Interim Department Head:       Dr. Margaret Fitzgerald
Program Coordinator:              Dr. Pamela Hansen
Program Location:                   Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse
Telephone Number:                 (701) 231-8093
Degrees Offered:                      M.S., MATrg
Application Deadline:               February 15 for Fall admission or until all spots are filled
English Proficiency                  TOEFL ibT 81
Requirements:                           IELTS 6.5

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Program Description

The Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences (HNES) offers graduate study leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) in Advanced Athletic Training and a Master of Athletic Training (MATrg) degree. The HNES department also offers a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in HNES with options in Exercise/Nutrition Science and Dietetics (on line).

Master of Science in Advanced Athletic Training

The MS in Advanced Athletic Training (40 credits) is a post-professional/post certification. The student will be exposed to didactic content in the advanced skills and knowledge of diagnostic evaluation, modalities and leadership. The program involves extensive research and application of the latest theories and techniques in athletic training and related fields. Clinical practice will enable students to be proactive in the application of new knowledge and skills. This degree is for the student who has graduated with an entry-level athletic training degree from a CAATE accredited program and has earned the “ATC” credential or is eligible to sit for the BOC, Inc. exam. See the MS website for all necessary information regarding application process.

Master of Athletic Training (MATrg)

The Master of Athletic Training (MATrg) is a professional program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The MATrg (41 credits) will prepare students to take the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) examination and earn the ‘ATC’ credential. Didactic courses and clinical experience courses focus on prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries resulting from physical activity. This two year program starts in July!

Option 1: Five year program. This unique option allows the student to complete a baccalaureate degree in Exercise Science and Master of Athletic Training degree in 5 years.

• At the end of the third year, students apply to and must be admitted into the NDSU Graduate School.
• Students start the MATrg program in July, and take both undergraduate and graduate courses during the fall and spring semesters of their fourth year.
• After meeting all degree requirements and completing the exercise science internship in the summer after their fourth year, students will be awarded a bachelor's degree in exercise science .
• At end of the 5^th year the student will complete the MATrg.
• This program is recommended for entering freshmen, student-athletes, and transfer students who want to pursue and athletic training degree at NDSU.

• Option 2: Two year program. If you earned a bachelor’s degree in a related major from another institution, this option may be right for you.
• Students must meet the admission requirement and be admitted into the NDSU Graduate School.
• The program begins in July and is recommended for students who want to change professions, have earned a bachelor’s degree or are student- athletes.

Admission Requirements (same for both options):

• Acceptance into the NDSU Graduate School.
• Undergraduate overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Academic Requirements (same for both options):

• Documentation of 50 hours of observation completed under the direct supervision of a BOC ATC® in an athletic training room setting.
• Minimum of “C” or higher in the following college courses:
  • Human Anatomy and Lab (1 semester)
  • Human Physiology and Lab (1 semester)
  • General Physics and Lab (1 semester)
  • General Chemistry and Lab (1 semester)
  • Exercise Physiology and Lab (1 semester)
  • Kinesiology/Biomechanics and Lab (1 semester)
  • Medical Terminology (1 semester)
  • Nutrition (1semester)
• Current First Aid and CPR/AED card

After successful completion of this program (41 credits), the student will be eligible to take the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) exam. Certification by the BOC is the entry-level credential. See the MATrg website for all necessary information regarding application process.

Financial Assistance

Both research and teaching assistantships may be available. Applications are considered on the basis of scholarship, potential to undertake advanced study and research, and financial need. To be considered for an assistantship, a completed Graduate School Application, official transcripts, and three letters of reference must be received by the Graduate School not later than February 15. The department admits students for fall semester only. Students are also required to submit a letter of interest and complete a department application for teaching assistantships after they have been accepted into the department as a graduate student. Letters of interest should be submitted to the department Graduate Coordinator. Graduate assistants teach approximately six credits each semester, receive a financial stipend for their work, and a full tuition waiver for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Assistantships are available contingent upon current funding.

The Master of Science in Advanced Athletic Training requires 40 semester credits (thesis option only) and the Masters of Athletic Training requires 41 semester credits (intern option only).

Shannon David, Ph.D.
Ohio University, 2013
Research Interests: Quantification of Intervention Outcomes, Patient-Clinician Relationship

Kara Gange, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 2010
Research Interests: Modalities

Nicole German, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 2008
Research Interests: Critical Thinking, Clinical Practice

Pamela Hansen, Ed.D.
University of South Dakota, 2000
Research Interests: Athletic Training Education, Female ACL injuries, Learning Styles