Cost & earnings at Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
A clinically focused graduate degree that combines classroom instruction and supervised hands-on experience in athletic training. Suited to students with a relevant undergraduate background who want preparation for certification, state licensure and careers in injury prevention, acute care and rehabilitation.
The Master of Athletic Training (MAT) at Abilene Christian University is a CAATE-aligned, 24-month graduate program (June start) that requires a minimum of 55 credit hours. The curriculum pairs didactic coursework with semester-long clinical placements and dedicated immersion experiences so graduates are prepared to sit for the Texas Athletic Training Licensure and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification (BOC) examinations. The department delivering the program is Kinesiology and Nutrition. The listed tuition rate for 2027–28 is $849 per credit hour.
Coursework examines therapeutic injury prevention and management, clinical examination and diagnosis, acute care and therapeutic interventions, plus supporting sciences. Example course topics include:
Students complete didactic courses covering key principles, theories and applications in sports medicine and engage in two experiential formats: semester clinical experiences supervised by athletic training professionals and full-time 4–6 week immersion experiences with no concurrent classes.
Applicants may enter via two paths. The two-year master’s path requires completion of a bachelor’s degree and prerequisite undergraduate coursework in areas such as human anatomy, human physiology, exercise physiology, kinesiology/biomechanics, biology, physics, chemistry, psychology, statistics and nutrition. The five-year 3+2 option admits first-year students into ACU’s BS in Kinesiology, Pre-Athletic Training track and includes application to the MAT during the third undergraduate year; students complete the master’s sequence in years four and five.
Graduates are prepared to provide athletic training services under physician guidance across prevention, diagnosis, emergency and rehabilitative care. The program notes potential employment settings including high schools, community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, industrial and occupational health clinics, military bases, government and first-responder organizations, professional sports, sports medicine clinics, physician offices and hospitals, fitness centers, fine and performing arts, and athletic training education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth for these positions (16% through 2029) as cited by the program.
The program page does not list specific scholarships. Prospective students should consult ACU’s Office of Graduate Programs and the university financial aid office for information on assistantships, institutional scholarships, external grants and loan options that may support graduate study.
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