Best Master’s in Athletic Training Programs

A master’s in athletic training can take 1-3 years to complete. Explore and compare the best master’s in athletic training degree programs.
Whitney Sandoval
By
Edited by
Updated July 29, 2024
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Interested in making a difference? As an athletic trainer, you are considered a health professional and can work to help people improve their lives. Athletic trainers can diagnose and treat pain or injury.

Along with providing rehabilitation services for injury and pain, athletic trainers can also educate and provide preventative care to clients.

According to the National Athletic Training Association, 70% of athletic trainers hold a master’s degree. Earning a master’s in athletic training degree increases your knowledge in the field and can allow you to specialize in an area of interest.

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In this Article
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Best Master’s in Athletic Training Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
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How We Rank Schools

#1

University of South Florida-Main Campus

  • Tampa, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Program Format: On Campus | Course Format Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $348

Out of State | $425

Credits to Graduate

33

Program Information

Program Accreditation | N/A

The University of South Florida's Tampa campus is home to a 33-credit master's in exercise science. Alongside core classes such as statistical analysis for educational research and research methods for exercise science, degree-seekers can tackle academic concentrations in exercise science, strength and conditioning, and health and wellness.

In addition to prerequisite coursework, prospective students must submit an online application with a letter of intent, a professional resume, and two letters of recommendation.

55%

Online Enrollment

$ 8,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

91%

Retention Rate

$19,048

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
48%
Students Enrolled
44,246
Institution Type
Public
#2

George Washington University

  • Washington, DC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Hybrid | Self-Paced Classes and Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $1,765

Out of State | $1,765

Credits to Graduate

36

Program Information

Program Accreditation | N/A

Based in Washington, D.C., George Washington University offers a master's in exercise and nutrition sciences with a specialization in strength and conditioning. 

Throughout this 36-credit curriculum, students tackle both online and on-campus coursework. Core classes include topics such as advanced exercise physiology, fundamentals of nutrition science, and pathways to public health. Before graduation, students complete either a thesis project or a comprehensive exam and graduate internship.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and complete an undergraduate exercise physiology class before enrolling.

22%

Online Enrollment

$31,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

92%

Retention Rate

$31,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
41%
Students Enrolled
27,814
Institution Type
Private
#3

University of Tulsa

  • Tulsa, OK
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $1,389

Out of State | $1,389

Credits to Graduate

35

Program Information

Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education

The University of Tulsa is an Oklahoma-based private institution that offers an in-person master's in athletic training. Throughout this 35-credit master's program, degree-seekers complete required coursework, including sports nutrition, kinesiology, and biomechanics. This program provides students with the skills and proficiencies necessary for professional certification.

Prospective students can apply online and must include a statement of purpose, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and GRE scores. Applicants can apply for both the fall and spring semesters.

4%

Online Enrollment

$22,896

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

87%

Retention Rate

$22,896

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
36%
Students Enrolled
4,379
Institution Type
Private
#4

Appalachian State University

  • Boone, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $298

Out of State | $854

Credits to Graduate

36

Program Information

Program Accreditation | N/A

Located in Boone, North Carolina, Appalachian State University is home to a master's in exercise science with a concentration in strength and conditioning. Master's degree-seekers complete a 36-credit curriculum comprising core classes and concentration requirements. 

Concentration requirements include classes such as biomechanics, introduction to sport psychology in professional practice, and theoretical principles of strength and conditioning. Before graduation, students complete a degree-culminating practicum in strength and conditioning.

Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Alongside a completed application, applicants also submit GRE scores, a resume, and three letters of recommendation.

23%

Online Enrollment

$ 4,839

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

88%

Retention Rate

$18,271

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
19,280
Institution Type
Public
#5

University of Houston

  • Houston, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $413

Out of State | $921

Credits to Graduate

57

Program Information

Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)

Established in 1927, the University of Houston (UH) is a public research institution and one of the largest schools in the state. UH's master's in athletic training boasts a CAATE-accredited curriculum that prepares students for professional certification.

Some of this program's core classes include topics such as healthcare administration, research in athletic training, and emergency care. Athletic training students also gain extensive clinical experience before graduation.

Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a current resume, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of professional goals.

43%

Online Enrollment

$ 8,370

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

85%

Retention Rate

$17,746

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
46,148
Institution Type
Public
#6

University at Buffalo

  • Buffalo, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $471

Out of State | $963

Credits to Graduate

36

Program Information

Program Accreditation | N/A

The University at Buffalo offers a master's in exercise science that students can complete in two years or fewer. Throughout this 36-credit curriculum, degree-seekers tackle core classes including exercise nutrition, cardiopulmonary responses to exercise, and public health and population well-being. Before graduation, students either complete a thesis or a comprehensive exam.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prospective students no longer need to submit GRE scores, but they must have undergraduate prerequisites in physics, physiology, and anatomy.

25%

Online Enrollment

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

86%

Retention Rate

$23,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
61%
Students Enrolled
31,923
Institution Type
Public
#7

Sacred Heart University

  • Fairfield, CT
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Semester

In State | $9,950

Out of State | $9,950

Credits to Graduate

41-46

Program Information

Program Accreditation | N/A

One of the largest Catholic institutions in New England, Connecticut's Sacred Heart University offers an in-person master's in exercise and sport science. Students complete a variety of essential courses including advanced applied physiology, functional anatomy, and data analytics for sport scientists. Before graduation, degree-seekers complete a thesis or degree-culminating graduate project.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prospective students can apply online and must include official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and an essay showcasing scientific writing ability.

34%

Online Enrollment

$30,427

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

83%

Retention Rate

$30,427

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
9,156
Institution Type
Private
#8

The College of Saint Scholastica

  • Duluth, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $723

Out of State | $723

Credits to Graduate

63

Program Information

Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education 

The College of Saint Scholastica is a Minnesota-based private Catholic institution that is home to a master's in athletic training program. Students encounter a 63-credit, two-year curriculum and complete classes such as foundations of athletic training, healthcare documentation, and pharmacology for athletic training. Degree-seekers gain extensive clinical experience before graduation.

Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum 2.8 GPA. In addition to submitting an online application, applicants must include official transcripts and verification of CPR certification.

34%

Online Enrollment

$13,986

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

81%

Retention Rate

$13,986

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
3,906
Institution Type
Private
#9

Montclair State University

  • Montclair, NJ
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $763

Out of State | $763

Credits to Graduate

42

Program Information

Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education 

New Jersey's Montclair State University is one of the largest schools in the state and offers a master's in athletic training. Throughout this 42-credit curriculum, students complete core courses including athletic training principles, pathology of physical trauma, and psychosocial issues in athletic training. Before graduation, degree-seekers also complete 12 credits worth of clinical training.

Prospective students must meet all Montclair State's general graduate school admission requirements, but they do not require GRE scores. Applicants to this athletic training program must also complete a number of prerequisites in relevant exercise science classes.

31%

Online Enrollment

$12,600

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

80%

Retention Rate

$18,432

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
21,007
Institution Type
Public
#10

Moravian College

  • Bethlehem, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Academic Year

In State | $18,500

Out of State | $18,500

Credits to Graduate

68

Program Information

Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)

Based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Moravian College is a private institution that is one of the oldest colleges in the United States. Moravian's master's in athletic training has a curriculum that covers classroom-based learning and clinical experiences. Core classes include topics such as emergency care, clinical education, foundations of therapeutic exercise, and sports nutrition.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and complete an admission interview. After gaining admission, students must complete a federal and state background check, a drug test, and documentation of immunization.

9%

Online Enrollment

$16,605

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

82%

Retention Rate

$16,605

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
2,595
Institution Type
Private

What Can You Expect in an Athletic Training Program?

Depending on the program, you can expect earning a master’s in athletic training to take you 1-3 years to complete. You’ll have to take 30-60 credits. Typically, athletic training programs will include coursework, labs, and hands-on clinical hours. Some programs may require you to complete a capstone project in order to graduate.

Although each program may have its own unique requirements, you should expect to take courses like:

  • Anatomy: A foundational course that overviews the human body, including the muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems. You study different parts of the body and how those systems interact.
  • Biomechanics and kinesiology: Building on your understanding of human anatomy, biomechanics and kinesiology courses look at how the body moves and how outside forces can impact the moving body.
  • Clinical: Hands-on, supervised practice as an athletic trainer. Typically, programs have you cycle between different locations to get a wide variety of experiences.

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Athletic Training?

Before committing to a master’s in athletic training, you should carefully review the career opportunities after graduation.

Salaries for master’s graduates in athletic training can vary significantly. Because of this, you should think carefully about how you want to position your career early on to meet income aspirations. Graduates work in many different areas, including personal training, sports, pain management, kinesthetics, and athletics.

Popular Careers in Athletic Training
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2023)
Athletic Trainer$57,930
Exercise Physiologist$54,860
Coach or Scout$45,910
Recreational Therapist$57,120
Health Education Specialist$62,860
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions About Athletic Training Programs

There is a push to require all future athletic trainers to hold a master’s in athletic training. In the future, if you want to pursue a career in athletic training, you will need a master’s degree. Typically, those who hold a master’s degree earn a higher salary than those who only hold a bachelor’s degree.

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