Master in Athletic Training/Trainer (Master's)

Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, founded in 1860, is a liberal arts institution that emphasizes close student-faculty collaboration and holistic development. With a campus community of about 2,086 students and around 186 international students, Augustana prioritizes small class sizes, experiential learning and ethical leadership. The university seeks to develop well-rounded graduates prepared for professional life and civic engagement.

Academic programs span the arts, sciences and professional pre-career tracks, often featuring internships, undergraduate research and community-based learning that connect theory to practice. Faculty mentoring and experiential opportunities help students refine career plans while building practical skills. Campus services include academic advising, career planning and programs that encourage global perspectives and cross-cultural competency.

International students find a welcoming and supportive environment with resources for transition, campus involvement and scholarship information. Sioux Falls combines the advantages of a mid-sized city with access to regional employers and internship possibilities. Prospective applicants should emphasize academic strength, community involvement and career intentions to make the most of Augustana's personalized education and strong preparation for graduate study or the workforce.

Graduates are qualified to work as licensed athletic trainers specializing in the health care of physically active individuals, with a focus on collegiate athletes. The programme integrates didactic education with hands-on clinical experiences through membership in the AU Sports Medicine Team. Students gain practical training within the Sanford Health network across diverse health care settings. The curriculum emphasizes clinical competence and professional behaviors needed for entry-level practice.

Focus areas include Collegiate athlete health care, Clinical athletic training, Team-based health care delivery, Sports medicine, Holistic treatment approaches, Mentorship in athletic training.

The programme requires 72 credits, distributed across didactic coursework, clinical practicum hours, and a capstone project. Students complete structured education and supervised clinical experiences to meet professional certification standards.

Graduates enter roles as licensed athletic trainers in collegiate, high school, clinical, and sports medicine settings.

Applicants must have completed prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, psychology, and physics with a minimum 2.5 GPA. The application process includes an online application, interview with the program director, and submission of transcripts. Clinical observation hours and recommendations are optional.

The programme totals about 72 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, typically completed in 2 years. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 59% of applicants.