Application opens: July 1

Application deadline: October 15 (with rolling admissions)

Interview Notification: November 15

Interviews Occur: November 15 - December 4

Notification of Acceptance: Before December 11

**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 June 30.  Applicants should only submit applications for the current year they wish to apply.  Example:  If wishing to apply by October 15, 2026 - ATCAS portal opens for submissions starting July 1, 2026 - program start date June, 2027.

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.

• 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 the process of completing your degree at the time of application. If you are in the process of completing your bachelor’s degree, you would be a conditional admit, meaning you will be admitted if you complete the requirement(s) 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. If you don't see your course listed within our Course Equivalency Guide website, please email [email protected] to inquire about equivalency.
  • All prerequisites must be completed 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 academic program in June.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills: Applicants will be evaluated throughout the application process for their demonstration of effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Technical Standards: Applicants must have the ability to perform all technical standards 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 before application. 
  • Students are encouraged to review the GVSU Health Compliance Policy, which includes information regarding immunization, drug screen, and background check requirements.
• Official transcripts: Applicants must submit ALL official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to ATCAS. 
  • For further information on transcript(s) submission, please go to the ATCAS Applicant Help Center.
• 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 recommendations).  Applicants will input the name and email address of the individual who will complete their letter of recommendation. An applicant's 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 of 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 before applying.
• Writing samples: Completion of one writing sample (located within ATCAS, under Questions in the Program Requirement section).

GVSU Graduate School Materials

• GVSU Graduate School Application: In addition to applying to the GVSU MAT Program through ATCAS, all applicants must apply to GVSU Graduate School. To apply to the 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. 
  • Applicants who have never applied to GVSU will have a $30 application fee (GVSU is a one-time application fee institution).

International Students

The GVSU MAT program is unable to accept international students at this time due to federal requirements regarding online education. 

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• What is ATCAS?
• ATCAS Help Center
• GVSU MAT Application Frequently Asked Questions
• Health Compliance Frequently Asked Questions

Additional questions can be addressed to Dr. Shari Bartz-Smith (GVSU MAT Program Director) or Eliza MacDonald (GVSU MAT Admissions Advisor)