Kinesiology - Graduate Programs
Master of Science in Athletic Training - Mission and Goals
Program Mission
The Athletic Training Program (ATP) at the University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing a quality education program that focuses on scientific theory, skill acquisition, application of skills, and professional behaviors via pertinent didactic and clinical education. Through faculty and clinical preceptor mentoring, graduates of the Athletic Training Program are prepared to be competent, creative, caring clinicians who enhance best-practice patient healthcare, exercise sound judgment, and value lifelong learning.
The program of study leading to the Master of Athletic Training (MSAT) is designed to accomplish four major goals:
Program Goal #1
Prepare students to have the knowledge, skills, and clinical aptitude to successfully work as an entry-level Athletic Trainer
Objetives:
1.1: Demonstrate best practice comprehensive care of patients with injuries and illnesses.
1.2: Successfully complete required assignments, examinations, and standardized patient sessions aligned with educational competencies.
1.3: Successfully pass program capstone exam, the national Board of Certification (BOC) exam, and the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration licensure exam for Athletic Trainers.
1.4: Demonstrate readiness to implement safe practices.
Program Goal #2
Prepare students to use evidence based medicine to guide clinical practice, and foster active life-long learning in order to advance the profession.
2.1: Successfully access and critically analyze a variety of healthcare related research data.
2.2: Apply evidence based medicine techniques best suited for patient-centered care in the clinical workplace.
2.3: Implement patient-oriented outcome measures to assist with comprehensive patient care.
2.4: Participate in continuing education and professional activities in conjunction with career interests and leadership positions.
Program Goal #3
Prepare students to demonstrate professional, legal and ethical behaviors that comply with established standards for health care professionals.
3.1: Demonstrate knowledge in interpreting the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Code of Ethics and the BOC Standards of Professional Practice throughout classroom experiences.
3.2: Successfully implement NATA Code of Ethics and BOC Standards of Professional Practice and other applicable documents throughout clinical experiences.
Program Goal #4
Prepare students to value mutual respect and cultural differences associated with varied exposures and clinical job settings.
4.1: Implement patient-centered care that considers the relevant socioeconomic, cultural and religious characteristics that are pertinent to a patient’s circumstances.
4.2: Demonstrate effective and respectful communication with individuals, groups, professionals, and society.
4.3: Demonstrate effective and respectful behaviors with individuals, groups, professionals, and society.
4.4: Demonstrate patient-centered care geared to individual patient situations and desired outcomes in accordance with best practices.
4.5: Demonstrate knowledge in effective interprofessional collaborative practice competencies including interprofessional values/ethics, roles and responsibilities, communication and teamwork.
For specific information regarding graduate study in the Department of Kinesiology, please contact the Graduate Advisor at 817.272.3288 or by e-mail at kinegradcoord@uta.edu.
Master of Science in Exercise Science - Objective
The program of study leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) in Exercise Science is designed to accomplish two major objectives:
- To provide students with the academic and research skills needed for doctoral study in kinesiology, exercise science, physiology of exercise, postural control, athletic training or biomechanics.
- To prepare students for employment in clinically-oriented environments that place an emphasis on research-based practice such as cardiac rehabilitation, strength and conditioning or sports medicine.
Current departmental faculty members have been academically trained in, and are actively publishing in the areas of physiology of exercise, postural control, athletic training, biomechanics, cardiovascular physiology, physical education(pedagogy), pulmonary physiology, motor-learning , and the general areas of allied health sciences. The ongoing research in these areas provides the primary focus for the M.S. program. Program graduates will be well prepared to work as researchers in laboratories and to enroll in doctoral programs in these content areas.
Students are encouraged to present their research at state and national meetings of the following organizations: American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The M.S. degree, combined with supervised clinical experience, will assist students in their preparation for national certification exams.
Admission Requirements for M.S. in Athletic Training
Unconditional Admission
- Bachelor’s Degree (preferably in Kinesiology, Exercise Science or related field).
- Admission to The University of Texas at Arlington.
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Submission of GRE scores (the following scores are preferred but not required:
Verbal - 150 [450], Math - 141 [450], Writing Score: 3.0
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or 3.0 GPA during the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work.
- Complete and submit the UT Arlington MSAT Program Application, essay, résumé, and transcripts
- Complete 50 hours of observation with an athletic trainer (ATC and/or LAT) and submit the UT Arlington MSAT Observation Verification Form
- Submit three UT Arlington MSAT Reference forms (see MSAT website for details)
- Complete and submit the UT Arlington MSAT Report of Medical History form
- Complete and submit the UT Arlington MSAT Report of Health Evaluation form
- Complete the UT Arlington MSAT Technical Standards for Admission forms (both Student and Physician versions)
- Submit the UT Arlington MSAT Release of Medical/Health Information form
- Submit the UT Arlington MSAT Immunization Record form
- Complete Criminal Background Check (CBC)
- Meet the application deadline of either February 1st or October 1st, for summer admission in June
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International applicants must meet the Office of Graduate Studies minimum scores for admission for the TOEFL, TSE, TOEFL iBT, and IELTS test: A score of at least 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, a score of at least 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 40 on the TSE, a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS, or a minimum TOEFL iBT total score of 79 with sectional scores that meet or exceed 22 for the writing section, 21 for the speaking section, 20 for the reading section, and 16 for the listening section are required.
Probationary Admission
Applicants failing to meet the unconditional admission criteria may be considered for probationary admission, in which case the following additional criteria will also be considered by the MSAT Admissions Committee:
- Professionally relevant experience.
- A sample of technical writing may be requested.
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first two semesters (Summer and Fall) of enrollment in the graduate program.
Required Prerequisites (grade of C or better)
- Basic Athletic Injury course (such as Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries)
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Functional Anatomy (this course must be upper division and may also be titled: Applied Kinesiology or Kinesiology or Biomechanics)
- Physiology of Exercise
- Nutrition (Sports or Performance preferred but not required)
Preferred Prerequisites (grade of C or better)
- Physics I
- Chemistry I
- Medical Terminology
Retention Criteria
MSAT students’ academic and clinical progress will be closely monitored each semester by the MSAT Program Director and the MSAT Clinical Education Coordinator. In order to remain in the MSAT program, students must:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher in athletic training core courses.
- Adhere to the MSAT Policies and Procedure Manual, the BOC Standards of Professional Practice, and the NATA Code of Ethics.
* Students who fail to meet the retention criteria will be placed on probation in the MSAT program for one semester. If standards are not met by the end of the probationary period, the student will be dismissed from the program. Students who earn a grade of C or lower in any required course must repeat that course and earn a grade of B or higher in order to remain in the program. Failure to repeat the course, or earn a grade of B or better, will result in dismissal from the program.
Transfer Policy
No transfer credit will be awarded for Athletic Training core courses.
Waiver of the Graduate Record Examination
Upon recommendation of the Graduate Advisor, outstanding UT Arlington graduates with a degree in Kinesiology or related fields (such as Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Nursing, Computer Science, or Engineering) may qualify for a waiver of the requirements for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). To qualify, the applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:
- The student must have graduated from a commensurate bachelor’s degree program at UT Arlington no more than three academic years prior to admission to the graduate program (as measured from the start of the semester for which admission is sought). A commensurate bachelor’s degree program is one that is a normal feeder program for the master’s degree program to which the student seeks admission. Undergraduate students in their final year of study are also eligible; in such cases, admission with the GRE waiver is contingent upon successfully completion of the bachelor’s degree.
- The student’s UT Arlington grade-point average must equal or exceed 3.0 in the following calculations:
- As calculated for admission by the Office of Graduate Studies;
- Overall;
- In the major field; and
-
In all upper-division work.
Applicants qualifying for waiver of GRE who do not qualify for advance admission, must comply with all other requirements for admission, i.e., submitting the application, paying fees, providing official transcripts from other institutions, and meeting any requirements established by the admitting graduate program. The GRE waive must be recommended by the Graduate Advisor at the time of admission.
Degree Requirements for M.S. in Athletic Training
All students accepted into the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program will complete 57 hours of coursework.
Required Coursework
The following courses will be required for completion of the MSAT degree program.
Prefix and Number Required Courses SCH
| KINE 5420 | CONCEPTS IN ATHLETIC TRAINING | 4 |
| KINE 5220 | PREVENTATIVE AND ACUTE CARE TECHNIQUES IN ATHLETIC TRAINING | 2 |
| KINE 5120 | ATHLETIC TRAINING CLINICAL I | 1 |
| KINE 5430 | ORTHOPEDIC ASSESSMENT I | 4 |
| KINE 5433 | THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS I | 4 |
| KINE 5348 | PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY I | 3 |
| KINE 5221 | CLINICAL ATHLETIC TRAINING II | 2 |
| KINE 5431 | Orthopedic Assessment II | 4 |
| KINE 5434 | THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS II | 4 |
| KINE 5222 | CLINICAL ATHLETIC TRAINING III | 2 |
| KINE 5226 | PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY II | 2 |
| KINE 5347 | ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT AND CORRECTIVE EXERCISE | 3 |
| KINE 5223 | CLINICAL ATHLETIC TRAINING IV | 2 |
| KINE 5333 | Health Care Administration | 3 |
| KINE 5227 | LITERATURE AND RESEARCH FOR THE ATHLETIC TRAINER | 2 |
| KINE 5341 | IMMEDIATE AND EMERGENCY CARE 1 | 3 |
| KINE 5224 | CLINICAL ATHLETIC TRAINING V | 2 |
| KINE 5228 | SEMINAR IN ATHLETIC TRAINING | 2 |
| KINE 5342 | IMMEDIATE AND EMERGENCY CARE 2 | 3 |
| KINE 5344 | SCHOLARSHIP IN ATHLETIC TRAINING PRACTICE | 3 |
| KINE 5225 | CLINICAL ATHLETIC TRAINING VI | 2 |
| Total Hours | 57 | |
Admission Requirements for M.S. in Exercise Science
Unconditional Admission
- Minimum GRE quantitative score of 144 (500 on old scale) and verbal score of 153 (500 on old scale).
- 3.0 GPA for the degree and/or 3.0 GPA during the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.
- Undergraduate and/or graduate course work related to kinesiology.
- 3.0 GPA on all graduate work.
- 3 letters of reference on file.
- International applicants must meet the Office of Graduate Studies minimum scores for admission for the TOEFL, TSE, TOEFL iBT, and IELTS test: A score of at least 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, a score of at least 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 40 on the TSE, a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS, or a minimum TOEFL iBT total score of 79 with sectional scores that meet or exceed 22 for the writing section, 21 for the speaking section, 20 for the reading section, and 16 for the listening section are required.
- To be eligible for a graduate teaching assistantship, international students must submit a TSE score of at least 45, or a score on the Speaking section of the TOEFL iBT of at least 23 or a score of at least 7 on the Speaking section of the IELTS. Alternatively, students who have not taken the TSE, or who have failed to attain a score of 23 on the Speaking section of the TOEFL iBT or a score of 7 on the Speaking section of the IELTS, may achieve a score of at least 45 on the SEA examination administered by the University of Texas at Arlington’s Assessment Services Office.
Probationary Admission
Applicants failing to meet the unconditional admission GRE criteria or having a GPA less than 3.0 may be considered for probationary admission, in which case the following additional criteria will also be considered by the Graduate Studies Committee:
- Professionally relevant experience
- A sample of technical writing may be requested
Applicants admitted on probation will be required to maintain a B or better average during their first 9 hours of graduate study. A Graduate Advisor within the Department of Kinesiology will review transcripts of prospective students to determine what prerequisites are needed prior to enrollment in courses within the proposed program. If deficiencies are identified, a pre-program of study designed to prepare the student for graduate course prerequisites will be written and signed by the prospective student and the Graduate Advisor.
Applicants seeking admission to an educator preparation program in the College of Education and Health Professions may be denied admission or readmission to those programs if they have been suspended or expelled from the University of Texas at Arlington or any other university or program for reasons other than academic reasons.
Waiver of the Graduate Record Examination
Upon recommendation of the Graduate Advisor, outstanding UT Arlington graduates with a degree in Kinesiology or related fields (such as Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering) may qualify for a waiver of the requirements for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). To qualify, the applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:
- The student must have graduated from a commensurate bachelor’s degree program at UT Arlington no more than three academic years prior to admission to the graduate program (as measured from the start of the semester for which admission is sought). A commensurate bachelor’s degree program is one that is a normal feeder program for the master’s degree program to which the student seeks admission. Undergraduate students in their final year of study are also eligible; in such cases, admission with the GRE waiver is contingent upon successful completion of the bachelor’s degree.
- The student’s UT Arlington grade-point average must equal or exceed 3.0 in the following calculations:
- as calculated for admission by the Office of Graduate Studies;
- overall;
- in the major field; and
- in all upper-division work.
Applicants qualifying for waiver of GRE who do not qualify for advanced admission, must comply with all other requirements for admission, i.e., submitting the application for admission, paying fees, providing official transcripts from other institutions, and meeting any requirements established by the admitting graduate program. The GRE waiver must be recommended by the Graduate Advisor at the time of admission.
Graduate Assistantships
The Department of Kinesiology offers graduate teaching and graduate research assistantships. Assistantships are contingent upon prior acceptance to the Graduate School. Graduate Assistant applicant evaluation begins on February 1 and continues until all positions are filled. Please direct all inquires to the graduate program director Dr. Mark Ricard at ricard@uta.edu.
Degree Requirements for M.S. in Exercise Science
All students accepted into the Master of Science in Exercise Science program will complete 36 hours of coursework consisting of 15-18 semester hours in exercise science, which includes completing either KINE 5389 RESEARCH MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION or KINE 5698 THESIS. Students then have the option of selecting 18-21 hours of electives. Detailed information concerning the plan of work is available on the Department of Kinesiology website: www.uta.edu/coehp/kinesiology.
| Required Coursework | ||
| KINE 5300 | RESEARCH METHODS IN KINESIOLOGY | 3 |
| KINE 5305 | APPLIED STATISTICAL PRINCIPLES IN KINESIOLOGY | 3 |
| KINE 5320 | ADVANCED PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE | 3 |
| KINE 5323 | MOTOR CONTROL AND LEARNING | 3 |
| KINE 5389 | RESEARCH MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION | 3-6 |
| or KINE 5698 | THESIS | |
| Elective Coursework | ||
| Select six to seven of the following (based on thesis or non-thesis track): | 18-21 | |
| METABOLISM & EXERCISE BIOCHEMISTRY | ||
| CARDIOCIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE | ||
| PULMONARY PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE | ||
| NEUROMUSCULAR PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE | ||
| STRENGTH & CONDITIONING IN SPORT AND PERFORMANCE | ||
| OBESITY & WEIGHT MANAGEMENT | ||
| SPORT NUTRITION | ||
| APPLIED BIOMECHANICS | ||
| SPECIAL TOPICS IN KINESIOLOGY | ||
| PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE INTERNSHIP | ||
| RESEARCH IN KINESIOLOGY | ||
| Total Hours | 33-39 | |
Coursework that is more than six years old at the time of graduation or teacher/administrator certification program completion cannot be used toward meeting the requirements for a master’s degree or graduate-level certification. Master’s degree and graduate-level certification programs must be completed within six years (time in military service excluded) from initial registration in the Graduate School. Appropriate state exams and application to the State Board for Educator Certification for a standard certificate must be made within six months of completion of residency/practicum/program. If a candidate allows the six-month period to go by without passing all state exams and applying for certification, additional coursework and/or exams will be required.