Admission Requirements

The MSAT program application opens through the ATCAS website on July 1^st each year. Applications are due by February 1^st each year.  Please use this link to start your application.

Admission to the Master of Science in Athletic Training program is competitive with a limited number of students admitted into each cohort. Applicants are expected to meet technical standards, pass a background check, and comply with health and safety standards including vaccination requirements. Completion of the application does not guarantee admission to the Master of Science in AT program.

To be considered for the Master of Science in Athletic Training program, applicants must:

• Have completed a B.A. or B.S. degree at an accredited institution in the United States OR have completed the first three years of undergraduate work for the Undergrad to Grad (U2G) combined program at the University of   Iowa OR completed a Bachelor's degree from an institution within the International Arrangement (IA) with the Board of Certification, Inc.
• U2G students must complete 80 s.h. of undergraduate coursework at the University of Iowa
• Transfer students must complete 30 s.h. at the University of Iowa
• Have an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00. (U2G students are required to have a 3.25 GPA for admission).
• Submit a Test  of  English as a  Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, taken within the last 2 years, if English is not your native language. Only the IBT (Internet Based Test) form of the TOEFL will be accepted. We require a total score of 93 and a speaking score of 26 for entry into our program.
• Complete or be in-progress with required prerequisite coursework with a grade of C or higher in biology, chemistry, physics, human anatomy, human physiology, exercise physiology, general psychology, biomechanics/kinesiology, nutrition, and statistics.
  • We accept community college coursework and online coursework from accredited universities. AP/CLEP coursework may satisfy course requirements if listed on a college transcript. 
  • Pre-requisite course equivalency will be determined by the Program Director on a case-by-case basis and must be either complete or in-progress when submitting your application.

*Pre-requisite courses must have a grade of C or better.

To apply, submit the following to the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS):

• Official and un-official transcripts
• Contact information for two references (1 medical & 1 academic professional), No letters of recommendation required.
• Statement/Essay of purpose/career goals, responses to supplemental questions in ATCAS
• Current CPR Certification obtained within one year — MUST be Basic Life Support (BLS) or Professional Rescuer level.

Recommended Materials:

• Coursework in medical terminology, introductory coursework in AT, public health, motor learning, or additional psychology coursework.
• First-Aid Certification 
• Observation hours under an Athletic Trainer are highly recommended, not required.
• The GRE is not required for admission.

Your application will be forwarded to the Graduate College by the Program Director; you will be notified to set up a University of Iowa account and pay the supplemental application fee: ($60 if offered an interview, $100 for international students).

Applications are reviewed immediately upon submission and MUST be submitted by February 1 each year. Following the February 1st deadline, admission will be rolling. Coursework begins during the summer session, early June. A virtual interview is required. Applicants must also meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations of the Graduate College

If formally admitted, students will need to:

• submit to a background check
• complete HIPAA and BBP training
• complete the program technical standards form
• submit current vaccination records
• submit a current physical examination
• submit final course grades/GPA

​These additional forms will be sent directly from the Program Director upon acceptance.