About

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (AT) program is housed within the Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition. There are two different points of entry. Both routes lead to a students’ ability to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC, Inc.) Examination.

Entry Point 1: Accelerated MS in Athletic Training

This is an upper-division program, meaning students are required to have 60 college credits (including enrollment in the ATHLTR 1811 and ATHTLR 1812) before beginning the program in the fall term. During your first- and sophomore years of college, you will complete the program prerequisite courses along with introductory courses and electives you may need for a second major or minor. You will apply to the program spring term of your sophomore year, or after completing roughly 45 college credits. Students may be in the process of completing all required credits and admission requirements when applying to SHRS.

Students selected from this applicant pool will graduate with a BS in Rehabilitation Science with a concentration in Pre-Athletic Training and an MS in Athletic Training.

High school and transfer students interested in this degree will apply to the University through the Office of Admissions. Most students begin their studies in the freshman-entry Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. Reach out to the SHRS Enrollment Team to discuss your path ahead!

Accelerated MS in Athletic Training Program Summary
60 credits required to begin program (see prerequisite courses); 121 total credits required to graduate	Program starts fall term only
1st year (2 terms) completed at undergraduate level, pre-professional coursework 2nd year (2 terms) completed at graduate level, professional coursework	At conclusion of 2nd year, students will be awarded a BS in Rehabilitation Science (with a concentration in Pre-Athletic Training)
3rd year (2 terms) completed at the graduate level, professional coursework	At conclusion of 3rd year, students will be awarded an MS in Athletic Training and will be eligible to sit for the BOC, Inc Certification Exam

Accelerated MS in Athletic Training Program Summary

60 credits required to begin program (see prerequisite courses); 121 total credits required to graduate

Program starts fall term only

1st year (2 terms) completed at undergraduate level, pre-professional coursework

2nd year (2 terms) completed at graduate level, professional coursework

At conclusion of 2nd year, students will be awarded a BS in Rehabilitation Science (with a concentration in Pre-Athletic Training)

3rd year (2 terms) completed at the graduate level, professional coursework

At conclusion of 3rd year, students will be awarded an MS in Athletic Training and will be eligible to sit for the BOC, Inc Certification Exam

Entry Point 2: MS in Athletic Training

This entry point is designed for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree. Students in this application pool must have also earned the outlined prerequisite requirements prior to formal admittance to the MS in AT program. Students applying to the MS in Athletic Training must complete a minimum of 61 credits as a graduate student. This program pathway will begin in the summer of 2023 with students taking a 1-credit course aimed at preparing them for their first clinical rotation in the fall.

MS in Athletic Training Program Summary
Bachelor’s degree required to begin program	Program starts in summer term only. Summer Session: 1 credit of preparatory coursework; 1st-2nd years (4 terms) complete graduate-level professional coursework
2 years (4 full-time terms plus a 1-credit preparatory course to be completed in the summer)*	Upon completion of the program students will be awarded an MS in Athletic Training and will be eligible to sit for the BOC, Inc Certification

*Students who have completed the coursework offered in the summer term should contact Dr. Aggelou.

Program Structure

The program is structured to provide a rigorous plan of study to include both academic and clinical education experiences. During their professional phase, students rotate through four on-campus athletic training facilities and several off-site affiliated settings during their clinical education, acquiring valuable clinical skills under the direct supervision of certified athletic training staff in a variety of clinical experience settings including all levels of collegiate athletics, secondary schools, sports medicine clinics and professional sports. Athletic trainers administer immediate emergency care and, under the supervision of a licensed physician, help develop a treatment program based on medical, exercise and sports sciences.

Tuition and Fees

Degree Requirements

Students enrolled in Route 1: Accelerated BS-MS Athletic Training degree program will complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Science (concentration in Pre-Athletic Training) at the completion of the second year in the program.

For undergraduate degree requirements please reference the current SHRS Undergraduate Student Handbook

Students enrolled in the graduate portion of Route 1 or Route 2 for the MS in Athletic Training degree program will complete the requirements for a Master’s degree in Athletic Training at the completion of the third year in the program (Accelerated route) or second year in the program (Direct Entry route).

For graduate degree requirements please reference the current SHRS Graduate Student Handbook

Accreditation

Established in 1978 as a National Athletic Trainers’ Association-approved curriculum, the program has since passed an extensive evaluation earning initial accreditation in 1997 and continuing accreditation in 2004, 2012, and 2024. The next accreditation review, including on-site evaluation, will be scheduled for the 2033-2034 academic year and overseen the by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

The University of Pittsburgh is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), 2001 K Street NW, Third Floor North, Washington, DC 20006 USA.

Upon successful completion of the 5-year Accelerated MS in Athletic Training Program or 2-year MS in Athletic Training Program, students are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification, Inc. certification examination. Successful completion of licensing exams affords the candidate a variety of employment opportunities and graduate education options, including athletic training services in a number of Sports Medicine professions. Students in this program enjoy small class sizes that allow for optimal engagement and feedback from the instructors and opportunities to practice hands-on skills.