3+2 Exercise Science, B.S. (MSAT Track)

The new 3+2 master’s level Athletic Training program, launched in the fall of 2024, provides a real-world education for students studying to become certified athletic trainers. Students entering the 3+2 program complete the first three years of the Exercise Science major and begin the master’s portion of the program in their fourth year at Millikin.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Millikin 3+2 Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program in the School of Exercise Science & Sport is to provide quality education for students wishing to become certified athletic trainers. Through a combination of both didactic and practical learning experiences, the program helps students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for success on the Board of Certification (BOC) examination and for success in the field of Athletic Training and related allied health fields.

Learning Outcomes for Athletic Training Major

All students in the Athletic Training Major will:

1. Acquire didactic and clinical knowledge and skills relating to the prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and protection of injuries sustained in the active population.
2. Engage in clinical experiences that promote professional and personal citizenship.
3. Adhere to a code of conduct that ensures appropriate ethical and behavioral decorum.

Admission into the Athletic Training Program

The School of Exercise Science & Sport has established standards for admission to and retention in the Athletic Training Program. Students are chosen based on the following:

1. Hold senior or equivalent standing.
2. Submit a written application to the Director of the School of Exercise Science and Sport.
3. Complete all pre-requisite courses in the first six semesters of the Exercise Science major or equivalent transfer credits.
4. All students in the Master of Science in Athletic Training major (MSAT) must maintain a major GPA of 3.0 and must earn a B- or higher in each of the “Required Courses for the Athletic Training Major.”
5. Complete 100 hours of satisfactory clinical observation under the supervision of the MSAT Program Director.
6. Complete an admission interview with a panel made up of the athletic training faculty and staff and current athletic training students.

Candidates for admission must also submit: 

1. A completed Athletic Training Graduate Application
2. A successful background check
3. A current resume
4. Three professional references
5. A personal statement describing their academic and potential career goals 

Transfer Students

Transfer students will be admitted to the program provided they fulfill all program admission requirements. Coursework completed at another institution will be evaluated by the Registrar and MSAT Program Director to determine whether the course objectives completed coincide closely with the course objectives of any courses required for admission into the MSAT.

Athletic Trainer Certification

To become an athletic trainer a student must satisfy all requirements set by the Board of Certification (BOC) and pass a national certification exam. Only students graduating from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) are eligible to sit for the national certification exam.