Athletic Training
Frequently Asked Questions

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Admission

As you prepare your application for the ACU Master of Athletic Training, you may have questions very similar to those of other applicants. Below are answers to a list of commonly asked questions.

You can apply through the  Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS).

That’s okay! Students with any undergraduate major can apply.

ATCAS opens each July for students wanting to begin graduate school the following summer. . You can click here to begin your ATCAS application.

Priority review is February 1. Rolling admission continues through May 1.

No. All application items will be reviewed through the ATCAS portal.

If admitted to ACU, students will submit additional information required for enrollment, such as immunizations, a complete physical, observation hours, etc.

Yes, the $65 ACU application fee  can be paid here.

The ACU MAT accepts 10-15 students in each cohort.

A minimum of 50 observation hours should be directly supervised by a certified and licensed Athletic Trainer. Observation hours must be documented and signed by the supervising Athletic Trainer on the observation hours form and submitted to the MAT Program Director by June 1st. The MAT Program Director can assist you in identifying potential observation opportunities.

The average GPA is a 3.2, however all applications are reviewed holistically.

Prerequisites include: Biology, Chemistry, Human Anatomy (or A&P I), Human Physiology (or A&P II), Physics, Psychology, Exercise Physiology and/or Kinesiology/Biomechanics, Statistics (basic), Nutrition.

No, prerequisites can be pending when completing the application in ATCAS. However, they must be completed before beginning the ACU MAT program in late June.

Please email Dr. Melissa Long (mdl16a@acu.edu) with prerequisite review requests.

No, the GRE is not required for admission.

Credits may be accepted, pending faculty approval.

The MAT makes rolling admission decisions before and after the application deadline. Students will be notified soon after selecting ACU and completing the application verification process in ATCAS.

Program

Each new MAT cohort begins in June.

Abilene Christian University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The program will have its next comprehensive review during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Yes. The Pre-Athletic Training (KATP) track offers an integrated program that combines 3 years of undergraduate coursework with 2 years of graduate coursework, allowing students to achieve both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 5 years. You can  click here to learn more about the KATP option.

You cannot complete a Master of Athletic Training if you have already received BOC certification.

Individuals with a LAT credential can only practice in the state of Texas. Those with an ATC credential, through the BOC, can apply for licensure in any state that regulates athletic training. They are not limited to practicing athletic training in only one state.

Students are eligible to sit for the BOC exam beginning in February of their second year.

Each M.A.T. student will have the opportunity to work with multiple sports teams as well as gain traditional clinic setting experience during their 6 semesters at ACU. Additionally, each student will complete at least one 4 – 6 week immersion experiential learning experiences where he or she is required to commit all time and effort (no classes during this time) to their experience. Some clinical experiences may include:

  • NCAA DI – football, men’s and women’s basketball, indoor and sand volleyball, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s tennis, track and field, cross country, women’s soccer, women’s softball, baseball
  • NCAA DIII – football, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, baseball, softball, track and field, cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s swimming, and men’s and women’s tennis
  • UIL 6A High School – football, girls’ volleyball, girls’ softball, boys’ baseball, boys’ and girls’ gymnastics, boys’ and girls’ swimming, boys’ and girls’ powerlifting, boys’ and girls’ tennis, boys’ and girls’ golf, boys’ and girls’ soccer, boys’ and girls’ track, boys’ and girls’ cross country
  • UIL 5A High School – football, girls’ volleyball, girls’ softball, boys’ baseball, boys’ and girls’ gymnastics, boys’ and girls’ swimming, boys’ and girls’ powerlifting, boys’ and girls’ tennis, boys’ and girls’ golf, boys’ and girls’ soccer, boys’ and girls’ track, boys’ and girls’ cross country
  • Physical Therapy Clinic
  • Outreach Athletic Training Clinic
  • WNBA
  • MLB Class AA
  • Rodeo

No. The MAT only offers full time enrollment.

Yes. Courses and clinical placements are offered at different times each semester, so students should seek employment that provides flexibility around those schedules.

For cost information, please visit the  Master of Athletic Training website and review the “Degree Details” section.

Yes. Admitted students will be considered for scholarships on a competitive basis.

Yes! Please click here to learn more about upcoming Open Houses or to schedule a campus visit.

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