Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT)

Degree overview
The athletic training program at the University of Maine has a long history of providing students with diverse educational opportunities and practical experience to help them become well-rounded practitioners, and we are excited to transition to the graduate degree-level. The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) at the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development offers a science-based curriculum that provides the foundation for a career in athletic training. Classroom and laboratory experiences are designed to provide the student with an applied understanding of the scientific basis of athletic training in different populations. As Maine’s only NCAA Division I school, UMaine offers a wealth of hands on and real-world experiences right at students’ fingertips.

Our program offers students the opportunity to experience inter-professional education with other students and faculty in health care fields such as exercise science and osteopathic medicine. UMaine is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Click here to view our CAATE Program Information and Outcomes page. The program is currently applying to CAATE for a change in level of degree and is pending approval.

Careers in athletic training
The MSAT program prepares graduates to become certified athletic trainers by sitting for the initial Board of Certification exam, and once completed to achieve state licensure wherever they choose to practice. Our alumni are in demand, working as athletic trainers with amateur and professional athletes, as well as in other medical, clinical, military, professional or educational settings. In addition, after earning a master’s in athletic training, many practitioners pursue additional graduate study in sports administration, sports psychology, physical therapy, education and more.

Program delivery
Our academically competitive professional master’s program can be completed in two academic years. For the first year and a half, students take in-person courses at the University of Maine in Orono. During the final semester, coursework is completed online through video conferencing either asynchronously or synchronously. This allows students the opportunity to complete their final, immersive clinical education experience anywhere in the United States, while still completing their final courses.

Students may opt for either a non-thesis or thesis track for completing their studies. All graduates of the MSAT program are eligible to sit for the BOC Exam for athletic trainers, pending CAATE approval.

• MSAT (non-thesis): This track requires completion of 54 credit hours.
• MSAT (thesis): The thesis option requires carrying out an original piece of research resulting in a written thesis and a minimum of 57 credit hours.

New cohorts begin during the fall semester each year, allowing you to learn from your peers and professors in a sequential way that integrates best practices of didactic and clinical, hands-on learning in a collaborative environment. 

Additionally, we are developing an accelerated 3+2 program in Exercise Science and Athletic Training. Students that complete this program in five years (rather than the traditional six years) will earn both a B.S. in Kinesiology and Physical Education (Exercise Science) and an M.S. in Athletic Training.

Tuition and fees
For current information about tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s office.

To apply
The MSAT program has a rolling admissions deadline and all applicants must complete the University of Maine Graduate School’s online application form. However, prospective students are encouraged to apply by Feb. 1 for admission the following fall. Our program is cohort-based, so applications received after Feb. 1 may have to wait a year depending on the number of spots in the cohort. Applicants to the MSAT program need to provide proof of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Students must also demonstrate completion of coursework in the following areas:

• Biology
• Nutrition
• Chemistry
• Biomechanics
• Physics
• Exercise Physiology
• Psychology
• Anatomy and Physiology

For more information, contact program coordinator and associate professor of physical education and athletic training Christopher Nightingale: christopher.nightingale@maine.edu.

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) statement
This program will prepare students to be eligible for licensure within the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories, in addition to the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.

Additional Information

Program policies and procedures can be found in the athletic training student handbook available for download at the link below.