B.S. in Exercise Science: Therapeutic Science/M.S. in Athletic Training

Residential Dual Degree – B.S. in Exercise Science: Therapeutic Science to M.S. in Athletic Training

Earn both your B.S. in Exercise Science: Therapeutic Science and M.S. in Athletic Training degrees in as little as five years. Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science – Therapeutic Science & Master of Science in Athletic Training Dual Degree gives you the opportunity to save time and money.

The B.S. in Exercise Science-Therapeutic Science concentration courses will fulfill all of the prerequisite courses for the M.S. in Athletic Training degree. 

This dual degree is taught by our doctoral faculty, who are grounded in their Christian faith. It will prepare you to be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) Exam. Students must pass this examination to become a certified athletic trainer. This certification is a requirement in all 50 states to be eligible to practice as an athletic trainer. Liberty student BOC exam pass rates rank above the national average.

With this dual degree option, you’ll learn how the human body functions as well as how to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries:

• B.S. in Exercise Science – Therapeutic Science
• M.S. in Athletic Training

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Academics

Declaring the dual degree as your major does not mean you will automatically be accepted into the M.S. in Athletic Training degree. See the following requirements:

• You must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA by the end of your second spring semester and maintain it throughout the third year to be able to continue with the dual degree option.
• For the dual degree, you must meet the admission standards for the M.S. in Athletic Training degree.
• You must apply for the M.S. in Athletic Training degree through the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS) during your second or third year of the dual degree.
• If you don’t meet the admissions standards for the M.S. in Athletic Training degree, you will need to change your major to the stand-alone B.S. in Exercise Science: Therapeutic Science to graduate in four years with your bachelor’s degree.

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Program Accreditation

This dual degree program holds respected industry accreditations, reflecting its commitment to quality education and professional standards.

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Campus Facilities

Earn your dual degree utilizing our state-of-the-art:

• Athletic Training Standardized Patient Center
• Athletic Training Lab
• Human Performance Lab
• Biomechanics & Motion Analysis Lab

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Hands-On Opportunities and Research

Gain exposure to various fitness/health settings with your undergraduate EXSC 321 practicum. Here, you can choose two of the following areas: strength and conditioning, personal training, and clinical rehabilitation. You will complete 15 observational hours in each of your two selected areas.

With your M.S. in Athletic Training, you will complete eight different clinical experience rotations over two years. The rotations will consist of two immersive and six non-immersive experiences.

Students in the M.S. in Athletic Training are taught how to use diagnostic ultrasound imaging to assess musculoskeletal injuries.

You will also earn two additional certifications (Corrective Exercise Specialist & Graston techniques) while taking the Manual Therapy Course.

Present your research at Liberty University’s Research Week and at state, regional, or national professional conferences.

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Thesis and Non-thesis Options

Students in the M.S. in Athletic Training degree have the option to choose between a thesis or non-thesis (clinical reasoning) option to complete the research component of the degree. The thesis option includes conducting original research, while the non-thesis option involves completing an outcomes research project.