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Admission to the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MS-AT) Program is a competitive process, with both qualitative and quantitative aspects of applications being reviewed by the program in comparison to the current applicant pool. Students interested in attending Appalachian State University and pursuing a career in athletic training are encouraged to complete a bachelor's degree and prerequisite courses and then apply to the MS-AT program at the graduate level. Anticipated MS-AT prerequisite-friendly majors include: Exercise Science, Public Health, Psychology, Health & Physical Education, Nutrition, and others.

Important Deadlines & Dates

Traditional Applicants

  • July 1 - Applications open on the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS)
    • Verified ATCAS applications are reviewed on a rolling basis upon submission
  • February 1 - Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications to ATCAS
  • March 1 - Appalachian State University requirements must be completed for scholarship consideration

Accelerated Master's Applicants

  • February 1 - All application materials should be submitted to the Cratis D. Williams Graduate School
  • The Accelerated Master's program requires students to complete their undergraduate general education and exercise science core requirements in 3 years before starting MS-AT courses. Students' Year 1 summer courses dual count towards both their undergraduate and graduate degrees allowing students to complete both a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Master of Science in Athletic Training in five years.

Program Start

  • Summer 1 - Typically late May
  • Orientation occurs the week prior to program start

Traditional Application Process

This application process is intended for students applying with a bachelor's degree or currently in their final year of their bachelor's degree.

  1. Submit your application through the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS). 

    1. Submission of your ATCAS application with all transcripts and program requirements is required in order for the program to begin the holistic and rolling review process of your application.

    2. You are encouraged to submit your ATCAS application by February 1, to ensure review and consideration for a program interview invitation.

    3. Decision notification occurs on a rolling basis once step 2 is completed (see below).

  2. Upon submission of your ATCAS application, you will be prompted by Appalachian State to submit a campus safety questionnaire and any other student specific requirements, including residency determination within your application status portal.*

    1. Official notification of admission to the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies will not be released until the above steps are completed.

    2. In order to be considered for Graduate School scholarships and fellowships, the above steps must be completed by March 1.

  3. All Appalachian State requirements and materials must be received by April 1.

  4. Applicants will receive email communication from the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies regarding all official application status updates.

*You will be emailed the credentials for your portal once Appalachian State has imported your ATCAS application. 

Accelerated Master's Applicant

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at App State may choose to pursue Accelerated Master's and apply for admittance into the MS-AT program. This program is academically rigorous and requires significant advanced planning.  Accelerated Master's applicants must:

  1. Contact Dr. Jennifer Howard, Accelerated Master's Coordinator, as early as possible in your undergraduate career for program information and to discuss course sequencing.

  2. Submit a complete application to the Cratis D. Williams Graduate School by Feb. 1 of the Spring semester prior to starting graduate coursework. (Accelerated Master's applicants do not need to complete an ATCAS application.)

  3. Applicants will be notified if the admissions team requests an interview.

  4. Applicant will receive email communication from the Cratis D. Williams Graduate School regarding official application status.

Application Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from accredited college or University (may be in progress at time of application but must be complete prior to enrollment).
  • The Cratis D. Williams Graduate School requires a 2.75 GPA in the last earned degree. With special permission from the Graduate School, a program may admit a limited number of students with exceptional circumstances who do not meet the graduate school minimums.  Cratis D. Williams Graduate School admission requirements can be found in the University’s Graduate Bulletin.
  • The Master of Science in Athletic Training Program does not require official GRE scores (within 5 years) unless your undergraduate GPA is below a 3.25.
  • Two letters of reference, with at least 1 letter from a faculty member or a licensed healthcare provider (athletic trainer, physical therapist, physician assistant, nurse, etc.).
  • Forty hours of clinical observation/shadowing under the direct supervision of a Certified Athletic Trainer. You are advised to observe a variety of activities, events, and athletic training settings.
  • Personal Statement providing (1) insight into what is involved in becoming and practicing as an Athletic Trainer; (2) the applicant's reflection on observation hours obtained; (3) the applicant's professional goals and how the MS-AT will achieve those goals; and (4) if the applicant is interested in research, it should include the faculty member(s) with whom the applicant is most interested in working.
  • Interview (in-person or web-based).
  • Completion of required prerequisites. These may be in progress at time of application but must be complete prior to enrollment.  

Prerequisite Courses

Appalachian’s equivalent course descriptions can be found in the University Undergraduate Bulletin:

  • Biology (animal-based), 3-4 credits with lab (BIO 1801 or equivalent)
  • Chemistry, 3-4 credits with lab (CHE 1101/1110 or equivalent)
  • Physics, 4 credits with lab (PHY 1103 or equivalent)
  • Human anatomy, 4 credits with lab (ES 2040 or equivalent)
    • When anatomy and physiology are taken as a combined course, two semesters are necessary to meet this requirement.
  • Human physiology, 4 credits with lab (ES 2050 or equivalent)
    • When anatomy and physiology are taken as a combined course, two semesters are necessary to meet this requirement.
  • Exercise physiology, 3 credits (ES 3002 or equivalent)
  • Biomechanics OR Kinesiology, 3 credits (ES 3550 or equivalent)
  • Statistics, 3 credits (STT 2810 or equivalent)
  • Psychology, 3 credits (PSY 1200 or equivalent)

Reach out to the program director for questions on course equivalency. You may also use our University’s course equivalency search.

*The program director reserves the right to request course syllabi to confirm course content or equivalency*