Admission Requirements

Students will apply through the graduate school admissions page: https://www.k-state.edu/admissions/apply/graduate/. Student applications are reviewed by a program selection committee. However, recommendations concerning an applicant’s qualifications and admission are made to the dean of the Graduate School by the department. The final decision regarding admission of an applicant is made by the dean of the Graduate School.

Admission to graduate study at Kansas State University is granted on three bases: full standing, provisional, or probational. Admission in full standing for post-baccalaureate applicants requires a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B average) in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work in an institution whose requirements for the bachelor’s degree are equivalent to those of Kansas State University. Applicants with grade point averages below 3.0 may be considered for probational admission, provided there is evidence that the applicant can do satisfactory graduate work. Provisional admission may be granted to applicants who have subject deficiencies in undergraduate preparation as mentioned above or if there is uncertainty in evaluating the transcript.

• Note: the 5-year option requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.

The KSU MSAT program has adopted a holistic review process, which is informed by the KSU Graduate School and the College of Health and Human Sciences. Holistic review is an admissions process that considers each applicant individually by balancing their academic metrics with experiences and attributes. These factors are viewed in combination to consider how an individual might contribute value not only as an athletic training student but also as a future clinician.

1. 5-Year Master’s Option

This option is specifically designed for students who are enrolled at KSU as an undergraduate student and may be considered for the 5-year master’s program after students have completed 90 or more credits from Kansas State University or the transfer equivalent credits that include all pre-requisite courses listed below.

Acceptance into the 5-year master’s program is a selective process and requires:

1. A minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA and admission to the graduate school
2. Verified completion of the prerequisite courses (see below)
3. Submission of a complete application packet, which includes a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, copies of transcripts, verified completion of 25 observation hours under the supervision of a Certified/Licensed Athletic Trainer
4. Participation in an interview during their application year

NOTE: Students who complete this option will not receive a bachelor’s degree. There are both advantages and disadvantages of this process. Students are encouraged to read through the general policies related to the 5 Year Master’s Degree option and visit with their advisor and/or Athletic Training faculty. Students accepted into the 5-year MSAT program will be considered graduate students at the start of program (Summer). This may impact undergraduate financial aid, tuition assistance, and undergraduate scholarships; therefore, students should also consult with financial aid to ensure they are making an informed decision.

2. Post-Baccalaureate Master’s Option

This option is designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree at either K-State or another accredited institution. Students may apply for the MS in Athletic Training during or after their final year of their undergraduate degree program. Students can begin the program after graduation or with verification of graduation from a baccalaureate degree program from an accredited institution and completion of all pre-requisite courses.

Acceptance through the post-baccalaureate option is selective and requires:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
2. Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA (or 3.0 GPA over the last 60 credits) and admission to the graduate school
3. Verified completion of the prerequisite courses (see below)
4. Submission of a complete application packet, which includes a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, copies of transcripts, verified completion of 25 observation hours under the supervision of a Certified/Licensed Athletic Trainer
5. Participation in an interview during their application year

Applications are holistically reviewed to determine recommendations for admission. Regardless of the pathway, once accepted, the plan of study is similar, and students will be awarded a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) upon successful completion of the program.

Graduation Requirements

• Met the K-State AT program technical standards/essential functions.
• Received a “B” or better in all coursework, including practicums. (“Cs may be accepted if student is able to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater).
• Demonstrated progression in clinical competence per semester as reported by preceptor(s) during Practicum coursework.
• Completed all credit hours (thesis or coursework option) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater.
• Demonstrated adherence to K-State University and AT program policies, ethical conduct for the AT Profession, and K-State Student Code of Conduct policy in both didactic and clinical portions.
• Met all K-State graduation requirements.

Course Requirements: 57-65 credit hours

The coursework only option for this program does not require a culminating experience.

Total Hours Required for Master’s: 57-63

NOTES:

1. Students entering the Master of Science in Athletic Training program will complete health and safety requirements, including verification of essential functions. Please refer to the MSAT website for more details.

2. Students should refer to the Master of Science in Athletic Training website for more details on program policy and procedures:https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/fndh/academics/graduate/athletic-training/.