ATHLETIC TRAINING - MS

Program Overview

University of Delaware’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (AT-MS) program is a CAATE-accredited professional program and strictly adheres to all the guidelines set forth by this accreditation entity. It encompasses two consecutive calendar years, beginning in Summer, involving very specific coursework, competitive clinical experiences, and culminating with a full semester-long clinical. The Athletic Training Program (ATP) has a rigorous and intense curriculum that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. The mission of the University of Delaware Master of Science in Athletic Training program is to provide a safe, intersectional learning environment where students develop into competent healthcare professionals using an evidence-based and interprofessional approach in the profession of athletic training. Students involved in the ATP will complete the University, departmental and major coursework requirements; they will also satisfy the clinical proficiencies via the practicum experience and while working in various clinical environments. Upon completion of this program, the student is eligible to successfully sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination for athletic trainers. Furthermore, the student is recommended for a Master of Science degree in Athletic Training (AT-MS). 

The College of Health Sciences (CHS) and the Athletic Training MS Program embraces diversity, inclusion, connectedness, and professionalism as core institutional values. We believe that a diverse student, faculty, and staff body are critical to our teaching and scholarship and are a much needed reflection of the diverse patients and caregivers for whom we provide care. Beyond the University’s code of conduct for students and employees, which we fully support, we have additional standards and expectations for members of CHS and the Athletic Training MS Program due to our important roles and influence in health and healthcare.  

 

Uniqueness of Our Program

Responding to the recent trends in sports health, a master’s degree can help propel professionals to advanced career success. The University of Delaware has a long, proud history for athletic training education involving both didactic and clinical education and for placing graduates for athletic training careers with major American professional sports leagues major collegiate programs, high school environments, as well as sports medicine clinical settings.

Admission Information

To apply to the Master of Science (MS) degree program in Athletic Training, prospective students are directed to the ATCAS website to apply. Those applicants who meet the below stated minimum academic requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those applicants who fail to meet those minimum requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths.

Application

ATCAS application will contain the following:

  1. Transcripts of all previous academic work at the undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) level. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required. Applicants who previously attended the University of Delaware still need to upload an unofficial transcript, but do not need to provide official transcripts for verification. Please do not send any transcripts to the Athletic Training Program or Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology. Transcripts must show proof of a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher as well as the following course prerequisites. In cases where equivalency is ambiguous the onus is on the student to make the case for substitution.
  • Prerequisite coursework ("B" grade or higher):
    • Anatomy/Physiology (with labs) – 2 classes
  • Prerequisite coursework ("C-" grade or higher):
    • Biology (with lab) – 1 class
    • Biomechanics – 1 class
    • Chemistry (with lab) – 1 class
    • Exercise Physiology – 1 class
    • Mathematics (pre-calculus or higher) – 1 class
    • Nutrition – 1 class
    • Physics (with lab) – 1 class
    • Psychology – 1 class
    • Research Design/Methods – 1 class
    • Statistics – 1 class

** Additional courses that are recommended but NOT required: Health, Medical Terminology

2. Two (2) letters of recommendation. Recommendations must be submitted electronically at the ATCAS online application portal.

  1. personal statement or essay. The purpose of this statement is to introduce yourself to the admission committee and discuss your academic and career interests and goals as they stand now, and how you think the graduate program aligns with your interests and a career in Athletic Training. The essay is limited to no more than 2 double-spaced pages! This document will be submitted to the ATCAS online application portal.
  2. Supplemental documents. Students must upload a pdf copy of their current certification in CPR/AED; along with a log documenting 100+ hours of observation signed by a BOC certified athletic trainer.  The signature must include name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number of this individual.  In cases where hours were accrued under different athletic trainers a separate log needs to be submitted.  Finally, all applicants to the Athletic Training Program must sign, date, and upload a pdf copy of the “Technical Standards for Admission” form. All supplemental documents will be uploaded to the ATCAS online application portal.
  3. Resume. All graduate programs require the submission of a resume.
  4. Candidates whose applications are chosen for review and possible admission will be required to complete an interview (in-person or electronic media) before final admission decisions are made.  All interviews will be scheduled by the ATP program Director.

Please do not send any documents to the Athletic Training Program or Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology.   All materials should be uploaded into the electronic application system by the deadline date (April 15th) before it can be reviewed by the faculty admissions committee.  Applications are reviewed on a “rolling” basis upon completion and submission to the Graduate College.

2023-2024

  • June 30th: ATCAS application portal opens
  • December 15th: Early review of applications begins
  • January 15th: Priority application deadline
  • February 1st: Decision date 
  • April 15th: Final decision date

Year 1:

  • Summer
    • Emergency Care of Sport-Related Injuries/Illnesses (KAAP608)- 3
    • Advanced Taping & Bracing Techniques (KAAP610)- 1
    • Core Concepts in Athletic Training (KAAP619)- 3
  • Fall
    • Advanced Human Anatomy (KAAP620)- 3
    • Upper Extremity & Spine Evaluation + Lab (KAAP621)*- 4
    • Lower Extremity & Spine Evaluation + Lab (KAAP622)*- 4
    • Athletic Training Evidence-Based Practicum I (KAAP690)- 1
  • Winter
    • Therapeutic Modalities (KAAP611)- 3
    • Rehabilitation of Athletic Injuries I (KAAP623)- 3
  • Spring
    • Pathophysiology in Sport (KAAP605)- 3
    • Athletic Performance Enhancement (KAAP612)- 3
    • Sports Medicine Pharmacology (KAAP613)- 3
    • Rehabilitation of Athletic Injuries II (KAAP624)- 3
    • Athletic Training Evidenced-Based Practicum II (KAAP691)- 1

*These courses are 7.5 weeks long.

 

Year 2:

  • Summer
    • Athletic Training Evidenced-Based Practicum III (KAAP692)- 2
    • The Psychosocial Aspects of Athletic Training- Mind, Body, and Sport (KAAP696)- 3
  • Fall
    • Evidence-Based Sports Medicine (KAAP606)- 3
    • Diagnostic Testing Across the Healthcare Spectrum (KAAP618) – 3
    • Organization & Administration of Athletic Training (KAAP648)- 3
    • Athletic Training Evidenced-Based Practicum IV (KAAP693)- 1
  • Spring
    • Athletic Training Evidence-Based Practicum V (BOC Exam Prep) (KAAP694)- 3

 

ATP STATS