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Seton Hall University Health and Medical Sciences
athletic training frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to many common questions about the Master of Science in Athletic Training degree program can be found on the following webpages:

Answers to a select number of other frequently asked questions are below:

How many students are admitted each year?
The M.S.A.T. program typically seats 20-25 students each year.

Do you allow part-time status?
No.

If I am accepted, what is the next step?
Accepted students will receive a welcome letter and package of information in the mail from the department. Upon acceptance, students should take steps to fulfill any outstanding requirements before the beginning of the program, as well as take steps to secure housing if necessary.

What is the research component of the curriculum like?
Each student chooses his or her own mentored research project. The student then works with that group to collect and interpret data in support of the research goals. Examples of topics of past research projects undertaken by students include "Head and Neck Movement when Removing Lacrosse Helmets" and "The Effect of Dynamic Warm Up on Strength."

When does the admission process open?
You may apply beginning June 15th for the following academic year.

When does the admission process end?
While the deadline for admission is March 15th, the cycle remains open until the class is full.

Do I need a specific degree in order to apply for the program?
Your baccalaureate degree may be completed in any major to be considered for admission. Please refer to the prerequisite coursework that must be completed as part of the admission process.

Click here to view the M.S.A.T. admission requirements

When does the program begin?
The program begins during the second week of July with Orientation Week. Classes begin the following Monday, and run through mid-August. You will have class Monday through Friday, with classes typically beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 5:00 p.m. You will then proceed to your Clinical I Immersion Experience, where you will spend two weeks shadowing your preceptor on a full-time schedule. This Immersion Experience ends when Fall Semester classes commence.

Click here to view the academics calendar

What does the schedule look like?
The Fall and Spring semesters as a 1st year student will consist of class daily. Classes will typically start at 7:30 a.m. and end at about 1:00 p.m. You will also be assigned a clinical site where you must complete a set number of hours for each semester. This will include both weekday and weekend obligation at your clinical site. 2nd year students will spend fewer days on campus in class and more time at their clinical site.

Click here to view the M.S.A.T. curriculum 

Do I need a car for the program?
The School of Health and Medical Sciences is housed at the new IHS Campus in Nutley, NJ. While there may be limited shuttle service to and from the South Orange campus, the times may not accommodate your course schedule. Also, given the variety clinical sites that the SHU MSAT utilizes, most sites are not easily assessable by public transportation. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical education sites. Students will not be able to complete clinical education requirements without having access to reliable transportation. Please note that clinical placements are made based on educational and programmatic requirements. As such the DCE is unable to consider each student's individual situation regarding transportation in the assignment of clinical sites. In light of this, it is strongly suggested that each student has access to a car in order to ensure reliable transportation to and from their clinical experience.

Can I hold a job while I'm in the program?
While anything is possible, we advise that you wait until approximately midway through the first fall semester, so that you can experience the rigors of the course and clinical work. If you find that you do indeed have free time while maintaining your GPA as well as an appropriate number of clinical hours and days, then you may consider applying for a job.

What is the dress code for the program?
While in class, we ask that you maintain a professional appearance (no ripped/torn clothing, nothing too tight or revealing, no hats indoors). During lab, workout gear is appropriate. While at your clinical sites, you will usually wear a polo and khaki.

Are there additional purchases that I need to make?
Please refer to the expenditures chart to review the required programmatic purchases.

Is there housing available?
Visit the Interprofessional Health Science Campus' resources page for more information about area housing »

Who can I speak to regarding financial aid?
The best service to aid you in regards to receiving financial aid would be the Seton Hall's Office of Financial Aid. There is also a link you may refer to specifically for graduate education and financing your education, which can be found at the Graduate Financial Aid Overview.