Academics

Athletic Training

MS • Master's

Students in a classroom with mats laid out on the floor and an assortment of training equipment arrayed on each mat

Interested in a rewarding career where you help athletes stay strong, healthy and at the top of their game? The Master of Science (MS) in Athletic Training at Montclair State University prepares you to become a certified athletic trainer through a rigorous, state-of-the-art educational program. You’ll gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to excel in this growing field while learning in a supportive, diverse and challenging environment.

Our Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)-accredited program equips you with the skills to prevent, diagnose, and treat sports-related injuries. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification exam for Athletic Training.

Program Highlights

  • CAATE-accredited program leading to Board of Certification eligibility
  • Choose from a traditional MS format or a 5-year combined BS/MS pathway
  • Gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge labs and clinical placements
  •  Learn from expert faculty dedicated to student mentorship and success
  •  Accelerated completion with 12 shared graduate credits in the BS/MS program

Start your journey toward becoming a certified athletic trainer with Montclair State University’s MS in Athletic Training. See the curriculum.

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Admissions Requirements

  • Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the international applicants page to review the U.S. degree equivalency information.
  • Prerequisite courses for the program are listed below:
    • Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2 for 8 credits – this must be taken before arriving
    • Basic Chemistry for 3 credits this can be the non-lab version
    • Basic Physics for 3 credits this can be the non-lab and non-calculus version
    • Intro to Psychology for 3 credits
    • Statistics for 3 credits
    • Nutrition for 3 credits
    • Basic motor learning for 3 credits
    • Kinesiology or Biomechanics for 3 credits
    • Exercise Physiology for 3 credits
    • Students may still be admitted if some prerequisites are missing but would have to complete them by the start of the second year in the program.
  •  *F1/J1 visa seeking students are not eligible for this program.

Application Checklist

  • Application Deadline: Early action, March 15. All others, May 15.
  • Deposit Required: An enrollment deposit is required upon admission and will be applied to your first semester’s tuition.
  • Online Application: Submit application and $60 non-refundable fee (or waiver if applicable).
  • Transcript: One from each college attended.
  • Essays/Personal Statement: Write one essay of no more than three double-spaced pages in response to the prompt below. Your essay can include some description, but it should also demonstrate that you have critically reflected on the profession and your potential place within it. Please write in a concise, formal, professional style. If you generalize or make assertions, be sure to provide support for them. In one integrated essay, thoughtfully discuss each of the areas identified below:
    • What is/are your primary career goal(s)?
    • What in your life has most directly influenced your choice of becoming an Athletic Trainer?
    • Describe your attributes and personal experiences that you feel are clearly and directly related to the profession of Athletic Training.
    • What is your knowledge of issues and trends in the profession?
    • What areas and topics do you hope to study?
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) letters of recommendation, it is preferred if one of the letters of recommendation is from an Athletic Trainer, but not required
  • Resume:  Not required, but applicants are encouraged to include one.

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please contact Graduate Admissions.

Office of Graduate Admissions

Get guidance on every step of the application process, from admission requirements and deadlines to transcripts, test scores and next steps toward enrollment. The Office of Graduate Admissions provides the information and resources needed to put forward a strong application.

Program Coordinator: Dr. Fredrick Gardin

Get detailed information about the program itself—from curriculum and faculty expertise to research, internships and career outcomes. The program coordinator can explain how the program connects to your academic and professional goals.

Next Steps

Wherever you learn—on campus or online—Montclair State University offers the programs, community and support to help you reach your goals. Take the next step today.

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