BS in Exercise Science / MS in Athletic Training (Dual Degree)
Level Up with a Dual Degree in Exercise Science – Therapeutic Science and Athletic Training
If you’re passionate about sports, injury prevention, and helping people stay at the top of their performance, Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science – Therapeutic Science / Master of Science (MS) in Athletic Training dual degree program was made for students like you. This accelerated 3+2 program, which blends human movement science with advanced athletic training techniques, is designed so that you can graduate with 2 powerful degrees in just 5 years.
Your journey starts with a bachelor’s in exercise science focused on therapeutic science – covering biomechanics, anatomy, exercise physiology, and rehabilitation strategies. Then you can transition straight into the master’s in athletic training, where you can dive deep into clinical injury assessment, therapeutic modalities, and hands-on patient care. From the weight room to the clinic, you can engage in supervised clinical rotations that can help prepare you for work with athletes, sports teams, and patients in diverse health settings.
Whether you dream of working with professional athletes, high school sports teams, or active patients in rehabilitation, this program can help equip you with the knowledge, skills, and values-driven approach to make an impact. Partner with us – your future in athletic training starts here.
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Jan 19, 2026
CAAHEP Accredited
Highlights
Highlights of Our Bachelor’s in Exercise Science – Therapeutic Science / MS in Athletic Training
Accelerated 3+2 Program
Work to earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just 5 years through our streamlined dual degree pathway. This accelerated format can help you save time and tuition while moving into your career in athletic training faster.
Hands-On Clinical Rotations
Work directly with athletes, sports teams, and rehabilitation patients in real-world settings. These clinical experiences allow you to apply classroom knowledge to injury prevention, assessment, and recovery scenarios.
Certification Exam Readiness
Gain the knowledge and skills to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam and pursue professional certification as an athletic trainer. The program’s coursework and clinical experiences are aligned with national certification standards.
Nationally Recognized Accreditation
This dual degree program holds respected industry accreditations, reflecting its commitment to quality education and professional standards. The BS component is accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), while the Master of Science component is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
Career Potential
What Can You Do with This Degree?
Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a specialization in therapeutic science and Master of Science in Athletic Training can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:
- Certified athletic trainer*
- Clinical exercise physiologist
- Injury prevention specialist
- Rehabilitation specialist
- Sports performance coach
- Strength and conditioning coach
*Graduates must pass the BOC exam to practice as a certified athletic trainer.
#4 Best College Campus in America
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Courses
What Will You Study in Our Exercise Science Bachelor’s and Athletic Training Master’s Degrees?
Your dual degree journey begins with the bachelor’s in exercise science – therapeutic science, where you can build a strong foundation in the science of human movement and performance. This undergraduate degree will include courses in general biology, chemistry, and anatomy, setting the stage for advanced topics like exercise physiology, functional anatomy, biomechanics, and therapeutic exercise.
You’ll also study kinesiology, strength training, and exercise prescription, working to develop the skills to design safe, effective fitness and rehabilitation programs. Courses in statistics and research methods can help sharpen your analytical skills – which are essential for interpreting sports science data and applying evidence-based practices.
During your undergraduate degree, you’ll also study topics such as exercise leadership, therapeutic exercise for rehabilitation, and exercise and sport nutrition. These topics can help prepare you for the next phase: the Master of Science in Athletic Training portion of the program.
In the graduate-level coursework, you’ll dive into the clinical side of athletic training. Topics like therapeutic modalities, advanced clinical evaluation, emergency care in athletic training, and rehabilitation planning can help equip you to assess, treat, and prevent injuries in athletic and active populations. You’ll also study pharmacology, administration in athletic training, and evidence-based practice, helping you become ready for leadership roles in sports medicine settings.
One of the most impactful elements of the MS in Athletic Training program is its clinical education experiences. You can complete multiple rotations in diverse athletic training environments – from high school and collegiate sports to sports medicine clinics and medical facilities. These hands-on experiences seek to not only help prepare you for the BOC exam but to also help give you the confidence to pursue real-world athletic training roles when you graduate.
This integrated academic plan is designed to combine scientific knowledge, clinical skills, and professional preparation, giving you a values-driven education that can help you make an impact in the growing field of athletic training.
Featured Courses
ATTR 335 – Musculoskeletal Injury Assessment
ATTR 406 – Corrective Exercises and Rehabilitation Theory
ATTR 501 – Foundations of Athletic Training
ATTR 620 – Manual Therapy Techniques
Degree Information
- This program falls under the School of Health Sciences
- View the Degree Completion Plan (coming soon)
- Check out our course catalog
- Transfer in up to 75% of the credits for the BS in Exercise Science and up to 50% of the credits for the MS in Athletic Training
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s Therapeutic Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science / Athletic Training Master’s?
Thriving On-Campus Community
Benefit from Liberty’s vibrant 7,000+ acre campus, complete with top-tier athletic facilities, labs, and training spaces. Enjoy access to state-of-the-art sports performance centers, a world-class recreation complex, and multiple campus dining and housing options.
Access to Liberty’s Athletic Network
Gain hands-on experience through partnerships with Liberty’s NCAA Division I athletic programs and local sports organizations. This access gives you the chance to apply your skills in high-performance and competitive sports settings.
LU Serve Opportunities
Engage in service projects both locally and globally, applying your athletic training and exercise science skills in community outreach, sports camps, and international missions. These experiences can help you develop cultural awareness, strengthen your professional competencies, and make a meaningful impact on diverse communities.
Cutting-Edge Health Sciences Facilities
Study in Liberty’s modern academic buildings equipped with human performance labs, rehabilitation spaces, and athletic training simulation rooms. These resources let you practice skills in an environment that mirrors professional sports medicine settings.
Admissions
How Do You Become a Dual Degree BS to MS Program Student?
Every application is reviewed by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis, meaning there are no set minimums for acceptance. However, all applicants must submit the following documents* for admission:
- Admission application
- Official high school transcripts
- Official college transcripts (if applicable)
- Admission essay
Students must complete a separate application for the Exercise Science program prior to taking any 400-level courses. Continuation into the master’s courses also requires completion of an ATCAS application. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the Exercise Science or Athletic Training programs.
Results from the CLT, SAT, or ACT are not required for admission, but may be used in consideration for merit-based aid.
*Additional documentation may be requested by the admission committee after your application has been received.
Have Questions?
We’ll make sure you have the information you need to take your next step.