Admissions & Aid
AT Master's Admissions
To apply to the Athletic Training Master of Science program, prospective students must apply electronically through the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS). Applications are due February 1. Students are informed of their admissions decision on a rolling basis. Note: Students who apply by December 1 will receive priority application review.
ATHLETIC TRAINING APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
*NOTE: We do not require or accept GRE scores for our master's programs.
1. Personal Statement
Describe your professional goals including why you have chosen Athletic Training as a career.
2. Writing Sample
A concise statement about your academic preparation and practical and/or research experience related to Athletic Training. Also include your career goals and how the program will assist in meeting career/educational objectives.
3. Two Letters of Recommendation
The applicant must submit two letters of support including one or more from persons who can attest to the applicant’s academic accomplishments. Applicants are also encouraged to obtain recommendations from those who can comment on the applicant’s suitability to become an athletic trainer.
4. Transcripts
Request official transcripts from each institution attended by using the transcript request form in ATCAS. Complete the form, submit it to the registrar's office of each institution attended, and instruct them to enclose the form with your official sealed transcript. ATCAS accepts official transcripts sent directly from the registrar's office only. It is recommended that you send transcripts as early as possible and no less than four to six weeks before the application deadline due to the time needed by ATCAS to verify your application.
5. Either Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), (academic test) scores:
- TOEFL/IELTS scores are required for all applicants whose native language is not English, regardless of your educational experience.
- The University of Michigan code for the TOEFL/IELTS is 1839. (The department code is not necessary, since the GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores are automatically added to applicant records as long as name and birth date can be matched.).
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required of all non-native speakers. The University of Michigan requires a minimum TOEFL score of 84 for admissions (Internet Based TOEFL), or 6.5 for IELTS. (For other English test minimum scores, please refer to the Rackham website.)
6. Prerequisite Coursework
Applicants must show proof of completion of the following courses prior to beginning the program:
- Biology (animal)
- Chemistry (inorganic)
- Physics (mechanics)
- General Psychology
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Nutrition
- Exercise Physiology
NOTE: The list above includes prerequisites for enrolling in the Athletic Training master's program only; they do NOT apply to the Movement Science and Sport Management master's programs, which have no course prerequisites.
7. Earned Bachelor’s Degree
Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree prior to beginning the program.
8. Technical Standards
Applicants must meet or request accommodations to meet the University of Michigan Athletic Training Program Technical Standards for Admission.
9. Vaccinations for AT Master's Students
All students applying to the Athletic Training Program must submit proof of the following vaccinations:
- Tetanus/Diphtheria (TD booster must be within 10 years of the projected last semester of participation in the program);
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or positive blood titers/documented history of disease and varicella/chicken pox or positive blood titer/documented history of disease.
Due to the potential chance of contact with blood and bodily fluids during the clinical experiences associated with participation in the program, it is recommended that all athletic training students be vaccinated against the Hepatitis B virus. It is required that all athletic training students who do not pursue Hepatitis vaccination read and sign the Hepatitis B Waiver form before starting clinical experiences. MCV4 (meningitis) and MenB (meningitis B) vaccine is strongly encouraged for all students upon entrance into the University of Michigan, but is not a requirement for the program.
ATHLETIC TRAINING PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE DISCLOSURE
The University of Michigan Athletic Training Program is accredited by, and satisfies academic requirements for, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), and remains in good standing. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the National Board of Certification Exam (BOC). Currently, 49 states and the District of Columbia regulate the practice of athletic training (California is currently the only state that does not regulate the profession of athletic training). Individuals must be legally recognized by the appropriate state regulatory agency prior to practicing athletic training. BOC certification is recognized and required by all Athletic Trainer state regulatory agencies. Compliance with state regulatory requirements is mandatory and the only avenue to legal athletic training practice. We note that we cannot confirm whether all educational prerequisites to licensure can be satisfied through completion of the program in other states. We advise you to contact the appropriate licensing agency in the state where you are located and, if different, the state where you intend to seek licensure.
QUESTIONS?
Our master's FAQs below and the Rackham Life section of the Rackham Graduate School website have a wealth of information about housing, health care, transportation, child care, and more.
If you have any additional questions about the Athletic Training program admissions requirements or application process, contact Graduate Student Affairs at kingradcomm@umich.edu.
AT Master's FAQs
1. My undergraduate major was not in Kinesiology, but I am very interested in pursuing a master’s degree in Kinesiology. What should I do?
We accept students from all different types of undergraduate majors – we prefer a diverse cohort of students. Sometimes we ask students to take specific courses to help them attain the level of knowledge we would expect to ensure successful completion of our program. Please see the specific prerequisite course requirements listed above.
2. Do you have a GPA minimum requirement? All applicants should report their Grade Point Average (GPA) on page 5 of the online application. The GPA should be reported using a standard U.S. four point scale. Applicants who attended an institution outside the United States should follow the instructions to convert their international average grade point to a U.S. four point GPA (see "How to Convert Grades to a U.S. GPA" on the Scholaro website)
3. Do you have minimum requirements for the TOEFL test scores?
Your Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score should be at least 84. We also accept International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (academic test) scores in place of the TOEFL. The minimum IELTS is 6.5. We require the most recent TOEFL or IELTS from all applicants whose native language is not English, regardless of their educational background.
4. I am an international student. Do I have to submit a TOEFLIELTS score if I received my master’s degree at an English-speaking university?
You must submit your most recent valid TOEFL/IELTS (academic test) score regardless of your educational background or Rackham requirements. There are no exceptions.
5. I have a class that I think meets the prerequisite requirements, what should I do?
Email a copy of the syllabus to kingradcomm@umich.edu. We will review that the course covers the prerequisite requirements.
6. How are Clinical Rotations handled?
Clinical placements are made on an individual basis to best match each student to clinical experiences that will optimize their clinical skill development. Students complete a clinical rotation request survey for each semester, which is reviewed in detail by the Clinical Education Coordinator. Students are able to provide their input on career goals, strengths and weaknesses, and can suggest rotations they feel best meet those needs. In combination with student input, the Clinical Education Coordinator also weighs the variety of past clinical assignments/experiences, past student and preceptor evaluations, student schedule, sports practice schedule, public health guidelines, and many other factors that may influence clinical placements. University of Michigan Athletic Training students have access to a variety of clinical sites including UM Athletics, other Division I athletics programs, NAIA Athletics, local High Schools, Rehabilitation Clinics, among others. With the clinical immersion rotation in their second year, University of Michigan Athletic Training students also have the ability to complete a clinical rotation anywhere in the country, in any setting they are interested in. If you have further questions regarding clinical rotation, please contact the Clinical Education Coordinator, Adam Lepley (alepley@umich.edu).
7. Do you require observation hours prior to applying to the program?
No, we do not require observation hours prior to the application.
8. Do you offer interviews?
No, we do not prior to the application. However, if you would like 1:1 advising, please email kingradcomm@umich.edu to request a meeting.
9. Is there an option in this program to gain research experience?
Yes, it is possible to earn credits while gaining research experience. Please feel free to reach out to faculty directly to inquire about research opportunities .
10. Is a master's thesis required?
The master's thesis is an option and is not required. However, if you intend to go on for your PhD, it’s strongly recommended.
11. Can I transfer credits toward my program?
Once you have been admitted and complete one successful semester, you can petition to transfer up to 6 credits toward your degree. All transfer credits must be approved by the graduate chair. View Rackham's transfer policy on their website.
12. Does the University of Michigan offer distance learning for the graduate program?
No, we do not offer distance learning for any of our graduate programs.
13. What’s the difference between Rackham Graduate School and the School of Kinesiology?
The School of Kinesiology is one of the 19 schools and colleges at U-M. Our graduate program is co-administered by the Rackham Graduate School. Rackham oversees the requirements and procedures and certifies the admission recommendation as appropriate.
14. How much does it cost to attend graduate school?
View the U-M Financial Aid website estimator tool on the U-M financial aid site.
15. Are there scholarship opportunities for students?
Newly admitted students can apply for scholarship on the Awards & Funding page under Incoming Student Scholarships .
16. What funding opportunities are available?
Although we do not have assistantships available at the master's level, admitted students can apply for incoming student scholarships. Scholarship information can be found on our Graduate Awards & Funding page.
17. Will I have a faculty advisor?
All admitted students will be assigned a faculty advisor based on their area of interest.
18. How do I view my admissions decision?
You can view application decisions online by following directions outlined on the Rackham admissions page.
19. Should I come visit?
Visiting U-M and the School of Kinesiology is a good idea, so that you can get a feel for the faculty and students, as well as the Ann Arbor area. If you’d like to visit, email Graduate Student Affairs (kingradcomm@umich.edu) with a convenient day and time. She will set up a meeting and email you the details. Let her know if you would like to meet with current students while you’re here.
We also offer in-person and webinar info sessions. Check our Events page for dates and details.
20. How can I find a place to live?
Previous graduate students have found the University Housing website helpful.
If your question isn't answered on this page, check the Rackham admissions page or email us at kingradcomm@umich.edu.
21. Do you offer application fee waivers?
ATCAS offers a limited number of fee waivers at the beginning of the application cycle. Please visit the following link for additional information.
If your question isn't answered on this page, check the Rackham admissions page or email us at kingradcomm@umich.edu. You may also use our question submission form at myumi.ch/L1XKO.