Missouri Southern State University and Missouri State University signed an agreement to create a pathway into graduate athletic training study, MSSU said in an announcement published Oct. 30. The agreement connects Missouri Southern’s Joplin campus with Missouri State’s Master of Athletic Training program.
Under the memorandum of understanding, qualified Missouri Southern undergraduate students in health-related degree programs can pursue the master’s degree at Missouri State, according to the announcement. Eligible students will receive priority consideration for admission, and Missouri State will reserve up to two seats each year for qualified applicants, subject to program capacity, MSSU said.
The universities will work together on student recruitment, academic advising and prerequisite requirements to help students prepare for graduate study, the announcement said. Missouri State’s program combines classroom instruction with clinical education experiences, according to MSSU.
The agreement comes as Missouri employment for athletic trainers is projected to grow 12.5% by 2034, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, as cited in the announcement. MSSU did not provide application dates, costs or a contact for students interested in the pathway.
