Master of Science in Athletic Training: Admissions

Admission Requirements

Admission into the graduate athletic training education program requires a solid background in the profession of athletic training. Guidelines for admission are as follows:

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
2. A minimum grade point average of a 3.00. (Students who are currently Board of Certification (BOC) certified athletic trainers will be given strong consideration if they have attained a minimum of a 2.50 GPA)
3. BOC-certified or have completed the requirements to sit for the certification examination. Priority will be given to students scheduled to take the examination at earlier test windows
4. Emergency Cardiac Care Certification, which must be provided prior to the first day of classes
5. Prospective students must take the BOC examination at least once prior to the start of the fall semester
6. Accepted students must provide proof of professional liability insurance and Act 34 and 151 clearances (criminal and sexual assault background checks) by August 1st. Forms will be provided at the start of the summer session
7. Students seeking a graduate assistanceship must have reliable transportation for travel to affiliated clinical sites if assigned off-campus and must complete the graduate assistantship application.
8. Pennsylvania Athletic Training Certification (prior to the start of clinical experience)
9. Complete the application process listed below
10. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, even if a degree was not earned from a particular institution, to the School of Graduate Studies and Research on or before July 1 after acceptance to the program (Transcripts from Cal U undergraduates are not required)

Application Procedures

Students interested in applying to the Master of Science in athletic training program should first ensure they meet the above requirements. Next, the following procedures should be followed to apply for admission:

Submit the following materials to the School of Graduate Studies and Research:

California University of Pennsylvania
School of Graduate Studies and Research
250 University Ave.
California, PA 15419 

• Completed Graduate School Application.  You may apply online or if you prefer a paper application, e-mail the School of Graduate Studies and Research at gradschool@calu.edu or call the office at 724-938-4187.
• $25.00 Application Fee
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, even if a degree was not earned from a particular institution 
  
  Submit the following to the graduate athletic training education program: 
  Thomas F. West, PhD, ATC
  Director, Graduate Athletic Training Education Program
  Department of Health Science
  California University of Pennsylvania
  250 University Ave.
  California, PA 15419
  west_t@calu.edu
• The graduate athletic training education program application form
• Two letters of recommendation - References should be able to speak to your clinical and academic abilities.
• A cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae.

Admission decisions for the program will begin in January and continue until all positions are filled. Based on previous years, it is recommended that applications be submitted as early as possible in the spring semester or by April 1st at the latest. After that time, applications will be accepted and reviewed until all positions are filled. Applications will not be evaluated until all pertinent materials have been sent according to the guidelines listed above. The graduate athletic training screening committee, after reviewing applications, will select those candidates for admittance to the program on a weekly basis starting in January of each year.