Post-Professional Master of Science with a Major in Athletic Training

The Post Professional Master of Science degree with a major in Athletic Training (MS AT) is a 33-credit program which provides graduate students with the knowledge, values, skills, and clinical education to enhance their practice as certified athletic trainers. The program is designed for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in Athletic Training accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) standards.

Upon successful completion of the MS AT program students should be able to: 

• Constructively self-evaluate regarding your strengths and weaknesses as an athletic training clinician. 
• Critique prior learning experiences and develop a personal clinical philosophy. 
• Effectively implement advanced clinical skills into your clinical practice. 
• Make clinical decisions based on current evidence. 
• Constructively evaluate scientific literature using critical thinking skills. 
• Produce concise, accurately referenced, scientific writing. 
• Demonstrate personal and professional growth, service, and leadership qualities. 
• Organize and disseminate information for adult learners using active and effective pedagogical methods. 
• Articulate a Christian worldview through health care practice with various patients.

Mission

The mission of the MS AT program is to provide high quality evidence-based educational opportunities for students to achieve intellectual, professional, and personal growth in the field of athletic training to service the healthcare needs of Indiana and beyond.

In achieving the mission of Indiana Wesleyan University and that of the MS AT program we will provide:

• A Christ-centered learning culture that promotes and assists in developing professional behaviors that incorporate the values and attitudes of excellence, caring, honesty, and respect that are consistent with the Code of Ethics by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and Standards of Professional Practice from the Board of Certification, Inc.
• A student-centered curriculum that critically studies the scope and practice of athletic training and builds upon the students' Post Professional athletic training foundational knowledge, increases their understanding of issues related to athletic health care through an evidence based curriculum, and prepares them to better engage and serve a diverse patient population.
• Didactic, laboratory, and online experiences that provide exposure to a broad range of traditional and emerging healthcare and human service delivery models.  

Admission Requirements

A carefully completed application for admission should be submitted to the IWU School of Health Sciences MS AT program. Admission to the MS AT program is based on qualifications and space availability. This is a competitive program and application alone does not guarantee admittance. Admission is awarded without regard to sex, race, color, age, religion, national origin, or disability.

Applicants are required to meet the following criteria for consideration for admission:

• Applicants to the MS AT degree program must have a baccalaureate degree in Athletic Training from a regionally accredited college or university. The minimum grade point average (GPA) is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Applicants must be currently certified by the Board of Certification (BOC).
• Applicants with a GPA of less than 3.0 must take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). If required, a GRE score of 146 on the verbal and 146 on the quantitative sections is recommended. GRE exams taken prior to August 1, 2011, require a minimum score of 1000 on the combined verbal and quantitative sections, with a verbal score of at least 400 and a quantitative score of at least 550. Exception to the GRE minimum score may be granted under extenuating circumstances.
• Application Form and Fee: Submit a completed School of Health Sciences graduate application form with a $50.00 non-refundable application fee. Checks should be made out to Indiana Wesleyan University.
• Official Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all universities and/or colleges attended. Official transcripts from all post-high school educational experiences are to be included. Transfer students from a college or university abroad are also responsible for having their transcripts evaluated by a credential evaluation service such as World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) for an official course-by-course credential evaluation (document-by-document evaluations will not suffice). Transcripts from international programs will be individually reviewed.
• Criminal History: background check will be conducted at the applicant’s expense. Clinical sites may have additional requirements, e.g., immunizations, a second background check and/or drug screen at the student’s expense. Admission to and/or progression in the program may depend on compliance and/or the results of these checks.
• International/Non-English Speaking Students - Students who do not speak English as their first and primary language must submit satisfactory scores from one of the following prior to admission to the university:
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). For graduate students, a score of at least 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 100 (Internet-based) is required for regular academic admission.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For graduate students a score of at least 6.5 is required for regular academic admission.
• References: Three references are required. At least one of the references must be from an athletic training practitioner and another from a previous faculty member who can speak to the applicant's capacity to do graduate level work.
• Writing Sample: In a double-spaced typed essay of 500 to 750 words, applicants should explain their interest in the program, what they hope to achieve by completing the program, and how their personal or professional background relates to their interests or goals. The essay’s content and the clarity of writing will be assessed as part of the admissions process.
• Curriculum Vitae: Other aspects of an applicant’s record, such as educational achievement, professional experience, and clarity of career goals should be reflected in a curriculum vitae in determining admissibility. Generally, admission decisions are based on an overall assessment of the adequacy of an applicant’s preparation and desire for the successful completion of a graduate course of study in Athletic Training.
• Deadline for Application: IWU has an early decision deadline of November 1/April 1 for all application materials including the interview with the faculty. Those applying after November 1/April 1 will be considered on a seat available basis. Decisions regarding the acceptability of applicants for the MS AT program will be made by the admissions committee after evaluation of all pertinent application materials. Applications cannot be accurately reviewed until all application materials are received and requirements have been met. New applications are required for those who defer a year or miss the cutoff date for admissions.

General Information Regarding Admission

An interview will be requested of the applicant to the program.

• The number of applicants admitted to the MS AT program will be limited. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not ensure that an applicant will be admitted to the program.
• Students are expected to possess a computer throughout the duration of their program. Student computers must be able to run a supported browser for IWU's learning management system.
• In order to complete assignments, students should be able to produce, send, and receive documents that are compatible within the two most recent versions of Microsoft Office, as only the two most recent versions are supported by IWU technology. Computer and Internet connection may need to be fast enough in some courses to watch streaming videos, participate in live meetings, upload large files, install software, and listen to audio lectures.

Transfer Credits

Students may have graduate courses taken at a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) considered for transfer into the MS AT. No more than six credits may be accepted as transfer credit. The MS AT Program Director will make the final decision as to the compatibility of the course to meet curricular standards. The following are minimal standards for review:

• The course is clearly comparable to one of the MS AT course offerings based on course description and learning outcomes.
• The course is at the 500 or higher numbering system.
• A grade of "B" or higher was earned in the course.
• The course has been completed within the past five years.
• The course reflects current knowledge-base and best practice.
• The course reflects higher order thinking, study, and assessment requirements of the scholarship of discovery.

Graduation Requirements

To fulfill graduation requirements students must have completed all of the following:

• All credits required in the course of studies with a minimum overall GPA of 3.00.
• Minimum grade of "B-" required for all courses within the MS AT program.
• Payment of tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.