Graduate Programs in Abilene, TX

 (MAT)

Are you ready to expand your expertise in the world of athletic training? ACU’s Master of Athletic Training degree program builds on your foundational knowledge of health sciences and prepare you for advanced practice in the field. This program emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning, with a curriculum that combines classroom instruction, clinical experiences, and real-world application. Through this advanced training, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to support athletes and active individuals optimize their physical performance and recovery.

ACU’s Master of Athletic Training program provides a comprehensive education in areas such as injury prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies, and rehabilitation. With dedicated faculty mentors and access to state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll engage in clinical and immersion experiences that allow you to apply your knowledge in real-world environments. Demand is on the rise nationally for qualified athletic trainers, so it’s a great time to elevate your expertise through education and training. 

Each MAT student will have the opportunity to work with a variety of our NCAA Division I sports teams as well as gain traditional clinic setting experience during their 6 semesters at ACU. Additionally, each student will complete at least one 4 – 6 week immersion experiential learning experiences where he or she is required to commit all time and effort (no classes during this time) to their experience.

Example Coursework

• Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries
  
• Lower Extremity Assessment of Injury  
  
• Nutrition for Exercise and Sport 
  
• Pharmacology 
  

Common Job Titles

• Athletic Trainer 
  
• Physical Therapist  
  
• Athletic Director   
  

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must complete an ATCAS (Athletic Training Centralized Application Service) application. NOTE: ATCAS charges a one-time application fee. In addition to completing the ATCAS application, ACU requires an application to the ACU Graduate school. Fortunately, all your information from ATCAS is automatically uploaded to the ACU Graduate school after you submit your ATCAS application. The ACU Graduate school fee is still required. Please click here to pay the ACU Graduate Application fee (which is separate from the ATCAS fee).
• Bachelor’s Degree – Completion or near completion of a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university. Applicants must submit official transcripts for review. Admissions are made on the assumption that applicants (except ACU KATP 3+2 applicants) will have the bachelor’s degree by the time of matriculation, and if not, the MAT program admission is void.
• Prerequisite Coursework – All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to matriculation and must be three to four credit hours each. Click here to see the Prerequisite Policy. Prerequisites are: 

            o Biology 

            o Chemistry 

            o Human Anatomy (or A&P I) 

            o Human Physiology (or A&P II) 

            o Physics 

            o Psychology 

            o Exercise Physiology 

            o Kinesiology/Biomechanics 

            o Statistics (basic) 

            o Nutrition

• GPA – An overall GPA of 3.0 is suggested to apply. Prerequisite and general science course grades will be reviewed.
  
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation – Each applicant must obtain three letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation should be completed by individuals who: (a) have supervised observation hours during any health care-related volunteer or paid work; (b) are previous or present instructors and/or advisors; (c) are previous or present employers; and (d) are health care professionals. Letters of recommendation should include elements demonstrating the applicant’s: (a) willingness to learn; (b) integrity; (c) perseverance; and (d) ability to interact with patients/clients. Letters of recommendation are submitted online through the ATCAS Application (see link below).
  
• Personal Statement – A written statement (600-800 words) describing how professional goals, interests, and faith all led you to apply to the Master of Athletic Training Program at ACU.
  

Please note that additional information will be required upon admission to the M.A.T. program at ACU.

This includes:

• Fifty hours of observation directly supervised by a certified and licensed athletic trainer in the spring semester prior to enrollment at ACU. Observation hours must be documented and signed by the supervising athletic trainer on this observation hours form.
  
• A complete physical with medical history
  
• Proof of immunizations (including TB test)
• Drug test
• Criminal background check
• Proof of professional liability insurance
  
• Proof of Health Insurance
  

Your admission to the program is not final until all the post-admission requirements are met. They must be completed by June 1.

Upon completion the Master of Athletic Training program, you’ll be fully equipped to pursue licensure as an Athletic Trainer within Texas and step into leadership roles in the profession. You may seek employment in a variety of settings including high schools, colleges and universities, military bases, fitness centers and more. As a graduate of this program, you are prepared to work in diverse settings, including schools, professional sports teams, rehabilitation clinics, and healthcare facilities.

Looking for a Different Program?

Explore All ACU On-Campus Graduate Programs

Jumpstart your future with the financial support you need

At Abilene Christian University, we understand graduate programs are a big investment. That’s why we offer a variety of financial aid options designed to ease the cost and maximize your potential. Whether you're pursuing a scholarship, a graduate assistantship, or funding for professional travel, ACU provides unique and flexible solutions to support your academic journey. Here are some resources we have to help you achieve your goals.

Scholarships

When you’re accepted into an ACU graduate program, you’re considered for a scholarship tailored just for you—based on your skills, achievements, and the department you enter. Plus, additional scholarships may be available through external professional organizations and accrediting bodies.

Graduate Assistantships

Many ACU departments offer competitive graduate assistantships to enrich your learning experience while providing financial support. Assistantship requirements and expectations vary by department and can cover a generous portion of your tuition costs.

Academic Travel Reimbursement

ACU’s GSA Travel Reimbursement makes it easier for graduate students to attend national and international conferences, research presentations, and other academic travel needs. These funds help make travel more accessible, ensuring financial concerns won’t hold you back from gaining valuable experience in professional settings around the world. 

ACU’s Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

ACU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Questions about the accreditation of ACU may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (sacscoc.org).

SACSCOC is required by the federal government to monitor compliance with the substantive change policy and to approve any major changes. Substantive change is a federal term for any “significant modification of the nature and scope of an accredited institution.” ACU has adopted a Substantive Change Policy, which outlines its internal procedure related to ACU’s compliance with substantive change requirements. After reviewing the policy, please contact the ACU’s SACSCOC Liaison, Chris Riley, with any questions or for more information.

1600 Campus Court, Abilene, TX 79601

Privacy Policy