College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Athletic Training (M.A.)
College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Athletic Training (M.A.)
Master of Science in Athletic Training at NMSU
New Mexico State University’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) is a CAATE-accredited, 24-month professional program designed to prepare you for success as a certified athletic trainer. Through a comprehensive 60-credit curriculum blending traditional and hybrid coursework with immersive clinical experiences, you’ll gain the skills to prevent, evaluate, and treat injuries in active populations.
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines*
- Total credits: 60
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
Earning a Master of Science in Athletic Training opens doors to a wide range of professional opportunities in healthcare, sports, and beyond.
- Certified athletic trainer (ATC)
- Sports medicine specialist
- Clinical athletic trainer
- Athletic training educator
- Wellness program coordinator
- Research associate in sports medicine
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Arts in Athletic Training? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose a M.A. in Athletic Training at NMSU?
As a master's student in Athletic Training, you’ll experience a dynamic blend of rigorous academics and immersive clinical practice. From day one, you’ll dive into advanced coursework in anatomy, injury prevention, and rehabilitation, while mastering evidence-based techniques that elevate patient care.
But the classroom is just the beginning. You’ll gain real-world experience working alongside certified athletic trainers in diverse settings, such as collegiate sports programs, clinics, and community organizations where you’ll apply your skills to keep athletes performing at their best. Guided by expert faculty and mentors, you’ll build confidence, competence, and connections that launch your career in sports medicine and healthcare.
This is more than a degree — it’s your pathway to becoming a trusted healthcare professional in the world of athletics.
Board of Certification (BOC) Exam Eligibility
Graduates are prepared to earn the nationally recognized ATC credential.
Hands-On Clinical Training
Progressive, real-world experiences in diverse settings—collegiate, clinical, and beyond.
The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program at NMSU comprises 60 credit hours of coursework through traditional and hybrid courses. The MSAT is a two-year (24-month) professional degree program that starts in June and prepares students to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam leading to the ATC credential. The MSAT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Admissions are competitive, and applications are managed via the ATCAS central application system. Review of applications begins on October 1 with rolling admissions until all seats are filled.
Take classes like:
- SPMD 4805 Emergency Response
- SPMD 5005 Foundations of Athletic Training
- SPMD 5010 Clinical and Functional Anatomy in Athletic Training
- SPMD 5120 Lower Extremity Injury Evaluation + Lab
- SPMD 5180 Therapeutic Interventions I
- SPMD 5510 Psychology of Sport
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution completed by program start date
- Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA (out of 4.0)
- Grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses, with minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for prerequisite courses, completed within the last 10 years. (3.5 preferred)
- Personal statement and completed application in ATCAS
- Minimum of 50 observation/shadow hours completed with at least one BOC certified Athletic Trainer, (more than 50 hours is encouraged) documented and signed by the supervising ATC to include their BOC number and state license number.
- 3 recommendations (submitted in ATCAS)
Those students interested in pursuing the MSAT program are encouraged to complete the undergraduate kinesiology degree at NMSU as it includes all pre-requisite coursework.
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.