Is the Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)?

Yes, the MAT Program is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) through the 2030-2031 accreditation cycle.  The link to our accreditation information  can be found at www.caate.net.

What are the prerequisites for the Master of Athletic Training Program?

Prerequisites for the Master of Athletic Training Program can be found on the website at the following links:
Application Requirements
MAT Program application

Do I have to take the GRE?

Applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 are not required to submit GRE scores. All other applicants will need to take the GRE and submit their scores as part of their application.  Further information can be found at the following links:
Application Requirements
MAT Program application

Does the MAT program offer financial aid?

The MAT program currently anticipates offering one program-specific scholarship for a single student per year.  However, other scholarship opportunities are available to all students enrolled both within the HHP department and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.  In addition, scholarships will be offered annually through both the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, and students are highly encouraged to apply.  All students are also encouraged to fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually in order to be eligible for additional financial opportunities. 

What does the 50 hours of observation entail as a part of my application process?

Applicants are required to obtain 50 hours of supervised observation with a Board of Certification certified athletic trainer, who also holds an appropriate credential as an athletic trainer in the state in which they are employed. An example of their credentials would read “LAT ATC”. It is highly recommended that the 50 hours of observation be obtained in a minimum of 2 settings (e.g.: college, high school, clinic, etc.).

How many students does the MAT program accept per year?

The MAT program expects to admit between 15-20 quality applicants per year. 

When does the MAT program begin?

The MAT program consists of two active cohorts: students who are in their first three semesters of the program (i.e. ‘First-year students’) and students who are completing their last three semesters of the program (‘Second-year students’).  Because the MAT program operates using a cohort-type enrollment, all enrolled students in a cohort will take the same courses and those courses are only offered once throughout an enrolled student’s time in the program.  The MAT program officially begins when the “Summer 1” semester starts in June, which typically falls on the first Monday in June.  Students who are officially accepted into the program must have all pre-requisites completed prior to this date and must have their final degree transcripts approved prior to this date.  Furthermore, all admitted students must be available to start the program on this date.

What is the curriculum for the Master of Athletic Training Program?

The curriculum is a six-semester, 57 hour degree program. The coursework, description of courses, and credit hours per course can be found at the following link: MAT Curriculum

What is the cost of the Master of Athletic Training Program?

Updated graduate tuition and fees can be found here under the listing of “CLASS 1”.  There are also associated program fees as well as optional costs. For a complete breakdown of associated costs, please reference the section "MAT Program Financial Responsibilities" in the MAT Program Student Handbook.

What kind of clinical education experiences can I expect while a student in the Master of Athletic Training Program?

The Master of Athletic Training Program has identified clinical sites that incorporate the following CAATE-required clinical education opportunities:

• throughout the lifespan (for example, pediatric, adult, elderly)
• of different sexes, with different socioeconomic statuses
• of varying levels of activity and athletic ability (for example, competitive and recreational, individual and team activities, high- and low-intensity activities
• who participate in non-sport activities (for example, participants in military, industrial, occupational, leisure activities, performing arts)

These educational opportunities occur throughout the student’s time in the program including during the enrolled student’s clinical immersion. 

How are clinical experiences assigned for students enrolled in the MAT program?

Students enrolled in Summer I will be assigned to three clinical experiences that last through the start of the fall semester.  Students enrolled in Fall I and Spring I will be assigned to two experiences lasting 8 weeks each.  Students enrolled in Summer II will be assigned to three clinical experiences.  These clinical experiences are assigned by MAT program faculty in order to ensure that all CAATE-specific clinical experience requirements are met.  During Summer II, enrolled students will be asked to rank their preference for Fall II and Spring II clinical experiences.  These rankings will be used in part to determine the student’s final clinical assignment, which will typically last throughout the Fall II and Spring II semesters.  This extended final rotation is designed to allow students input on their final clinical site and also allow enrolled students to build their professional networking and learn the administrative needs associated with their particular setting. 

When is the MAT program’s clinical immersion?

The clinical immersion is outlined by the CAATE as “ . . . a practice-intensive experience that allows the student to experience the totality of care provided by athletic trainers”.  During the clinical immersion, enrolled students will be assigned to their clinical site but will not have assigned classes or coursework.  The MAT program’s clinical immersion will begin the Monday after spring break and last through the academic semester for a total time of approximately six weeks. 

Is the UH MAT program research-intensive?

The primary focus of the MAT program is to deliver a high-quality, clinical-based educational experience for each student that both prioritize instruction requirements outlined in the CAATE accreditation standards and provides a vast array of clinical education experiences that prepare students for a career as an athletic trainer.  All MAT students will complete one clinical case report per each of the six program semesters, with the requirement to submit at least one completed case report for publication or presentation at a regional or national conference. 

What kind of faculty and preceptors will I be working with while enrolled in the Master of Athletic Training Program?

The MAT program has aligned itself with a range of athletic trainers and physicians in the Houston area who have taken on the commitment of mentoring future athletic trainers. The diverse array of MAT program preceptors exhibit a range of contemporary expertise that will help facilitate a broad knowledge base for enrolled students.

Can I work while enrolled in the Master of Athletic Training Program?

The MAT program is a full-time professional program that requires attendance in all classes and at all clinical education experiences, and as such it will be difficult for enrolled students to maintain steady employment while in the MAT program.  Clinical experience schedules are determined by the student’s assigned preceptor and fluctuate greatly throughout each week.  Should an enrolled student choose to work, at no point can that student’s outside employment interfere with clinical education.   Please refer to the MAT Program Attendance and Outside Employment Policy in the MAT program handbook.

What credentials will I have upon graduating from the program?

Students who graduate from the program will have earned a Master of Athletic Training (MAT) degree and can use the letters “MAT”.  Students who challenge and successfully pass the Board of Certification Exam will earn the credentials “ATC”.  Because the State of Texas accepts the ATC credential as an allowable waiver for taking the written licensure exam, individuals who pass the Board of Certification Exam will be eligible to earn the credential “LAT” in Texas.  It is upon the enrolled student to complete the requirements for the BOC exam application as well as for the LAT credential.