<p>I plan to graduate from Georgia College and State University with a BS in Athletic Training in 2015. I am seriously considering pursuing my masters in Athletic Training, but I am having trouble finding a school. Now I know 2015 is three years from now, but I really like to know my options before it gets too late. I like to research schools years before I attend.
Anyway, I have been looking for things online about the University of Georgia’s Athletic Training Master’s Program and it seems really nice. But I have read that UGA’s graduate school doesn’t care about their students, just about money. I realize that schools, especially D1, really care about their money, but shouldn’t the students be important too? UGA would be a great school for me to go to. I have been a Dawg fan since I was born, but I don’t think I could handle such a big school while working on my bachelor’s degree. Hopefully, by the time 2015 rolls around, I will be ready to take on a larger crowd of classmates. Another thing that I love about UGA is the city of Athens. I have never been to campus, but have stopped at gas stations around the city and all of the support for UGA students is just amazing. I’ve never been around another D1 school other than GT and USF, but neither of them really shows the same support for their school that Athens does for UGA. UGA is also pretty good at my two favorite sports, football and softball. I would really love to assist the UGA softball team as a trainer if I were to pursue my masters at UGA.
I have also researched Georgia State. I like it, but I think Atlanta will be too much for my taste. I have been to and through Atlanta many times (I’m a huge Falcons fan), but living there just make me cringe a little. Being an Athletic Trainer though would be fun for a smaller school like GSU than it would for UGA, I think. I love the fact that the Panthers play their games in the Georgia Dome and that I would possibly be able to intern or volunteer with the Atlanta Falcons if I attend GSU.
I would love to know what other schools in the southeast (any school will work but would prefer SEC/ACC/ any D1 school) have a MS in Athletic Training. Any schools you know of, I will research. I have also glanced at a few schools websites: South Carolina, Alabama, Auburn, Miss St, Florida. I would really prefer, though, that the school have a Masters in Athletic Training or Sports Medicine, not in Exercise Science.
Thanks!</p>
<p>I have a friend who did his master’s in kinesiology at University of Memphis and was involved with the men’s basketball team as part of his practicum (clinical work, internship, whatever they call it). He coached at the high school level for several years before moving into law enforcement.</p>
<p>By the time you get there, U of M will be all-sports Big East.</p>
<p>EDIT: sorry, just now noticed you said no exercise science, which is what I guess kinesiology is. Anyway, have you given any though to doctor of physical therapy as an alternate path?</p>
<p>I have considered it. But right now I’m stuck on just athletic training. I will check out the U of Memphis kinesiology program. It can’t hurt.</p>