M.S.A.T. in Athletic Training
Program Facts
College: Division of Health Sciences
Major: Athletic Training
Degree Level: Master's
- On-Campus
Credit Hours: 2 years including summers, with a May completion date; or 5 year BS/MSAT track
Duration: 2-5 Years depending on the program
Tuition & Fees
Estimated costs available via the calculator.

Overview
Tarleton State University’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) degree offers an entry-level graduate program that leads to athletic trainer certification and licensure. Following a two-year cohort model, the Master’s in Athletic Training program admits 15 students each year who will serve and lead in their communities, as well as around the world.
As a Tarleton graduate student in the MSAT degree program, you have opportunities to look beyond yourself, be part of a team, and discover how to impact the greater health care community. As you progress through the curriculum, you are challenged to think more deeply, be creative, and build connections in order to make impactful changes in your future athletic trainer career.
…Courses
More About the Program
Athletic training is an allied health care profession focusing on muscle and bone injury prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation. As expert medical professionals, athletic trainers are a key member of a health care team.
Tarleton’s program is among the most affordable athletic training degrees in Texas. The job market for athletic trainers in the state is vast, and graduates successfully pursue careers as athletic trainers in sports medicine, training facilities at high schools and colleges, performing arts, industrial settings, and even the military.
Learning Outcomes
Our Master’s in Athletic Training develops students’ clinical decision-making skills by utilizing evidence-based practice. In recent years, 84% of Tarleton graduate students taking the Board of Certification exam have passed, with more than half earning their athletic training certification on the first try.
After earning your MSAT degree and passing the Board of Certification exam, you have the qualifications to spark your career as an athletic trainer. You may also choose to continue your education with a fellowship for doctoral degree programs in athletic training, kinesiology, or recreational therapy. In addition, the clinical training provided during your master’s degree offers connections to other allied health professions such as occupational therapy.
Career Outcomes
Most Tarleton MSAT graduates work in high schools, clinics, or universities. Athletic trainers have also found career opportunities with military branches, hospitals, performing arts organizations, rodeos, industrial corporations, and entertainment companies.
Our large alumni network in athletic training, coaching, and sports medicine provides networking and job opportunities for our graduate students. Many clinical sites have hired graduates from our master’s in athletic training program who, in turn, provide additional clinical experiences for our students.
The median annual wage for nationally certified athletic trainers in Texas is $60,000, according to the 2018 NATA Annual Salary Survey. The annual wage for athletic trainers across the entire country is $51,000, according to the same survey.
Admissions Requirements
- Submit ATCAS application for Tarleton MSAT including the following:
- Official Transcripts
- Contact information for two references (prefer one AT & one college professor)
- Personal statement (guiding questions are included in the online application)
- Course Description Completion Form
- Documentation of at least 50 observation hours with a credentialed athletic trainer
- Resume
- When instructed, submit Tarleton School of Graduate Studies application.
- Priority interview dates: December 12 or January 8. Further dates will be added as needed
Resources
Program Flyer
Read/Print full Admissions Process and Requirements for MSAT
Download Program Flyer (PDF)