Department of Kinesiology
Master of Science in Athletic Training Program
Located in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley, Fresno State's Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) Program offers students access to a diverse patient population and rich cultural experiences that enhance clinical learning. Students gain hands-on experience in a variety of settings, including NCAA Division I and II athletics, secondary schools, sports medicine clinics, and other healthcare environments.
The 62-unit program can be completed in just two years and provides a strong foundation in both evidence-based practice and real-world clinical application. Through a balance of classroom instruction and immersive clinical experiences, students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed as athletic trainers.
Fresno State MSAT students benefit from the affordability of the California State University system and the lower cost of living in the Central Valley, making the program one of the most cost-effective athletic training graduate programs in California.
Graduates join a supportive network of alumni who work in a wide range of settings, including professional and collegiate athletics, secondary schools, military and tactical environments, industrial and corporate health programs, physical therapy clinics, and physician practices.
The mission of the Fresno State MSAT Program is to provide a student-centered learning environment that fosters academic excellence, clinical competence, and professional growth. The program prepares culturally responsive, evidence-based athletic trainers who are equipped to serve diverse patient populations across a variety of healthcare settings. Graduates will become leaders and advocates for the athletic training profession throughout their careers.
Courtesy and Respect
Diversity and Inclusion
Integrity and Accountability
Professionalism
About our program
Athletic Trainers (ATs) are healthcare professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum. Accredited programs include formal instruction in areas such as injury/illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition. Classroom learning is enhanced through clinical education experiences (learn more at nata.org/athletic-training).
A Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program is required to become a Certified Athletic Trainer.
The Fresno State Master of Science in Athletic Training is a four-semester professional-level athletic training program intended for students that have completed a prior Bachelor's Degree but are not yet eligible to take the Board of Certification Examination.
The first fall semester begins the beginning of July each year. Students complete four semesters over two years to graduate in May. Students cannot begin in the spring semester. The summer between the first year and the second year is left open so students are available to complete internships, etc. should they choose to do so.
For Fresno State students, we recommend Kinesiology - Exercise Science as an undergraduate degree. However, as long as you have met all prerequisites, your Bachelor’s degree can be in any field.
Please see the Admissions page for full prerequisite information. View our complete course work at the link.
The application period opens September 1. Application deadlines include:
Nov. 1 - Priority Application Deadline. Only 2 prerequisites may be remaining in progress.
Feb. 15 - Final Application Deadline.
Please see the Admissions page for full prerequisite information, including details on how to apply to the MS Athletic Training Program.
Standard graduate tuition and university fees (7+ units), current information can be found here: https://adminfinance.fresnostate.edu/accountingservices/students/tuitionfees.html
MSAT Student Fees are approximately $1,550 across the two year program, including:
ATrack lifetime membership fee: $90
Clothing and other equipment: $400, however students may choose to purchase additional
items
Books: approx $1000, varies based on ebook vs. hard copy textbook
NATA membership: $105 (annually)
Immunizations: varies based on health insurance, most are provided by the Student
Health Center at no cost
Students are responsible for costs associated with travel to and from their clinical
site
Funding Opportunities through the Division of Research and Graduate Studies
The CAATE collects data regarding program information and student outcomes. Click here to view data for all programs - https://accreditation.caate.net/directory/
Click here to view Fresno State's program information and student outcomes - https://accreditation.caate.net/directory/#/results?term=fresno
Stay Connected
Explore Scholarships Alumni Highlights and Program History
Contact Us
Program Director
Assistant Professor
bclason@mail.fresnostate.edu
559.278.6063
South Gym 126
Accreditation
The Professional Athletic Training Program (MSAT) at California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
The Masters of Science in Athletic Training was first offered beginning Fall 2020. The Program submitted its self study and hosted a CAATE site visit in Spring 2022. The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) has voted to grant 5 years of Initial Accreditation to the Professional Athletic Training Program at California State University, Fresno. The next required comprehensive accreditation review for this program will be conducted during the 2026-2027 academic year, with a self-study due date of July 1, 2026, and an on-site visitation scheduled in consultation with the institution. Any questions can be submitted to msat@mail.fresnostate.edu.
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