: 3-4 credit hours
      2. Medical Terminology: 3 credit hours
      3. Biomechanics/Kinesiology: 3 credit hours
      4. Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries: 3 credit hours
      5. Exercise Physiology: 3-4 credit hours
      6. Elementary Statistics: 3 credit hours
      7. General Psychology: 3 credit hours
      8. General Chemistry: 3-4 credit hours
      9. Nutrition: 3 credit hours
      10. General Physics: 3-4 credit hours
      11. General Biology: 3-4 credit hours

Prospective students apply for tentative admission to the program during the spring semester before the accelerated courses start, no later than May 1st prior to the first summer term in which they intend to enroll in a course for graduate credit. A student in the accelerated program will be fully admitted to the MSAT program upon being awarded the bachelor’s degree if all admission requirements for the master’s program are satisfied at that time and the student has made continued satisfactory progress.

Program Requirements

The accelerated 3+2 Master of Science in athletic training (MSAT) program at Wichita State University is an accelerated admission pathway allowing students to save both time and money while earning professional healthcare degrees.

Students in this program complete both a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and the MSAT in as little as five years through a structured course sequence beginning while still an undergraduate student. The course sequence will include up to 29 credit hours that will be used toward both the undergraduate and graduate degree. The accelerated program is ideal for undergraduate students wanting to pursue a career in athletic training or post-graduate allied health care programs in physical therapy, physician associate, occupational therapy or other related fields. Designed for highly motivated students, the accelerated MSAT features several opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience before graduation in a variety of clinical environments, including college and/or high school athletics, physician offices, rehabilitation clinics, industrial settings, and/or professional sports.

Students matriculate through a sequenced program intended to build on academic coursework and clinical settings during the program. Additional clinical experiences are offered for students to gain further hands-on knowledge and skills during summer courses. Degree requirements follow the standard program and are listed below:

  1. Complete the accelerated program enrollment form. Up to 29 credit hours can be used for the combined undergraduate and graduate program.
  2. Complete graduate plan of study.
  3. Complete required coursework as per MSAT graduate plan of study.
  4. Complete the required applied learning courses: HPS 771, HPS 772, HPS 853 and HPS 854.
  5. Passing MSAT exit exam: 130/175 for the first attempt; 145/175 for the second attempt or third attempt.
  6. Submit application for degree.
  7. Overall minimum graduate GPA of 3.000.
  8. Overall minimum MSAT GPA of 3.000.

The accelerated program is intended for students entering WSU as freshmen or students who transfer/change majors early in their undergraduate education. Students who change majors or transfer to WSU are not guaranteed admission into the MSAT program. Students should know it may take additional time to complete all undergraduate and graduate requirements. Transfer students will need to visit with the HPS undergraduate academic advisor and have their college credits on file with the university for the advisor to complete their accelerated study plan.