How to apply
Master of Athletic Training
Get ahead of the curve
Admissions timeline
Applicants are encouraged to submit their application by January 15 as there are a limited number of spots available in each cohort.
Opens
Early Deadline
Priority Deadline
Final Deadline
How to apply to the Oregon State Athletic Training Program
Anyone with a bachelor’s degree who meets the prerequisites listed below is eligible to apply for admission to the professional athletic training degree program.
Students in the final year of their bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply prior to graduation with formal admittance to the program dependent on the successful completion of the bachelor’s degree.
The Athletic Training program supports and abides by the University’s mission and vision for equity, inclusion, and diversity.
The admission criteria and prerequisite coursework are outlined below.
Application steps overview
The following is an overview. More details of each step are lower on this page.
1. Apply through OSU application
Apply by deadline indicated by program of interest
2. Complete and submit application
OSU will reach out for any missing documents
3. Application marked as "complete"
Faculty takes 6-8 weeks to review application once it is marked as "complete"
4. Admission Decision
Admission decision is sent to applicants after faculty review.
Make sure your application is complete before submitting. Ensure that you have uploaded your transcripts, statement of purpose, and 3 references!
Application requirements
Baccalaureate degree
Baccalaureate degree program from an accredited university prior to beginning the program
GPA of 3.0
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 from the undergraduate degree
Three letters of recommendation
Three letters of recommendation, with at least one from a certified athletic trainer (ATC), addressing the readiness of the applicant for graduate school education and the applicant’s potential for success in the athletic training healthcare profession.
Personal statement
Write a personal statement describing why you are choosing to pursue a degree and career in athletic training. The statement should be of a depth that addresses the following:
- address your motivations to attend graduate school
- briefly explain your overall preparation to enter your chosen field of study
- describe why you decided to apply to Oregon State University's Master of Athletic Training program.
Technical Standards
Meet the program's Technical Standards for Admission with or without accommodations.
Work, volunteering and/or observation with an athletic trainer
We require these experiences because it helps ensure that prospective students understand the athletic training profession prior to entering the program.
Minimum of 50 hours of work, volunteering and/or observation under a certified athletic trainer (ATC) within 2 years prior to program application. Documentation of clinical hours must be verifiable on the official program application.
Please note that hours obtained under the supervision of a physical therapist do NOT count unless the individual is dual credentialed as an ATC/PT
GRE no longer required
We join many other programs at Oregon State and other peer institutions across the country who have eliminated this structural barrier to promote a more equitable, diverse and inclusive student body.
Prior to beginning the MATRN Application
Before you begin the MATrn application you may download the Prerequisite Courses Self-Audit form and fill in the courses you believe meet each of the OSU MATrn Program's required courses. You will then upload this form in the application when prompted to do so. There are notes on the form as to how to indicate a course you are currently taking or one you will take in the next term.
Prerequisite coursework
Satisfactory completion (C- or better) of the following prerequisite coursework:
Biology
At least one 3-4 credit quarter or semester course focusing on human biology.
Chemistry
At least one 3-4 credit quarter or semester course focusing on general chemistry.
Physics
At least one 3-4 credit quarter or semester course. A biomechanics or anatomical kinesiology course will be considered if the following content is included in the course:
Basic principles of mechanics
Kinetics
- Motion (linear and angular)
- Center of gravity
- Forces (static and dynamic)
Kinematics
- Motion (position, acceleration, velocity)
- Coordinate systems
- Newton’s Laws
Nutrition
At least one 3-4 credit quarter or semester course focusing on human nutrition.
Psychology
At least one 3-4 credit quarter or semester course covering general or introductory human psychology. A sports psychology will meet his pre-requisite requirement.
Exercise Physiology
At least one 3-4 credit quarter or semester course covering human physiology related to exercise and physical activity.
Human Anatomy and Physiology
At least two 3-4 credit quarter or semester courses covering human anatomy and physiology specifically the major systems of the body, including musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and integumentary.
Criteria for admission
The early application deadline is November 1st. Applicants that are not admitted during the early admission application phase will be reviewed with the regular admission application phase. The regular review of applications will begin on January 15. Applications will continue to be accepted until the cohort is full or April 1, whichever comes first. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application by January 15 as there are a limited number of spots available in each cohort. Students interested in applying to the program should visit Oregon State Graduate School.
A review team consisting of the MATrn Program Director, Clinical Education Coordinator, faculty, and preceptors will evaluate applications and invite selected applicants to interview for admission to the professional program. Interviews are conducted via videoconference (e.g., Zoom). Following the interview, decisions on whether to recommend admission will be made. Formal notification of admission to the MATrn program will be made by the MATrn Program Director via email correspondence.
The OSU Graduate School will also notify the student of their admission to the Graduate School. In addition, the College of Health Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions will contact each applicant regarding the process of admissions and the application status throughout the progression.
Applicants who are not admitted to the program will receive notification of this decision. Students may be wait listed and if a vacancy should become available prior to commencement of the program in the summer, these students will be informed of the opportunity to join the program.
Prior to beginning the clinical education component
Prior to beginning the clinical education component of the program students must have the following completed and documented:
- Substance abuse screen
- Tuberculosis test
- Satisfactory criminal background check
- Emergency cardiac care/CPR certification
- Verification of immunizations
(see details at clinical education experiences)
Transfer students
The graduate degree in athletic training is a two-year, full-time, cohort model program. The program is required to meet specific standards, including curricular standards that are taught in assigned courses within the degree.
Due to both the sequential nature of the curriculum and the difficulty in determining if all curricular standards have been met in transferred courses, it is difficult for a student to transfer into a graduate degree in athletic training without completing the entire two-year program.
All potential transfer students should meet with the MATrn Program Director to review application and program requirements. Transfer credits and admissions criteria will be evaluated by the MATrn Program Director on an individual basis. Additionally, all transfer credits must meet all university requirements as described at policies governing all graduate programs.