The Master of Science in Athletic Training program empowers students to live their purpose as allied health professionals in a nurturing, faith-based environment. Graduates will provide whole person care by developing their clinical expertise and skill, using evidence-based curriculum with high academic standards and high quality clinical experiences.

Graduates of this program will complete eight (8) clinical rotations while in the program providing exposure to different professional athletic training settings including high schools, community colleges, universities, clinics, physician offices, and professional sport environments.

The Master of Science in Athletic Training program at CBU is the first professional master’s degree program in California to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Individuals wanting to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from a CAATE accredited athletic training program and must pass a national examination administered by the Board of Certification.

Admission Requirements

Master of Science in Athletic Training Admission Requirements

Admission standards for graduate studies at California Baptist University can be found in the Admissions section of the University Catalog. Specific admission requirements for the graduate program in Athletic Training are:

1. Grade Point Average
   • A minimum 3.0 GPA for unconditional acceptance
   • Applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be considered for admission with the presentation of a minimum combined score of 300 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
2. Prerequisites (completed with a “C” or better in the past eight years) *
   • Biomechanics
   • Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries with Lab
   • General Psychology
   • Health OR Nutrition
   • Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab (2 semesters)
   • Exercise Physiology
     
     Additional preferred prerequisites:
     • Medical Terminology
     • Research Methods
     • Statistics
3. Three Recommendations, completed on forms provided, from sources who can address your potential for success. Family members and friends may not complete recommendations
4. Comprehensive Essay of at least 500 words that includes the following:
   • Purpose for entering the program
   • Background and/or experiences in sports, athletic training, physical education, or related areas
   • Short and long term professional goals
   • Reasons for choosing to study at California Baptist University
5. Current Resume documenting all related professional and extracurricular experiences
6. CPR for the Professional Rescuer Certification, demonstrated by coursework or certification *
7. Clinical Observation*
   • Verification of 150 hours from two (2) or more athletic training settings supervised by a Certified Athletic Trainer
8. Successful Interview with the Athletic Training Admissions Committee *
   • Admission to the Athletic Training Program is both competitive and selective, therefore satisfactory completion of all program admission requirements and prerequisites does not guarantee program acceptance. The Athletic Training Admissions Committee will review all applicants for formal acceptance

* Not required for admission to the pre-athletic training curriculum, must be complete prior to consideration for admission to the Master of Science in Athletic Training program.

Master of Science in Athletic Training Post-Admission Requirements

The following documentation and certifications must be current and on file with the Athletic Training Program Director prior to beginning clinical rotations:

1. Evidence of current liability insurance coverage
2. Evidence of current first aid and professional rescuer CPR certification
3. Completed health evaluation form
4. Signed declaration of understanding and liability to meet the Technical Standards for Admissions and Retention
5. Signed declaration of understanding and acceptance of all Program Policies and Procedures Handbook
6. Evidence of completed immunizations and annual TB screening
7. Evidence of completed background check