Master of Science in Athletic Training
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General Information
The Graduate Athletic Training Education Program is in its 16th year and is accredited by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) as an advanced, post-professional degree program in athletic training. We are pleased to announce that our program is reaccredited through 2011 - 2012. The student entering this program receives a Master of Science Degree in Athletic Training and can expect to complete the requirements in one calendar year. Students graduating from the program are able to receive national certification as a Performance Enhancement Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Students will learn how to use the same Optimum Performance Training Model used by the National Academy of Sports Medicine for training Olympic and Professional .jpg)
athletes. In addition to NASM material (PDF files, video content, etc.) costs for PRF 710 and PRF 750, there is an additional fee charged by NASM for the NASM PES certification examination. The complete NASM cost for the year, including materials and examination fee, are approximately $500.00
Accreditation
The Graduate Athletic Training Education Program at California University is reviewed approximately every five years by the Graduate Review Committee and is accredited by the National Athletic Trainers' Association, 2952 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75247 (800) 879-6282. California University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Requirements for Admission
Admission into the Graduate Athletic Training Education Program requires a solid background in the field of athletic training. Guidelines for admission are as follows:
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
- A minimum grade point average of a 3.00.
- Students who are currently Certified Athletic Trainers will be given strong consideration if they have attained a minimum of a 2.50 QPA.
- CPR certification, which must be provided prior to the first day of classes.
- BOC certified or have completed the requirements to take the certification examination.
- A completed application to the Graduate Athletic Training Education Program.
- Resume or curriculum vitae.
- List two references, with at least one being from your supervising certified athletic trainer or equivalent.
- Completion of the application for the School of Graduate Studies and Research, along with application fee.
- Prospective students must take the BOC examination at least once prior to the start of the fall semester.
- Accepted students must provide proof of professional liabilty insurance and Act 34 & 151 clearance by August 1st. Forms will be provided in the orientation letter.
- Students must have a vehicle in good working in order for travel to affliated clinical sites if assigned off campus.
- Students must submit final official transcripts to the school of graduate studies and research on or before July 1st after acceptance to the program.
Athletic Training Graduate Assistantships and Tuition Costs
Graduate assistantships are available and will be appointed based on qualifications and experience. Graduate assistants will be appointed to serve as athletic trainers on campus, at local high schools, and with local colleges. The assistantships begin in early August of each year and continue until the third week of May. Graduate assistants work an average of 30 hours per week at their athletic training setting. It is assumed that graduate assistants will devote full time to their studies and to their work related to the assistantship. Employment in addition to the assistantship is not permitted.
Graduate assistants will receive a full in state OR out of state tuition waiver for all three semesters (summer, fall and spring). In addition, free tuition for the year long program, graduate assistants will receive a stipend of $10,000. All graduate students will be responsible for fees for all three semesters. For students enrolled in the program during the 2007-2008 academic year, fees totaled $3,102. After fees are paid, students will receive their stipend in 20 biweekly pays of approximately $344 (before taxes) during the length of the contract period.
*Amounts subject to stay the same or slightly increase each year.
Non-assistantship Positions
The Post-Certification Graduate Athletic Training Education Program offers a limited number of non-assistantship positions. Clinical experience will be arranged by the Program Director in local high schools, colleges and universities. Depending on schedules and course loads, opportunities for clinical experience can be arranged with nearby hospitals, physician offices and sports medicine clinics.
Qualifications include clinical experiences under the direct supervision of an BOC Certified Athletic Trainer. Applicants with more experience will be given preference.
Responsibilities of Graduate Students
- All students selected for the program must pursue the Master of Science degree in Athletic Training.
- Students in the Graduate Athletic Training Education Program can expect to complete the requirements leading to the Master of Science degree in Athletic Training in one year, providing no course deficiencies are present.
- Graduate assistants at affiliated sites are entitled to vacation time, which coincides with the vacations of the school to which they are assigned or as stipulated in the contract with the school. A copy of the Article of Agreement is provided in the Graduate Athletic Training Student Handbook. You will be expected to attend all classes regardless of time off at your affiliated sites.
- All graduate students will receive a waiver of all tuition costs but will be responsible for fees during the summer sessions, fall, and spring semesters. These fees total approximately $3102.
Requirements for Master of Science in Athletic Training
The Master of Science degree program requires a minimum of 36 semester credit hours, including 26 credits in athletic training and related course work. The remaining 10 credits are taken in related research oriented course work.
Master of Science Coursework
Summer 1-1st 5 Weeks- ATE 720 - Sports Therapy, 4 credits
- ATE 800 - Methods of Research in the Allied Health Sciences, 3 credits
Summer 2-2nd 5 Weeks
- ATE 700 - Gross Anatomy of the Extremities w/ Lab, 4 credits
Summer - 10 Weeks
- EDP 600 - Statistical Methods (10 wk. course), 3 credits (WEB)
Fall Semester
- ATE 725 - Pedagogical Studies in Athletic Training, 3 credits
- ATE 810 - Thesis Seminar, 3 credits
- PRF 753 - Psychological Aspects of Sport Injury & Rehabilitation, 3 credits
- PRF 710 - Performance Enhancement in Physical Activity, 3 credits
Spring Semester
- PRF 750 - Performance Enhancement in Program Design, 3 credits
- ATE 745 - Contemporary Issues in Athletic Training, 3 credits
- RES 849 - Master's Thesis, 4 credits
Application Procedures
Students interested in applying to the School of Graduate Studies and Research and the Graduate Athletic Training Education Program should review the requirements and qualifications for acceptance into the graduate program. Providing the student meets all of the requirements, the following application procedures should be completed:
1. Submit the following to:Dean, School of Graduate Studies and Research
California University of Pennsylvania
250 University Avenue
California, Pennsylvania 15419- The School of Graduate Studies and Research application form.
- An official transcript from each previous institution of higher education attended.
2. Submit the following to:
Dr. Thomas F. West
Director
Post-Professional Graduate Athletic Training Education Program
Department of Health Science & Sport Studies
California University of Pennsylvania
250 University Avenue
California, PA 15419- The Graduate Athletic Training Education Program Application form.
- Two references (names and contact information), with one being your supervising certified athletic trainer and the other from a professor who has taught you in athletic training and/or related course work.
- One (1) copy of your official transcript from each college and university that you have attended.
- One copy of your resume.
- All applications are available by visiting our web site at www.cup.edu/education/hsss and selecting graduate athletic training.
Appointments
- Completed applications should be received by April 1 or until filled. All graduate assistantship positions will be appointed by April 15 or until filled. There are still positions currently open.
- Applications will not be evaluated until all pertinent materials have been sent according to the guidelines listed above. Any information concerning your application received after the deadline will not be considered.
- The Graduate Athletic Training Screening Committee, after reviewing applications, will select those candidates for admittance to the program on a weekly basis starting in January of each year.
For additional information, contact:
Thomas F. West, PhD, ATC
Director, Post-Professional Graduate Athletic Training Education Program
California University of Pennsylvania
250 University Avenue
California, PA 15419
724-938-4356
724-938-4342 (FAX)
www.cup.edu/education/hsss
west_t@cup.edu