Master's Degree in Athletic Training
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A master's degree in Athletic Training is ideal for individuals passionate about injury prevention, diagnosis, and rehabilitation in physically active populations, preparing for careers as certified athletic trainers in schools, sports organizations, or healthcare settings. This program is also valuable for those pursuing roles in sports medicine, performance enhancement, or emergency care, where expertise in biomechanics and evidence-based treatment is essential.
Program Overview
The mission of the professional Master of Science in Athletic Training at the University of Kentucky is to effectively prepare entry-level athletic trainers for employment and/or pursuit of advanced education by providing diverse educational, scholarly, clinical, and service opportunities.
The Master’s in Athletic Training program prepares students to become certified healthcare professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions in physically active populations. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, clinical experiences, and hands-on training, students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a variety of settings, including schools, colleges, professional sports, clinics, and hospitals. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam and are well-prepared to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care as athletic trainers.
Our Accreditation
The University of Kentucky Professional Master of Science in Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) located at 2001 K Street Northwest, Washington, DC. The program will have its next comprehensive review during the 2026-2027 academic year.
This CAATE accreditation guarantees our program provides the necessary curriculum and clinical experiences to prepare students for Board of Certification (BOC) eligibility and entry into the athletic training profession.
Related Careers
A career in athletic training (AT) is fast-paced, interdisciplinary, and incredibly rewarding. A degree in athletic training will help you become a highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professional who collaborates with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. As a graduate of our AT program, you will be prepared to practice in a variety of settings including universities, high schools, sports medicine clinics, professional sports and more.
Plan to Pursue Licensure Outside of Kentucky?
If you plan to obtain professional licensure outside of Kentucky, please refer to the Licensure page to confirm whether the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in your state of interest.
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
Our rigorous curriculum provides every student with a solid foundation to continue their education through residencies, academic doctorates, and other post-professional opportunities. View the program curriculum on the MAT webpage.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Program Specific Requirements
View all admission requirements on the MAT webpage.
Application Process
Application to the UK AT Program is a two step process:
- Applicants must submit all admissions materials to ATCAS
- Applicants must apply to the University of Kentucky Graduate School
Students admitted to the UK AT Program will receive an email detailing all of the post-admissions requirements.
Application Deadlines
Domestic Students
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Summer
- 03/15/2026 *Applications are considered for summer admissions only
International Students
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Summer
- 01/15/2026 *Applications are considered for summer admissions only
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
