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.
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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.
Best Master’s in Athletic Training Programs
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
University of South Florida-Main Campus
Tampa, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$8,350
$19,048
48%
55%
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.
$4,559
$15,473
91%
44,246
Public
Yes
$8,350
$19,048
Tampa, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$8,350
$19,048
48%
55%
$4,559
$15,473
91%
44,246
Public
Yes
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.
George Washington University
Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online
$31,770
$31,770
41%
22%
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.
$54,453
$54,453
92%
27,814
Private
Yes
$31,770
$31,770
Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online
$31,770
$31,770
41%
22%
$54,453
$54,453
92%
27,814
Private
Yes
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.
University of Tulsa
Tulsa, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$22,896
$22,896
36%
4%
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.
$41,698
$41,698
87%
4,379
Private
Yes
$22,896
$22,896
Tulsa, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$22,896
$22,896
36%
4%
$41,698
$41,698
87%
4,379
Private
Yes
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.
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,839
$18,271
77%
23%
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.
$4,242
$19,049
88%
19,280
Public
Yes
$4,839
$18,271
Boone, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,839
$18,271
77%
23%
$4,242
$19,049
88%
19,280
Public
Yes
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.
University of Houston
Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,370
$17,746
65%
43%
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.
$8,219
$20,747
85%
46,148
Public
Yes
$8,370
$17,746
Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,370
$17,746
65%
43%
$8,219
$20,747
85%
46,148
Public
Yes
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.
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY4 yearCampus + Online
$11,310
$23,100
61%
25%
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.
$7,070
$24,740
86%
31,923
Public
Yes
$11,310
$23,100
Buffalo, NY4 yearCampus + Online
$11,310
$23,100
61%
25%
$7,070
$24,740
86%
31,923
Public
Yes
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.
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT4 yearCampus + Online
$30,427
$30,427
64%
34%
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.
$42,800
$42,800
83%
9,156
Private
Yes
$30,427
$30,427
Fairfield, CT4 yearCampus + Online
$30,427
$30,427
64%
34%
$42,800
$42,800
83%
9,156
Private
Yes
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.
The College of Saint Scholastica
Duluth, MN4 yearCampus + Online
$13,986
$13,986
76%
34%
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.
$37,622
$37,622
81%
3,906
Private
Yes
$13,986
$13,986
Duluth, MN4 yearCampus + Online
$13,986
$13,986
76%
34%
$37,622
$37,622
81%
3,906
Private
Yes
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.
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ4 yearCampus + Online
$12,600
$18,432
76%
31%
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.
$12,082
$20,042
80%
21,007
Public
Yes
$12,600
$18,432
Montclair, NJ4 yearCampus + Online
$12,600
$18,432
76%
31%
$12,082
$20,042
80%
21,007
Public
Yes
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.
Moravian College
Bethlehem, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$16,605
$16,605
75%
9%
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.
$43,581
$43,581
82%
2,595
Private
Yes
$16,605
$16,605
Bethlehem, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$16,605
$16,605
75%
9%
$43,581
$43,581
82%
2,595
Private
Yes
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.
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.
| Job | Median 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 |
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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