In order to graduate from Grand Valley State University with a Master of Athletic Training (MAT) Degree, students must successfully complete all requirements of the MAT program as outlined in the University Catalog, in the MAT Student Handbook and on the MAT website.

Successful completion of the GVSU MAT Program makes students eligible to sit for the Board of Certification Examination for Athletic Trainers.

To successfully graduate from the GVSU MAT Program, students must:

1. Pass each required course (see required coursework, not electives) with a C or better with a cumulative MAT GPA 3.0. 
2. Successfully complete all Clinical Rotation requirements (see clinical rotation requirements).
3. Complete and pass all Standards and evaluation tools.
4. Successfully complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical rotation hours.
5. Maintain First Aid and CPR/AED certifications. Certifications must be from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. CPR/AED cards must be the equivalent for the professional rescuer or basic life support. First Aid cards must be the equivalent of Responding to Emergencies. Any other certifications will not be accepted (e.g. lifeguard).  The course must have hands-on participation - no online only course accepted.
6. Have any academic restrictions, deferred grades, incomplete grades converted or lifted.
7. Have all fees completely paid.
8. Meet all Graduate School and GVSU requirements for graduation.

Failure to complete all of the above will require the student to follow the remediation policy.

It is the student’s responsibility to complete the application to graduate and submit it online at www.gvsu.edu/registrar the semester before graduation is expected. Degree candidates have 30 days from the last day of the semester to complete all course requirements and provide evidence of satisfactory completion to the Registrar. More details are provided on the registrar’s online page under “Apply to Graduate”.

For more information please see our Retention and Remediation Policy.

Undergraduate Coursework

Qualified undergraduates may choose an accelerated pathway to obtain both a B.S. in Exercise Science with a Health Care Emphasis and a MAT in Athletic Training usually completing the degrees in 5 years. Students interested in the Combined Degree pathway will follow the coursework below listed below.  Students must apply to the Master of Athletic Training in the fall, typically in their junior year.

The block tuition rate for an undergraduate degree is for 12-15 credits. You will pay additional tuition for any credits over 15

*Student Choice (Gen Ed) students must choose a course within the General Education specified category.

**Student Choice (Exercise Science in Health Care Emphasis Elective) - ATH 210 (1 credit), ATH 218 (1 credit), MOV 310 (3 credits) are included as part of the degree requirements, student must complete at least 1 additional credit from the list of Health Care Emphasis Electives. 

***Student Choice (Free Elective) - students must choose any course of their interest

Combined Coursework for both Exercise Science in Health Care Emphasis/Master of Athletic Training

Students accepted in the MAT program will take graduate courses which count in both degrees.  During the first Summer and Fall semesters, 12 credits are dual counted, meaning they count as graduate and undergraduate credits.

• ATH 506 (2 credits) and ATH 514 (4 credits) substitute of EXS 490 requirement. 
• ATH 510 (3 credits) and ATH 521 (3 credits) will substitute 6 of the 12 credits Health Care Emphasis Electives requirement.

Upon successful completion of ATH 510, 521, 506, and 514; students will be eligible to apply for their B.S. degree in Exercise Science - Health Care Emphasis assuming all other degree requirements have been met.

GVSU Students are required to complete a minimum of 120 credits (semester hours) for graduation.  This means combined degree students should have 108 credits before the start of the MAT coursework.

Graduate Coursework

Students accepted into the MAT program will have completed their BS Exercise Science with Health Care Emphasis and will finish their second year of graduate coursework. 

Estimated Program Costs

• Undergraduate and Graduate Tuition costs = Please go to Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
• Students will be responsible for the costs associated with required immunizations managed through Viewpoint Screening [$25 one-time fee]
• Physical Exam ($49), Blood Titers ($40), and Tuberculosis Testing ($15/test) the total estimated costs will be $120 (if completed at GVSU Family Health Center). Prices will vary at other healthcare facilities and are dependent on required immunizations.
• Annual TB Test = $15/test (if completed at GVSU Family Health Center)
• Background checks = $35
• Drug screenings = $45
• Basic Life Support (CPR/AED) and First Aid Certification = $34
• CPR breathing barrier mask = $13 (at the GVSU Laker Store)
• Travel to and from clinical/immersive experience (varies based on assignment)
• Grand Valley Athletic Training Polo = $33
• Student membership to ATrack = $45 annually or $90 for a lifetime.
• All textbooks and supplemental materials are required for each course.
• Additional costs may be associated depending on clinical/immersive experience location.

All costs listed above are estimated as of August 2023.