Master of Science in Athletic Training
CUAA’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program (MSAT) is a professional level program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
The first step in care and prevention of injuries
Athletic trainers play a vital role within a health care team as multi-skilled medical professionals and are often the first step in the care and prevention of injuries related to physical activity. They collaborate with other health care professionals to ensure the patients have high-level care for the return to participation in physical activities.
Bachelor’s of Science in Sports Medicine and the Master’s of Science in Athletic Training Degree.
5 year and 2 year options available.
Questions? We’re here to help
Our team is available to help you as you consider the next step in your education.
Get answers to your questions
Our team is standing by to assist you with additional program details, financial aid options, and admissions questions.
Loading...
Mission Statement
The mission of Concordia University Ann Arbor’s Athletic Training Program is to facilitate student success by providing the highest quality of academic graduate coursework in athletic training and providing students with clinical experiences that apply their knowledge and skills in professional practice settings to prepare them to obtain national certification (ATC) by the Board of Certification (BOC) and state licensure. Adhering to the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) standards, evidence-based practices, and current athletic training best practices, the CUAA Athletic Training Program strives to promote high-level cognitive and clinical competence to develop the student’s understanding, proficiency, and behaviors in athletic training health care to prepare the student to effectively enter the athletic training profession.
CUAA received accreditation for their Athletic Training program and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) as of April 16, 2020.
Student testimonial
CUAA student, Tim Koehler, shares about his experience in the 5-year Athletic Training program.
Our athletic training program is enhanced with extensive hands-on clinical experiences under the supervision of a diverse group of athletic trainers. As a 5-year MSAT student, you'll complete six semesters of clinical education rotations, including an immersion experience; for the two-year MSAT student, you will have 4 semesters of clinical experience plus one summer immersion experience.
Bachelor's in Sports Medicine + Master's in Athletic Training:
- Graduate with both a BS in sports medicine and an MS in athletic training in 5 years
- 152 total credit hours
Beginning as a college freshman, you’ll complete two years of prerequisite and core coursework before applying to the master's program in your junior year. Dual-degree students receive early priority admission to the MSAT program. Upon admittance into the MSAT program during the spring semester of your sophomore year, you’ll complete the remaining undergraduate and graduate coursework in an additional three years.
Standard 5-year plan (2+3 track): Two years of prerequisite and core coursework + three years of graduate-level MSAT coursework. The typical total time to completion is five years.
Standalone Master's in Athletic Training:
The standalone master's degree in athletic training program is for students who already hold a bachelor's degree. Following admission into the master's program, you’ll complete 23 months of graduate-level MSAT coursework.
Quick facts:
- Summer start date
- Graduate in 2 years
- 66 total credit hours
- 4 semesters and one summer of clinical rotations
Common clinical placement sites may include: Concordia University Ann Arbor athletics, University of Michigan athletics, Eastern Michigan University athletics, Med Sport Sports Medicine clinic, and local high schools.
Recommended for you (based on programs you’ve viewed)
- Ann Arbor
The ATP is very selective. The ideal model used is an 8:1, Student:Preceptor ratio. This model will promote a very high level of educational quality, provide the student opportunities for hands-on learning, and maintain compliance with the CAATE Accreditation Standards. Students will formally apply to the ATP the spring semester of their second year, prior to submission into the program.
Transfer students may apply and will be given equal consideration, but must make a commitment to the ATP for a minimum of three years. All students will need to formally apply and complete the ATP curriculum at Concordia University Ann Arbor. Students who are accepted into the ATP will be limited to one extracurricular activity (or sport), participating in that extracurricular activity (or sport) only during its traditional season. Students applying for the ATP must meet the following requirements to be considered for admission into the ATP:
- Earn a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.00 in all major course work.
- Earn a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.75 in all course work.
- Complete the Athletic Training Application by the specified date.
- Interview with the Athletic Training Program Admissions Committee.
- Submit two CUAA AT Program student evaluation forms from two personal references.
- Submit an essay answering each of the following questions in no more than 100 words per question.
- Describe your understanding of the role of an athletic trainer in health care.
- Why do you want to become a certified athletic trainer?
- Describe your personal attributes that you feel are directly related to being successful in the profession of athletic training.
- How would you evaluate your time management, organizational skills, and work ethic?
- What are your primary career goals upon graduation from Concordia University Ann Arbor?
- Any other information that you feel will enhance your application and is pertinent to athletic training or your academic studies.
- Complete and pass the following courses:
- HHP 116 with a grade of a B (3.0) or higher
- HHP 192 with a grade of a B (3.0) or higher
- HHP 212 with a grade of a B (3.0) or higher
- HHP 210 with a grade of a B (3.0) or higher
- HHP 274 with a grade of a B (3.0) or higher
- BIO 191 & 192 Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II with a grade of a C (2.0) or higher
- Submit a physical examination regarding the AT program Technical Standards.
- Submit a copy of health insurance information.
Graduate Application Steps
- Application (Please Submit the Following):
- Application form
- One page essay describing your reason for obtaining a graduate degree
- Résumé of your education and employment experience
- Two signed letters of recommendation using the Recommendation Form (recommendation letters on letterhead may also be submitted)
- All official transcripts
- Physical Evaluation Form
- Copy of health insurance card & immunization records
- The following forms need to be completed and signed:
Please note:
- Graduate entrance exams such as the GRE are not required.
- If you have completed graduate level classes in the last seven years and wish to have them evaluated for possible transfer, please contact your admissions counselor for more information on transferring graduate credits.
- International students should contact the Office of International Student Services at international.admissions@cuaa.edu for additional application requirements.
- Evaluation
When an applicant’s file is complete, the file is forwarded to the Admission Committee for review. - Admission
If the student is admitted, an acceptance letter will be mailed to the student and the student’s CUAA student ID number. Password information to access my.cuaa.edu will be sent separately from the Information Technology office. Your advisor will be able to give you information regarding completion of the required student orientation before you begin your first class.
Non-Degree Seeking Graduate Students
- Please complete the Non-Degree Application
- Non-degree applicants only need to submit an application to begin admission review; however academic transcripts may be requested to complete our review.
Contact Us
For additional information, please contact the Graduate Admission Office at graduate.admissions@cuaa.edu or 734-995-7527.
Amber Melick
MS, AT, ATC, CAT(C)
Assistant Professor
Office: Ann Arbor North Building N263
Phone: (734) 995-7488
Bio
Amber received her B.S. in Kinesiology-Athletic Training from CSU, Fresno and her M.S. in Kinesiology from CSU, Fullerton. Prior to coming to Ann Arbor, she was an adjunct instructor and certified athletic trainer at Fullerton College.

Education
- MS - Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton (2008)
- BS - Kinesiology, California State University, Fresno (2006)
Contributions
- Giacomazzi, A. (2018). Juggling Act. Training and Conditioning. http://training-c...
- Giacomazzi, A. (2017). Clinic to the Classroom. Training and Conditioning. http://training-c...
- Melick, A. (2009). Analysis of the Impact Performance of Ice Hockey Helmets Using Two Different Test Methods. (4 ed.,vol. 6,pp. 1-7). Journal of ASTM International.
Research Interests
- Concussions in hockey
- Skin infections in the wrestling population
Teaching Interests
- Athletic Training
- Strength and Conditioning
Timothy Neal
MS, AT, ATC, CCISM
Program Director - Master of Athletic Training Program (Ann Arbor), Assistant Professor
Office: Ann Arbor North Building 260
Phone: (734) 995-7463
Bio
Timothy Neal is an assistant professor in health and human performance, and is the program director of athletic training education. He is very active in scholarship, policy writing, and task forces for the NCAA and the National Athletic Trainers' Association.

Education
- MS - Health Education, Syracuse University (1981)
- BS - Health Education, Ohio University (1979)
Contributions
- Neal, T. (2019). Athletic Training Excellence Starts with Ethics. In none (Ed.), (doi:10.3928/19425864-20190925-01 ed.,vol. November, 2019- on line,pp. 2). Ithaca, NY: Athletic Training and Sports Care.
Presentations
- Neal, T. (2020). Psychological Factors That Moderate and Mediate Response to Injury for the Athlete with ADHD. Lecture. 2020 TATS annual meeting. Nashville, TN.
- Neal, T. (2020). Suicide Risk Assessment in the Secondary School Setting. Lecture. 2020 TATS annual meeting. Nashville, TN.
- Neal, T. (2017). The Other Worst Moments for Student-Athletes: Mental Health Issues. Oral Presentation. America East Conference Health & Safety Summit. Stony Brook, NY.
Research Interests
- Athletic training
- Risk management
Teaching Interests
- Athletic training
- Liability in sports medicine
Kristin M. Shuman
Ed.D., RSCC, CSCS
Associate Professor
Office: Ann Arbor North Building 265
Phone: (734) 995-7492
Bio
Dr. Shuman joined the faculty of CUAA in August 2017. She currently heads the undergraduate Exercise Science program (BS) and the implementation of the programs curriculum. Prior to CUAA, Dr. Shuman was the Director of Strength and Conditioning at Idaho State University, where she designed, implemented, tested, and evaluated over 300 student-athletes. Her experience in the weight room, as well as the copious amount of time spent performing research in the Human Performance Lab has translated directly into the classroom. A Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (RSCC), a well deserved recognition, as well as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), both through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, makes Dr. Shuman the resident expert on sport performance and injury prevention.

Education
- EDD - Educational Leadership , Idaho State University (2017)
- MPE - Athletic Administration, Idaho State University (2011)
- BS - Sports Medicine, Eastern Michigan University (2008)
Contributions
- Shuman, K. (2019). Grant Proposal Preparation Readiness: A Glimpse at the Education Level of Higher Education Faculty. (1 ed.,vol. 50,pp. 89-107). Journal of Research Administration.
- Shuman, K. (2018). "Considerations for Female Athletes." In Jim Kielbaso and Toby Brooks (Ed.), Principles of Athletic Strength and Conditioning: The Foundations of Success in Training and Developing the Complete Athlete. (pp. 207-215). Plymouth, Michigan : International Youth Conditioning Association.
- Shuman, K. & Appleby, K. (2016). Gender Preference? National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Student-Athletes and Strength and Conditioning Coaches. (10 ed.,vol. 30,pp. 2924-2933). Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. http://dx.doi.org...
- Meyers, M., Miller, K. & Shuman, K., (2016). Incidence and Severity of Upper Extremity High School Football Trauma on Artificial versus Natural Grass. (vol. 48,pp. 869). Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. http://dx.doi.org...
- Shuman, K. & Meyers, M. (2015). Skateboarding injuries: An updated review. (3 ed.,vol. 43,pp. 317-323). The Physician and Sportsmedicine. http://dx.doi.org...
Research Interests
- Epidemiology of Sport Injury
- Performance-based Measures
Teaching Interests
- Exercise Physiology
- Strength and Conditioning
All ATS must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible for graduation:
NOTE: Students will be considered undergraduate students for the first seven semesters and graduate students for the final three semester.
- Maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.00 in major course work.
- Maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.00 in all course work.
- Meet all Retention Standards.
- Must pass all required athletic training courses, in sequence, in order to progress in the Athletic Training Program. If a student does not pass a course during a particular semester, that student cannot progress in the program until the course has been re-taken and the student has passed the course. Students who do not pass an athletic training course during the first attempt may re-take that course one additional time in an effort to pass the class. Students will not be allowed to take any athletic training course more than two times.
- Must pass all required core curriculum courses.
- Meet all CUAA undergraduate and graduate graduation requirements.
Students in the Athletic Training Program at Concordia University Ann Arbor should have the stamina and strength to endure the rigors of athletic training. The technical standards in the ATP are part of the admittance into the program and meet the expectations of the program’s accreditation agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]). The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the ATP, with or without reasonable accommodation. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted into the program.
Applicants for selection into the Athletic Training Program must demonstrate:
- Maintain BLS CPR/AED certification.
- Show proof of a negative test for tuberculosis annually while enrolled in the program.
- Receive a physical prior to acceptance into the program; should include in the health history immunizations received i.e. hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria.
- Possess the physical capability to handle the day-to-day rigors of athletic training; e.g. physical examinations, evaluations, therapeutic exercise, weather extremes, and clinical rotations.
- The ability to critically think and problem solve as it relates to the assessment of the injured and ill.
- The ability to communicate effectively in both the verbal and in written form; i.e. awareness of and sensitivity to various cultures and social backgrounds, and documentation in medical records and forms.
- Maintain professional behavior while representing the ATP; e.g. dress code, attitude, communication, and collegiality.
- The ability to act and react appropriately to various stressful and changing situations in athletic training.
- A commitment to progress as sequenced and completion of the ATP.
- A genuine concern for others associated with the ATP and the patients served.
- The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
- Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
- The ability to record the physical examination results and treatment plan clearly and accurately.
- The ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
- Effective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.
- A respect for the LCMS doctrine and other religious beliefs.
- Athletic training can be an inherently dangerous when around athletic practices and events. Therefore, each athletic training student must carry health insurance in the case of any injuries that may occur.
Applicants to the ATP will be required to verify they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards.
If a student determines that he/she can meet the technical standards with accommodation, then the University will determine whether it agrees that the student can meet the technical standards with reasonable accommodation. This includes a review that the accommodations are reasonable, taking into account whether the accommodation would jeopardize clinician/patient safety or the educational process of the student or the institution, including all coursework, clinical experiences, and internships deemed essential to graduation. Students who need to seek accommodations may go to the Academic Resource Center.
Click here to review the tuition costs associated with this program.
Program extra costs
- NATA Student Dues: $75
- ATrack Membership: $45/year or $90 for lifetime membership
- Clothing: $40/year
- BOC Practice Test: $35