GVSU Undergraduate Degree Options

Students wishing to pursue a career in athletic training will need to obtain a Master of Athletic Training (MAT) Degree. Before beginning an MAT program, students will need to complete a bachelor's degree first. There are several pathways you can choose, depending on your academic interests and goals:

Earn a bachelor's degree while completing the MAT prerequisite courses. Many students choose majors such as Allied Health Science, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or Biomedical Science, but you may pursue any bachelor's degree as long as you complete the required prerequisites.
Complete the Allied Health Science (General Emphasis) Combined Degree Pathway, which allows qualified students to begin working toward their MAT while completing their bachelor's degree in 5 years.
Complete the Exercise Science (Health Care Emphasis) Combined Degree Pathway, another accelerated option that helps qualified students earn both degrees in 5 years.
Create a self-initiated Combined Degree Pathway by working with your academic advisor to develop a personalized plan that meets the requirements for both your undergraduate degree and the MAT program.

What is a Combined Degree Pathway?

A combined degree is an accelerated pathway for students to obtain their Bachelor and Master degrees within 5 years, saving approximately $11,000. Qualified students will complete their first three years of undergraduate coursework. In the fall of their third year, students will apply to the Master of Athletic Training Program. Students accepted into the athletic training program and pursuing the combined degree will start their fourth year taking the Master of Athletic Training courses that will complete their undergraduate degree and their graduate degree (the combined year). Upon completion of the first fall semester within the Athletic Training Program will obtain their undergraduate degree at this point. Students will then be declared as graduate students and complete their fifth year, completing their graduate degree in athletic training. Students at GVSU may choose between the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (Healthcare Emphasis) or Allied Health Science (General Emphasis). For more information about each degree's coursework and/or program, please click on the respective image below.