ATHLETIC TRAINING - MS
UD's Master of Science degree in Athletic training: youtube.com/watch?v=corFUIqlqsE
Program Overview
University of Delaware’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (AT-MS) program is a CAATE-accredited professional program and strictly adheres to all the guidelines set forth by this accreditation entity. It encompasses two consecutive calendar years, beginning in Summer, involving very specific coursework, competitive clinical experiences, and culminating with a full semester-long clinical. The Athletic Training Program (ATP) has a rigorous and intense curriculum that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. The mission of the University of Delaware Master of Science in Athletic Training program is to provide a safe, intersectional learning environment where students develop into competent healthcare professionals using an evidence-based and interprofessional approach in the profession of athletic training. Students involved in the ATP will complete the University, departmental and major coursework requirements; they will also satisfy the clinical proficiencies via the practicum experience and while working in various clinical environments. Upon completion of this program, the student is eligible to successfully sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination for athletic trainers. Furthermore, the student is recommended for a Master of Science degree in Athletic Training (AT-MS).
The College of Health Sciences (CHS) and the Athletic Training MS Program embraces diversity, inclusion, connectedness, and professionalism as core institutional values. We believe that a diverse student, faculty, and staff body are critical to our teaching and scholarship and are a much needed reflection of the diverse patients and caregivers for whom we provide care. Beyond the University’s code of conduct for students and employees, which we fully support, we have additional standards and expectations for members of CHS and the Athletic Training MS Program due to our important roles and influence in health and healthcare.
Uniqueness of Our Program
Responding to the recent trends in sports health, a master’s degree can help propel professionals to advanced career success. The University of Delaware has a long, proud history for athletic training education involving both didactic and clinical education and for placing graduates for athletic training careers with major American professional sports leagues major collegiate programs, high school environments, as well as sports medicine clinical settings.
Admission Information
To apply to the Master of Science (MS) degree program in Athletic Training, prospective students are directed to the ATCAS website to apply. Those applicants who meet the below stated minimum academic requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those applicants who fail to meet those minimum requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths.
Internal 3+2 students will complete the SLATE application only, not ATCAS.
Application
ATCAS application will contain the following:
- Transcripts of all previous academic work at the undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) level. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required. Applicants who previously attended the University of Delaware still need to upload an unofficial transcript, but do not need to provide official transcripts for verification. Please do not send any transcripts to the Athletic Training Program or Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology. Transcripts must show proof of a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or higher as well as the following course prerequisites. In cases where equivalency is ambiguous the onus is on the student to make the case for substitution.
- Prerequisite coursework ("B" grade or higher):
- Anatomy/Physiology (with labs) – 2 classes
- Prerequisite coursework ("C-" grade or higher):
- Biology (with lab) – 1 class
- Biomechanics – 1 class
- Chemistry (with lab) – 1 class
- Exercise Physiology – 1 class
- Mathematics (pre-calculus or higher) – 1 class
- Nutrition – 1 class
- Physics (with lab) – 1 class
- Psychology – 1 class
- Research Design/Methods – 1 class
- Statistics – 1 class
- Internal 3+2 Candidate Prerequistes
- KAAP106
- KAAP107
- KAAP206
- KAAP207
- KAAP306
- KAAP307
** Additional courses that are recommended but NOT required: Health, Medical Terminology
2. Two (2) letters of recommendation. Recommendations must be submitted electronically at the ATCAS online application portal.
- A personal statement or essay. The purpose of this statement is to introduce yourself to the admission committee and discuss your academic and career interests and goals as they stand now, and how you think the graduate program aligns with your interests and a career in Athletic Training. The essay is limited to no more than 2 double-spaced pages! This document will be submitted to the ATCAS online application portal.
- Supplemental documents. Students must upload a pdf copy of their current certification in CPR/AED; along with a log documenting 50+ hours of patient care signed by a BOC certified athletic trainer. Finally, all applicants to the Athletic Training Program must sign, date, and upload a pdf copy of the “Technical Standards for Admission” form. All supplemental documents will be uploaded to the ATCAS online application portal.
- Resume. All graduate programs require the submission of a resume.
- Candidates whose applications are chosen for review and possible admission will be required to complete an interview (in-person or electronic media) before final admission decisions are made. All interviews will be scheduled by the ATP program Director.
Please do not send any documents to the Athletic Training Program or Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology. All materials should be uploaded into the electronic application system by the deadline date (January 15th) before it can be reviewed by the faculty admissions committee. Applications are reviewed on a “rolling” basis upon completion and submission to the Graduate College.
2026-2027
- June 30th: ATCAS application portal opens
- October 15th: Early admission deadline
- January 15th: All other applications due
Year 1:
- Summer
- Emergency Care of Sport-Related Injuries/Illnesses (KAAP608)- 3
- Advanced Taping & Bracing Techniques (KAAP610)- 1
- Core Concepts in Athletic Training (KAAP619)- 3
- Emergency Care of Sport-Related Injuries/Illnesses (KAAP608)- 3
- Fall
- Advanced Human Anatomy (KAAP620)- 3
- Lower Extremity & Spine Evaluation + Lab (KAAP622)- 4
- Athletic Performance Enhancement (KAAP612)- 3
- Athletic Training Evidence-Based Practicum I (KAAP690)- 1
- Winter
- Therapeutic Modalities (KAAP611)- 3
- Rehabilitation of Athletic Injuries I (KAAP623)- 3
- Spring
- Pathophysiology in Sport (KAAP605)- 3
- Rehabilitation of Athletic Injuries II (KAAP624)- 3
- Athletic Training Evidenced-Based Practicum II (KAAP691)- 1
- Upper Extremity & Spine Evaluation + Lab (KAAP621)-4
- Pathophysiology in Sport (KAAP605)- 3
Year 2:
- Summer
- Athletic Training Evidenced-Based Practicum III (KAAP692)- 2
- The Psychosocial Aspects of Athletic Training- Mind, Body, and Sport (KAAP696)- 3
- Athletic Training Evidenced-Based Practicum III (KAAP692)- 2
- Fall
- Organization & Administration of Athletic Training (KAAP648)- 3
- Advanced Healthcare Skills in Clinical Medicine (KAAP656)- 3
- Athletic Training Evidence-Based Practicum IV (KAAP693)- 1
- Sports Medicine Pharmacology (KAAP613)- 3
- Organization & Administration of Athletic Training (KAAP648)- 3
- Spring
- Athletic Training Evidence-Based Practicum V (BOC Exam Prep) (KAAP694)- 3
Mission Statement: The mission of the University of Delaware Master of Science in Athletic Training program is to cultivate dynamic, ethical, and compassionate entry-level athletic trainers who deliver high-quality, evidence-based patient care and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the profession. Through a rigorous, clinically integrated curriculum that includes academic coursework with diverse, immersive clinical experiences, we foster close collaboration between classroom and clinical learning. This connection strengthens students’ ability to think critically, apply knowledge in real-world settings, and develop clinical competence and professional integrity. We strive to cultivate adaptable, resilient, and reflective practitioners who value interprofessional collaboration, embrace lifelong learning, and are dedicated to protecting, enhancing, and promoting the health and well-being of diverse patient populations across evolving athletic and healthcare environments.
Vision Statement: The University of Delaware Master of Science degree program in Athletic Training strives to be recognized nationally for excellence in education, clinical practice and scholarly inquiry. We will prepare graduates who advance the profession through evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and leadership that meets the evolving demands of healthcare.
Core Values: The University of Delaware Master of Science in Athletic Training program is grounded in a set of core values that define who we are, guide how we teach, and shape how our graduates serve. These values, captured in the acronym PRIDE, reflect our commitment to excellence, resilience, innovation, patient care, and leadership in the evolving field of athletic training.
P – Proud Professionalism: We embody the proud spirit of the Blue Hen by holding ourselves to the highest standards of evidence-based practice, clinical skill, and ethical responsibility. We strive for excellence in every aspect of athletic training, continually seeking growth and improvement in service to our patients, colleagues, and community.
R – Resilient Resolve: With the determination of a Blue Hen, we embrace and rise to challenges, adapt with grit, turn obstacles into opportunities, and drive forward creative solutions in athletic performance and healthcare environments.
I – Inspired Ingenuity: Channeling the creativity and forward-thinking spirit of the Blue Hen, we strive to cultivate curiosity in every student and drive progress in athletic training by embracing emerging technologies to create forward-thinking, evidence-based approaches to care.
D – Devoted Dedication: Embodying the caring spirit of the Blue Hen, we commit to compassionate, patient-centered care, always putting the health, safety, and well-being of those we serve first.
E –Elevate the Flock: Rooted in the proud tradition of the Blue Hens, we cultivate leaders who empower others, advance the profession, and champion positive change in athletic training, healthcare, and beyond.
Guiding Principles: The University of Delaware Master of Science in Athletic Training program is built upon guiding principles that ground our mission, shape our vision, and drive every aspect of teaching, practice, and service. These principles reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence, inclusivity, integrity, innovation, compassion, collaboration, and lifelong growth in the advancement of athletic training.
- Excellence in Action
We pursue the highest standards of evidence-based education, clinical practice, and scholarly inquiry, integrating classroom and clinical learning to prepare students for impactful careers as certified athletic trainers. - Holistic Care for All
We are committed to cultural competence and creating a space of belonging and inclusion, ensuring that every patient, student, and community member is seen, respected, and valued. - Leadership with Integrity
We cultivate ethical, professional leaders who advocate for patients, advance the profession of athletic training, and drive positive change through interprofessional collaboration across healthcare settings. - Innovation with Purpose
We embrace curiosity, creativity, and forward-thinking solutions to meet the evolving challenges of athletic performance and healthcare. - Compassionate Service
We ground every action in empathy and patient-centered care, prioritizing safety, wellness, and dignity in all settings. - Collaboration Across Disciplines
We value teamwork and interprofessional engagement as essential to delivering comprehensive, holistic, and effective sports and general healthcare. - Lifelong Growth
We foster resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning that empowers graduates to lead in a changing world.
ATP STATS
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Athletic Training | Kinesiology & Applied | University of Delaware 1
the only CAATE-accredited Athletic Training program in the State of Delaware (“The First State”)
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Athletic Training | Kinesiology & Applied | University of Delaware 96%
BOC exam pass rate for the past 3 years
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Athletic Training | Kinesiology & Applied | University of Delaware $1,119
2026 - 2027 credit/hour tuition rate
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Athletic Training | Kinesiology & Applied | University of Delaware 13:1
excellent student to faculty ratio, allowing for productive faculty/student interactions and learning
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Athletic Training | Kinesiology & Applied | University of Delaware 1000+
square feet of state-of-the-art Athletic Training Teaching Laboratory for classroom instruction and hands on learning
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Athletic Training | Kinesiology & Applied | University of Delaware UD alumni
have built a strong network across all professional sports, including the NFL, MLB, NHL, and MLS
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Athletic Training | Kinesiology & Applied | University of Delaware 100%
success in placing ATP graduates into careers in AT or other Allied Health Care settings (including graduate degree programs)
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Athletic Training | Kinesiology & Applied | University of Delaware 50+
different clinical sites that students can gain valuable experience and exposures with actual patient populations; including opportunities with student-athletes from UD's 23 NCAA Division I athletic teams