Department of Kinesiology
Master of Science in Athletic Training Program
The San Joaquin Valley provides students a unique and diverse patient population combined with a rich cultural history, making it the ideal location for students to gain real-world clinical experiences at sites within NCAA Division I, Division II, secondary schools and medical clinics. A degree in this field can be completed within two years with 60 units that provide a rich balance between theoretical and practical application.
Students of Fresno State’s MSAT Program benefit from lower cost of living in the San Joaquin Valley, as well as the low tuition and fee structure of the CSU - making it one of the more affordable educational athletic training programs in the state. Graduates of the program will join a close-knit network of alumni working successfully within settings such as professional and collegiate sports, industrial/corporate settings, secondary schools, military, physical therapy clinics, and medical offices.
The mission of the Fresno State MSAT Program is to provide a student-centered learning environment where students flourish academically and clinically. We will produce culturally competent, evidence-based Athletic Trainers who are prepared to enter a variety of clinical settings. Our alumni will be leaders in the profession who advocate for Athletic Training in their communities throughout their careers. Values of the program include: communication, courtesy and respect, diversity, integrity and accountability, and professionalism. View our goals and continuous improvement process.
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 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.
Applicants may find it helpful to complete a degree in a related field (e.g., General Kinesiology, Exercise Science); however, it is not required as long as the prerequisites (listed below) are met.
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. 1 - Preferred Application Deadline.
April 1 - Final Application Deadline.
How long is the MSAT program? The program is four semesters. The first fall semester begins the beginning of July each year. Students complete four semesters over two years to graduate in May. 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.
Students begin the degree program in the fall semester of each academic year and cannot begin in the spring semester.
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: minimum $200, varies depending on what students choose to purchase
Equipment: $50
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
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Contact Us
Program Director
Assistant Professor
bclason@mail.fresnostate.edu
559.278.6063
NG 121D
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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