The Department of Human Performance Studies in the College of Applied Studies (CAS) at Wichita State University has secured approval for a new graduate-level degree in athletic training. The 62 credit-hour program launches in the summer of 2023.

The Master of Science in athletic training will replace the currently offered undergraduate degree in athletic training to meet revised national standards and guidelines for accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). CAATE accredits programs in athletic training and is part of the Athletic Training Strategic Alliance, which recently established the master’s level as the professional degree for athletic training.

“The new graduate degree is a rigorous comprehensive program of academic course work and clinical experiences that will provide our graduates opportunity to compete for employment on a national level,” said Rich Bomgardner, associate professor in human performance studies. “Cohort student groups will matriculate through the two-year sequenced degree plan, which continuously builds their knowledge and clinical skill level in preparation for their national board exam. We are very excited to begin this new graduate program and carry on the tradition of producing successful athletic training graduates from our program.”   

The athletic training major has been a successful program at Wichita State dating back to pre-CAATE accreditation and the initiation of the bachelor's degree in athletic training. WSU was approved for the BA degree in athletic training by the Kansas Board of Regents in the spring of 2005, successfully completed CAATE initial program accreditation in the spring of 2008, and successfully completed CAATE re-accreditation in the spring of 2013. CAATE awarded the BA degree the maximum period of 10 years re-accreditation for their successful self-study and site visit.

“The athletic training program has a history of delivering high-quality program and applied learning experiences for our students laying a strong foundation for continued success as a graduate program,” said Dr. Shirley Lefever, interim executive vice president and provost. “We are proud of the work of the faculty in continuing to advance opportunities for our students to pursue this major.”

The first year of the new graduate program will overlap the final year of the undergraduate program as it is phased out. Because the new graduate program for athletic training builds on the existing undergraduate program, faculty and facilities are already in place for the graduate program.

For information about the athletic training program, please contact Bomgardner at rich.bomgardner@wichita.edu.