Skip to main content
students getting instruction

Combined Degree: Exercise Science B.S. and Athletic Training M.A.T.

Grand Valley State University combined degree programs ooffer current qualified undergraduate students the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree, meeting their unique personal, academic, and career goals. Pursuing a combined degree can reduce the cost and total time required to complete both.

Visit the program website for more information.

Listen to Podcast

Program Overview

Qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the program and obtain both a B.S. in exercise science and M.A.T. in athletic training within the accelerated time frame.

Students interested in the combined degree program will follow the undergraduate coursework for exercise science - clinical emphasis with approved substitutions. Undergraduate exercise science majors apply to the athletic training program in the fall of their junior year. Application requirements include:

  • All prerequisite courses completed with a 3.0 GPA or better.
  • Earned a minimum of C in all courses.
  • Two recommendations.
  • Academic transcripts, resume/CV, and writing samples.
  • Minimum of 75 hours of documented observation.
  • Health care provider CPR/AED and first aid certifications.

Why Pursue Combined Degrees at Grand Valley?

  • Personal attention by faculty in all courses and labs in our student-centered program.
  • Consistent high pass rates on the Board of Certification (BOC) exam for athletic trainers. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
  • Accelerate your career trajectory and complete your degrees one step ahead of the competition.
  • Respond to emerging job markets.
  • Meet the growing national need for more master's trained employees.
  • Gain valuable internship and career opportunities through partnerships in the West Michigan area.

Career Insights

This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.

Accreditation

The Grand Valley State University Athletic Training Program is a CAATE accredited program that is Active in Good Standing

Location & Format

All undergraduate and graduate students in this program meet on Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.

Format:
  • Face To Face

Coursework

Students will earn a maximum of 12 graduate credits during their undergraduate program from the courses listed below. Students are encouraged to work with faculty advisors to ensure all requirements are met. Students may dual-count 12 credits from the following courses toward their degrees:

  • ATH 514 - Assessment and Evaluation
  • ATH 521 - Athletic Training Clinical I
  • ATH 523 - Methods of Evidence Based Practice
  • ATH 525 - Pre-hospital Care of Injured Patients

Admission Requirements

Students apply to the combined degree program at the end of the fall semester during their third academic year and will be admitted for the winter semester. Visit the online catalog for information about admission requirements for the combined bachelor of science in exercise science and master of athletic training.

For More Information

Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training

Shari Bartz-Smith, Ph.D., Program Director
4400 Kindschi Hall of Science
(616) 331-3515
[email protected]

253000xa.com/move-sci

Program Director

Shari Bartz-Smith, Ph.D. 
(616) 331-3044