Masters

Master of Science in Kinesiology and Recreation (Athletic Training)

Overview

The Master of Science in Kinesiology and Recreation (Athletic Training) graduate program at Illinois State advances knowledge of the field and provides students with opportunities to learn different ideologies and skills within sports medicine. The program focuses on applying various manual therapy techniques and biomechanical principles to prevent, evaluate, and treat musculoskeletal pathologies.

Students learn critical inquiry and reasoning for certified athletic trainers. Using a variety of teaching methods, philosophies, and experiences, students gain practical knowledge beyond that of an entry-level athletic trainer.

Potential career settings include:

High schools
Universities
Professional sports
Sports medicine clinics
Hospitals
Fitness clubs
Research labs
Industrial settings

Some graduates go on to earn the highest degree in sports medicine or education.

This program is for individuals who are certified or have an undergraduate degree in athletic training. If you need certification or do not have an undergraduate degree in athletic training, view our master in athletic training program.

Point of Pride

One hundred percent of students secure employment within 4 months of graduation.

Nikki Hoffman, PhD, ATC
(309) 438-5187
McCormick 251A

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How to Apply

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to a master's program must:

have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
present unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term. If accepted, official transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 209 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

To be considered for this program, you must meet the following requirements.

Undergraduate Degree

You must have earned an undergraduate degree from a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education approved program and be BOC-Certified by August of the year you begin the program.

GPA

You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for either the last 60 hours of your undergraduate coursework or any previous work in a Master's program.

If you do not meet the GPA requirement, you may be considered if your GRE scores for the verbal and quantitative sections are above the 40th percentile (approximately 149 each on verbal and qualitative reasoning).

GRE (optional)

GRE scores are optional for your application. If you wish to submit them, GRE scores may help your application if you did not have strong undergraduate grades but do have strong GRE scores.

Use institutional code 1319 if you choose to submit your GRE scores to Illinois State.

Resume

Submit your current resume that outlines your education and work history.

Goal Statement

Submit a goal statement with the following information:

Why you are seeking Illinois State for graduate school
How Illinois State’s master’s program will prepare you in your future goals
If you’re seeking an assistantship, include which position interests you (you can find and apply for available positions on the employment website)

Reference Contact Information

Provide the name and email address of three references for letters of recommendation.

Application Deadlines

Fall (August) Term — Deadline extended to Friday, February 18

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Graduate Assistantships

The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally,

be admitted unconditionally as a degree-seeking student into a graduate academic program, or have a minimum of 120 undergraduate hours if in an integrated degree program
be in good-standing
be enrolled full-time (typically at least 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters, or at least 6 hours during the summer session).

Benefits

Graduate assistants receive

monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage
a waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment
a waiver for up to 12 credit hours of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment

Costs & Funding

See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.