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Admissions
The Accelerated Master of Science is an upper division program, to learn more about these programs, click here.
Application
Application Opens
Accelerated MS
October 6, 2025
MS
August 1, 2025
Application Closes
Accelerated MS
March 1, 2025
MS
May 1, 2026
Application System
Accelerated MS
- Current Pitt undergraduates: Complete the free Upper-Level Transfer Application (ULTA).
- Transfer students: Complete transfer application and pay the application fee through the main Pitt Admissions office followed by the ULTA application.
MS
- MS students apply through the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS).
- Application fees are set by ATCAS and are required to submit an application.
Prerequisites
For the Accelerated MS Entry Point:
- Minimum cumulative and overall GPA of 3.0 (based on 4.0). Students with a 2.8-3.0 GPA will be considered on a case-by-case basis.”
- 60 credits are required to begin the program.
- Applications may be submitted while prerequisite coursework is in progress.
- EMT certification through course for credit or other qualified course leading to NR-EMT credential. Verification of completion of EMT certification must be provided to the program director.
Prerequisite Courses
- Basic Athletic Training, ATHLTR 1811 – minimum grade of B required (course must be taken at Pitt)
- Basic Athletic Training Lab, ATHLTR 1812 – minimum grade of B required (lab must be taken at Pitt)
- Foundations of Biology 1, BIOSC 0150
- Foundations of Biology 1 Lab, BIOSC 0050, 0057 or BIOSC 0058
- General Chemistry 1 and Lab, CHEM 0110
- Introduction to Physics, PHYS 0110
- Seminar in Composition*, 1 course
- Writing Intensive Course, 1 “W” course. ENGCMP 0400 recommended.
- Oral Communication, 1 course. COMMRC 0520 preferred; 0310, 0500, 0510, 0530 acceptable.
- Introduction to Psychology, PSY 0010
- Developmental Psychology or other upper-level Psychology, PSY 0205; PSY 0310; PSY 0407; PSY 0422; PSY 0505; or PSY 0510
- College Algebra, 1 course. MATH 0031 or higher math required. Exemption accepted.
- Statistics, 1 course. STAT 0200, 1000 or 1100 required.
- Diversity*, 1 course.
- Social Sciences*, 1 course
- Cross-Cultural Awareness*, Global Issues*, or Specific Geographic Region*, 1 course
For the MS Entry Point:
- Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Undergraduate coursework must have been completed no longer than 10 years prior to application.
- Applications may be submitted while undergraduate degree or coursework is in progress.
- Minimum cumulative overall and prerequisite grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (based on 4.0). Students with a 2.8-3.0 GPA will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- EMT certification is required either through a course for credit or another qualified course leading to NR-EMT credential.
- Completion of Technical Standards for admissions document
- Verification of English Language Proficiency is required unless the following apply:
- Applicant is a citizen of a country whose official language is English
- Applicant has completed a degree program at a regionally accredited institution in the U.S., or
- Applicant is not a citizen of a country whose official language is English but has completed a degree program at an institution outside of the U.S. where the language of instruction is English and where the official national language of the country in which the institution is located is English.
- Successful completion of interview (virtual, phone or in-person)
Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites must be completed for a letter grade, minimum grade of C.
- Human Anatomy* (4 credits minimum)
- Human Physiology* (4 credits minimum)
- Exercise Physiology (3 credits minimum)
- Introduction to Biology* (4 credits minimum)
- Introduction to Physics (3 credits minimum)
- Introduction to Chemistry* (4 credits minimum)
- Kinesiology or Biomechanics (3 credits minimum)
- Statistics (3 credits minimum)
- English Composition (6 credits minimum)
- Psychology (6 credits minimum, must include Introduction to Psychology)
- Public Speaking (3 credits)
- Nutrition (3 credits minimum)
- Recommended Electives:
- Research Methods
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Ethics
- Strength and Conditioning
*Human Anatomy, Physiology, Biology and Chemistry must include a laboratory.
NOTE: The GRE is not required.
Transfer Students
Students with prior athletic training experience seeking to transfer to the University of Pittsburgh for admission to the Athletic Training Program must complete the same prerequisite requirements as all other candidates. If admitted to the program, all students must complete University of Pittsburgh core athletic training courses. In some instances, credit may be given for other coursework taken at another institution and will be evaluated on an individual case basis.
*See the General Education and Graduation requirements from the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.
Transcripts
Applicants are required to provide transcripts from all U.S. universities, colleges or other higher education institutions attended.
Admitted students will need to submit official transcripts to the SHRS Admissions Office prior to enrolling in classes.
Experience
Observation hours under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer are recommended but not required.
Current Pitt Students: View this SharePoint Site for more information about local Pittsburgh shadowing, volunteering and other hands-on opportunities. Pitt Passport required.
Personal Statement
- Applicants will write an essay that discusses when and how they became interested in athletic training. Within this essay, applicants should also include any work or volunteer experience they have that demonstrate their awareness of the field and their long-term goals.
- Optional: Applicants may include sharing how these experiences contribute to promoting compassion and wellness in health care.
- Maximum word count: 500 words
Letters of Recommendation
One (1) letter of recommendation is required only for the MS application.
This letter should be from a college instructor or professor, academic advisor, supervisor or employer.
Technical Standards and Skills
Applicants must review and demonstrate the technical standards for admission.
Application Review Process
Accelerated MS applicants may be asked to complete an interview.
An interview is required for the MS application (virtual, phone or in-person).
Other Requirements
A current copy of the applicant’s curriculum vitae (CV) or resume is required for the Accelerated MS and MS applications.
Background Checks and Clinical Participation
This program requires students to complete clinical education experiences at facilities both on and off the University campus and will require criminal background checks, Act 33/34 clearances and perhaps a drug screen prior to participation in clinical education. The results of these requirements may limit and potentially eliminate placement options for the student which can, in turn, result in an inability to meet graduation requirements. Additionally, conviction of a misdemeanor, felony, or felonious or illegal act may prevent the student from becoming credentialed and/or licensed to practice in the field.
Students are required to provide their own transportation to and from the off-campus clinical education sites. All costs incurred as a part of the clinical education experience are the responsibility of the student. Please be advised that some clinical sites are not accessible by public transportation.
International Student Information
The following requirements are necessary for applicants from outside of the U.S.
For questions about the international student requirements, please reach out to the SHRS Admissions Office.
Academic Credential Evaluations
Students who have completed the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree or higher at an institution outside of the United States are required to provide an academic credential evaluation from Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. or World Education Services (WES), Inc. with their application.
- A course-by-course evaluation with GPA conversion is required.
- Evaluations are not required for degrees earned in the United States. If you have attended an English Canadian institution, please contact the SHRS Admissions Office.
- Individual SHRS programs may have their own specific Academic Credential Evaluation requirements.
Verification of English Language Proficiency
The University of Pittsburgh accepts the official results of the Duolingo English Test, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as a measure of English language proficiency.
Verification is required unless the following apply:
- The applicant is a citizen of a country whose official language is English.
- The applicant has completed a degree program at a regionally accredited institution in the U.S.
- The applicant is not a citizen of a country whose official language is English but has completed a degree program at an institution outside of the U.S. where the language of instruction is English and where the official national language of the country in which the institution is located is English.
Minimum Scores by Program
On-campus Programs — Duolingo: 115 | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL: 80
- Athletic Training (MS)
- Health Informatics (MS)
- Health Data Analytics (Certificate)
- Health Information Cybersecurity (Certificate)
- Leadership in Health Informatics (Certificate)
- Revenue Cycle Management (Certificate)
- Occupational Therapy (Post-Professional MS)
- Physical Therapy (Post-Professional MS)
- Prosthetics and Orthotics (MS)
- Sports Science (MS)
On-campus Programs — Duolingo: 130 | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL: 100
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)
- Duolingo sub-score of 140-145 conversation and 130-135 comprehension are required.
- IELTS sub-score of 8.0 speaking and 7.0 listening are required.
- TOEFL sub-score of 26 for speaking and 24 for listening are required.
- Communication Science and Disorders (Post-Baccalaureate)
- Communication Science (PhD)
- Dietitian Nutritionist Program (MS)
- Doctor of Audiology (AuD)
- Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Physician Assistant Studies (MS)
- Rehabilitation Science (PhD)
- Speech Language Pathology (MA/MS)
Hybrid and Online Programs — Duolingo: 130 | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL: 100
- Hybrid
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Master of Rehabilitation Technology (MRT)
- Online
- Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy (CScD)
- Advanced Practice Certificate in Implementation of Evidence in Clinical Practice (Certificate)
- Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)
- Health Informatics (MS)
- Health Data Analytics (Certificate)
- Health Information Cyber Security (Certificate)
- Leadership in Health Informatics (Certificate)
- Revenue Cycle Management (Certificate)
How to Submit Scores
- Duolingo English Test: Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh – School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Scores should be submitted electronically through ETS to institution code “2927”.
