Abilene Christian University

Programme overview

Abilene Christian University’s Master of Athletic Training is a 24-month, 55-credit program (June start) that follows CAATE standards. The curriculum blends didactic coursework with supervised clinical and immersion experiences so students can pursue Texas Athletic Training licensure and sit for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification (BOC) examination. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, injury prevention and a Christ-centered approach to patient care.

What you'll study

Coursework covers injury prevention and therapeutic management, diagnostic and treatment strategies, human anatomy, pharmacology and sport nutrition. Example course titles and topics cited by the program include:

• Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries
• Lower Extremity Assessment of Injury
• Nutrition for Exercise and Sport
• Pharmacology

Instruction is provided through didactic semesters plus two experiential formats: semester-long clinical experiences under athletic training professionals and full-time 4–6 week immersion placements where students commit solely to hands-on learning.

Entry requirements

Two admission routes exist. The two-year master’s admits applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree; successful applicants are expected to have completed prerequisite coursework in human anatomy, human physiology, exercise physiology, kinesiology/biomechanics, biology, physics, chemistry, psychology, statistics and nutrition. The five-year 3+2 path admits first-year students into a BSc Kinesiology, Pre-Athletic Training track and allows application to the MAT in year three, with the final two years following the master’s sequence. Application deadlines are Priority Review: February 1 and Standard Review: May 1 (deadline may extend if space is available).

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to provide athletic training services, evaluate and clinically diagnose injuries, manage critical incidents and demonstrate research competency. Typical employment settings noted by the program include high schools, colleges and universities, professional sports, sports medicine clinics, physician offices, hospitals, rehabilitation/fitness centers, military bases, industrial health clinics, government and first-responder organizations, and performing arts. The program references projected occupation growth reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of 16% through 2029.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The program page lists a tuition per credit hour figure for 2027–28; prospective applicants should contact ACU’s Office of Graduate Programs to discuss financial aid, assistantships, scholarships or other funding options and to learn about up-to-date tuition and costs.