Application Process


The Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program at GVSU includes both didactic coursework and clinical experiences structured around a cohort of 24 students per year. The program is designed to engage students in collaborative assignments and projects, common intellectual experiences, a diverse learning environment, and community-based learning; in direct alignment with the University's core value of integrating liberal learning with professional development. Students will be required to complete collaborative projects within the curriculum and have an opportunity to experience becoming producers of research through their graduate project.
 


Deadlines

  • Applications open July 1 and are due by October 15th (Applications verified by the due date will be given preference. Those verified after the due date will be considered, upon availability).  Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications for the verification process 4-6 weeks (September 1) prior to the application deadline to allow for processing.
  • Applicants will be notified by November 15th for a virtual interview via Zoom. 
  • Interviews will take place between November 15th - December 15th.
  • All applicants will be notified regarding acceptance by December 22nd.

 

**ATCAS Special Note: ATCAS runs on cycles.  In the first week of June, their system closes, performs program updates, and opens for the next academic cohort July 1.  Applicants should only submit applications for the current year they wish to apply.  Example:  If wishing to apply by October 15, 2023 - ATCAS portal opens for submissions starting July 1, 2023 - program start date July, 2024.


Requirements

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree: Applicants must complete their undergraduate degree before August 15 (unless in the combined degree program). You can be in process of completing your degree at the time of application. If you are in process of completing your bachelor’s degree, you would be a conditional admit, meaning you will be admitted if you complete the requirement before the start of the professional program.
    • A minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA is required. 
    • We recommend applicants applying for the combined degree complete a minimum of 108 credits before the start of the professional program.
  • Completion of prerequisite coursework: Applicants can find a list of the MAT prerequisite courses.
    • Any non-GVSU course that is a prerequisite must be a direct course equivalent to GVSU.
    • All prerequisites must be taken for letter grades.
    • For each prerequisite course, a grade of C or higher is required.
    • Prerequisite coursework must be completed before the start of the professional program.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills: Applicants will be evaluated throughout the application process for their demonstration of effective communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Essential Functions: Applicants must have the ability to perform all technical standards (essential functions) of the athletic training program.
  • Review the current GVSU MAT Graduate Student Handbook: Applicants will be required to review the current MAT Graduate Student Handbook prior to application.
  • Submission of the: ATCAS MaterialsGVSU Graduate School Materials, and International Students Materials as outlined in the sections below.

Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS) Materials

  • ATCAS online application: Complete and pay the application fee ($96.00 for the first school application and $58.00 for each additional school application).
  • Official transcripts: Applicants must submit ALL official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. 
  • Resume/CV: Submission of a current resume.
  • Personal statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement. Personal statements should be no longer than 2 pages.
  • Two Letters of Recommendation: Submission of only two references through the ATCAS electronic application (under references).  Applicants will input the name and email address of the individual who will complete their letter of recommendation. An applicant application will not be considered complete until letters have been received.
    • At least one reference must be a licensed athletic trainer with whom you have worked/job shadowed/volunteered. All references will complete and return the electronic form on their own to ATCAS.
  • Observation hours: Submission of documentation (See GVSU AT Hour Verification Form below) of volunteer/work/job shadow hours of a licensed athletic trainer. Applicants will need a minimum of 35 hours, post-secondary school.
    • Applicants will use the ‘GVSU AT Hour Verification Form’ to upload to their ATCAS application.
    • All hours must be completed before the start of the professional program. Preference will be given to those who have completed their hours prior to applying.
  • Writing samples: Completion of two writing samples (located within ATCAS, under Questions in the Program Requirement section).
  • Basic Life Support (CPR/AED) and First Aid certifications: Submission of electronic or print copies, (as a jpeg or pdf) within ATCAS, under documents in Program Requirements, of the front and back of your card(s). To register for a class go to the https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/.
    • Certifications must be from the American Red Cross (preferred) or American Heart Association. 
      • We recommend the Basic Life Support (BLS) certification above the Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED course.  However, we will accept either certification. 
      • First Aid cards must include adult and pediatric. 
      • The course must have hands-on participation, no online-only course will be accepted.
      • Certifications must be completed before the start of the professional program. Preference will be given to those who have completed their certifications prior to applying.

GVSU Graduate School Materials

  • GVSU Graduate School Application: In addition to applying to GVSU MAT Program through ATCAS, all applicants must apply to GVSU Graduate School. To apply to GVSU Graduate School, each applicant will need to complete a Supplemental Form through GVSU.  The Supplemental Form cannot be submitted until your ATCAS application is verified. Once verified, you will receive an email from Grand Valley State University containing a link with instructions to submit the form. Applications will not be considered complete until this form has been submitted. It is encouraged that applications be submitted by September 1 to allow time for the verification process.
    • Applicants who have never applied to GVSU will have a $30 application fee (GVSU is a one-time application fee institution).

 International Students only (in addition to the ATCAS & GVSU requirements)

  • Must submit proof of English language proficiency.
  • Official TOEFL test score (minimum 610 (paper-based) or 253 (computer-based) or 102 (internet-based) score required) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 or MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) score of 77 or PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) score of 53.
  • Original or certified original transcripts with official credentialed evaluations (e.g., WES, ECE). 
  • Statement of financial support (refer to GVSU Graduate School Application).
  • Test scores and documents must be sent directly to GVSU’s Admissions Office at 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI 49401-9403.



Page last modified May 10, 2023