

The Athletic Training Master of Science program at the University of North Carolina provides students with advanced knowledge in sports medicine, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. The curriculum emphasizes evidence based clinical practice, anatomy, and exercise physiology, preparing learners to support athletes’ physical health and performance effectively. Students develop clinical assessment, rehabilitation techniques, exercise physiology knowledge, and critical thinking skills, equipping them to address athletic injuries and optimize performance outcomes.
Throughout the program, learners engage in coursework, supervised clinical experiences, and applied research projects that integrate theoretical knowledge with practical athletic training. Faculty mentorship guides students in conducting assessments, designing rehabilitation programs, and implementing preventive strategies. By combining clinical expertise with applied experience, students strengthen patient care skills, injury prevention knowledge, therapeutic intervention abilities, and research informed decision making, ensuring they are well prepared for professional roles in athletic training and sports medicine.
Semester 1 Foundations in Athletic Training
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Kinesiology and Biomechanics
• Principles of Athletic Training
• Exercise Physiology
Semester 2 Applied Clinical Practice I
• Injury Prevention and Risk Management
• Clinical Assessment Techniques
• Therapeutic Modalities and Rehabilitation
• Fieldwork I
Semester 3 Applied Clinical Practice II
• Sports Nutrition and Performance
• Advanced Rehabilitation Techniques
• Emergency Care in Athletics
• Fieldwork II
Semester 4 Integration and Capstone
• Evidence Based Practice in Athletic Training
• Research Methods and Applied Studies
• Capstone Project in Athletic Training
• Professional Development and Portfolio
Graduates of this program are prepared for professional roles in athletic training, sports medicine, and fitness management. Many pursue careers as athletic trainers, sports rehabilitation specialists, performance enhancement consultants, and exercise physiologists, supporting athletes’ health and optimizing performance. Others work in professional sports teams, collegiate athletics, clinics, or rehabilitation centers, implementing injury prevention programs, conducting assessments, and designing rehabilitation plans. The programs focus on applied clinical practice, kinesiology, and injury prevention equips graduates to provide effective, evidence based care and excel in dynamic sports and healthcare environments.
This program is ideal for students who want to combine theoretical knowledge of kinesiology with practical skills in athletic training and rehabilitation. Its curriculum emphasizes injury prevention, therapeutic interventions, and applied clinical practice, providing learners with the tools to enhance athletic performance and support physical health. Faculty mentorship guides students in developing assessment skills, rehabilitation planning, clinical reasoning, and evidence based practice capabilities. Through supervised clinical experiences, applied projects, and capstone research, learners strengthen athletic training expertise, rehabilitation and clinical skills, injury prevention knowledge and performance optimization abilities, preparing them for impactful careers in sports medicine, athletic training, and related health fields.
Phone: +1 (919) 966-3621
Email: unchelp@admissions.unc.edu
Address: Jackson Hall, 174 Country Club Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA