Master of Science in Athletic Training

As an athletic training student at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven you’ll have the opportunity to learn from high-quality faculty and clinical instructors in state-of-the-art classrooms and clinical settings. Our program emphasizes academic rigor, evidence-based practice, and clinical decision making that will prepare you to work as a licensed athletic trainer.

• Interdisciplinary Faculty – Including a pharmacist, physical therapist, and exercise physiologists.
• Program Delivery – Majority of courses are taught in-person at the Lock Haven campus.
• Coursework Overview – Includes 45 credits of courses and 15 credits of clinicals. Students also have two semesters of cadaver dissection and musculoskeletal evaluation and treatment, as well as courses in pharmacology and exercise prescription and nutrition.
• Clinical Experiences – Students complete 4 clinical rotations that culminate into a final semester internship that aligns with the student’s career and professional goals.
• Accreditation – Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) allows you to sit for certification.
• Who Should Apply – Perfect fit for students majoring in exercise science, biology, or health sciences.
• Advanced Knowledge and Skills: The program offers comprehensive knowledge in injury prevention, diagnosis, and rehabilitation. You'll gain advanced skills that will make you an effective and valuable asset in various settings.
• Increased Career Opportunities: A master's degree can significantly broaden your employment opportunities. Athletic trainers are in demand in schools, colleges, professional sports, clinics, and even industrial settings.
• Hands-on Experience: Our MSAT programs incorporate extensive clinical education, allowing you to gain real-world experience under the supervision of experienced professionals. This practical training is invaluable.
• Professional Certification: Many states require certification by the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer, and a master's program is often aligned with these certification requirements. This can streamline your path to becoming a certified professional.

Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, Degree Works.

• Submit the online application through ATCAS.
  • Create an account in ATCAS and follow the directions to complete the application.
  • All of your supporting materials are submitted through ATCAS. Submit an official transcript for all university coursework to ATCAS. Transcripts should be mailed to:
    ATCAS
    P.O. Box 9132
    Watertown, MA 02471
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Overall cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher verified via official college transcript(s).
• Completion of the following prerequisites with a grade of “C” or better.
  • Anatomy & Physiology 1 with lab
  • Anatomy & Physiology 2 with lab
  • Biomechanics or Kinesiology
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Nutrition
  • General Psychology
  • Statistics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
• Contact information for 2 professional references.
• Statement of Professional Goals (750 words or less).
• Documentation of 75 observation hours in athletic training.
• Successful completion of an interview.

Exceptions to the admission requirements, including prerequisite course requirements, will be made on an individual basis. Applicants with healthcare or research experience, observation hours in excess of the minimum required for admission, additional science course preparation, and Commonwealth University undergraduate students are given priority in the admission process.

Technical standards for completion of the MS-AT program can be found here.

Admission to the accelerated "3+2" program is by invitation only. To be considered you must submit a Commonwealth University application designating the major Health Science/Exercise Science track and be accepted by November 1st.

Applicants are carefully screened to ensure they have the track record (e.g. high class rank…