The Wichita State Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program is a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with both academic and hands-on clinical experience. Students may enter the program through a traditional 62-credit-hour, six-semester graduate pathway, or through an accelerated 3+2 option that allows qualified undergraduate students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and the MSAT in approximately five years. Post-baccalaureate applicants to the graduate pathway must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA and complete all prerequisites before admission.

One of the program’s standout features is the opportunity for clinical rotations at premier healthcare facilities and athletic organizations throughout the Wichita metro area. These dynamic clinical sites offer students real-world experience in diverse settings, from local schools to leading medical centers, allowing them to gain invaluable skills while building strong professional networks.

Degree and Program Completion Requirements

The following are required for the degree and program completion:

  • 62 credit hours passed including a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on all WSU courses on the plan of study and for all WSU graduate work.
  • Approved Plan of Study on file with the Graduate School
  • Passing of MSAT Exit Exam: 130/175 on the first attempt; 145/175 on the second or third attempt
  • Complete required coursework as per the degree plan
  • Complete successful degree audit for graduation (submit an application for the degree) 
  • An Application for Degree and Exit Survey Form and fee on file with the Graduate School
  • Complete PSIT requirement (Professional and Scholarly Integrity Training.)

Additional Requirements for Accelerated (3+2) Students

Complete dual/accelerated enrollment form
Successfully complete the required applied learning courses: HPS 771, HPS 772, HPS 853 & HPS 854
Meet overall minimum graduate GPA of 3.00 and overall minimum MSAT GPA of 3.00
Complete the MSAT graduate plan of study while progressing through the accelerated undergraduate-to-graduate pathway
Note: Degree requirements for the MSAT are consistent across both pathways. The accelerated (3+2) option includes additional administrative and progression requirements related to the combined bachelor’s and master’s program.

 

Academic Curriculum & Course Sequence

Accepted students will attend and complete a MSAT Orientation at the beginning of each year (June) to discuss various academic expectations, clinical experiences, program changes (if any), as well as policies and procedures related to the MSAT.

YEAR 1

Summer
  • HPS 713 (3) — Palpatory Evaluation and Assessment in Athletic Training
  • HPS 741 (3) — Clinical Techniques in Athletic Training
  • HPS 717 (3) — Emergency Care and Management in Athletic Training
Fall
  • HPS 721 (3) — Athletic Injury Evaluation 1
  • HPS 731 (3) — Foundations in Athletic Training
  • HPS 771 (4) — Applied Learning 1
Spring
  • HPS 860 (3) — Research Methods
  • HPS 722 (3) — Athletic Injury Evaluation 2
  • HPS 770 (3) — Therapeutic Interventions 1
  • HPS 772 (4) — Applied Learning 2

YEAR 2

Summer
  • HPS 882 (3) — Athletic Injury Rehabilitation
  • HPS 810 (3) — Evidence Based Practice in Athletic Training
  • HPS 872 (3) — General Medical Conditions in Athletic Populations
Fall
  • HPS 873 (3) — Organization & Administration in Athletic Training
  • HPS 871 (3) — Therapeutic Interventions 2
  • HPS 853 (4) — Applied Learning 3 (immersive)
Spring
  • HPS 762 (3) — Statistical Concepts in Human Performance Studies (Prerequisite: junior classification or graduate student status.)
  • HPS 851 (3) — Applied Research
  • HPS 813 (1) — Athletic Training Board of Certification Review
  • HPS 854 (4) — Applied Learning 4

Student Progression and Program Expectations (Retention Requirements)

Academic Study Plan

The MSAT has developed an academic study plan, culminating in a Master of Science in Athletic Training degree. Each student must follow the specific course sequence throughout their plan of study. Students must meet with the program advisor each semester to stay current with their study plan. Students who fail to meet MSAT requirements will be placed on probation or fail to maintain Graduate School requirements are subject to dismissal from the MSAT.

Student Evaluation and Progression

Once admitted to the MSAT, the ATS will be evaluated at least twice each semester. As long as appropriate progress is made, the student will be allowed to move on to the following semester. If progress is unsatisfactory in clinical education or classroom performance, the student will be placed on probation for the next semester giving them a chance to remedy any deficiencies.

Students will be placed on a remediation plan and will meet with an assigned program faculty member at least twice a month to provide updates on meeting their academic and/or clinical goals. If the deficiencies are not rectified in the time frame allotted, the student will be dropped from the program. The Program Director shall monitor student progress from one semester to the next and make all probationary decisions in consultation with the athletic training faculty.

Academic and Clinical Performance Standards

Students must maintain an overall grade point average of 3.0 in the program. Student performance revealing noncompliance with these guidelines is grounds for review by the Program Director.

In clinical education, the student's performance will be evaluated mid-term and end of each semester. Each student is expected to demonstrate athletic training knowledge, skills, and abilities of course material from previous semesters and new information gained in the current semester (refer to course, laboratory, and/or practicum syllabus for grading practices).