Southeast Missouri State University’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program has received its initial accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). This milestone highlights SEMO’s dedication to providing top-tier education for aspiring athletic trainers.
“This accreditation decision reflects the quality of our program and confirms that we provide a high-quality education to students pursuing athletic training,” said SEMO President Dr. Carlos Vargas.
SEMO's MSAT program began in summer 2023, transitioning from the previously accredited undergraduate program to respond to industry expectations for certification. The first cohort of MSAT students is set to graduate in May 2025, with two cohorts currently enrolled and a third actively admitting students for summer 2025.
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Dr. Kyle Schneider, associate professor in the Department of Allied Health, Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, detailed the rigorous, multi-year accreditation process for the graduate program, which began in 2019 with the MSAT design. During the 2023-2024 academic year, SEMO completed a comprehensive review that included an assessment plan and course alignment with CAATE standards. This was followed by a peer-review process in 2024, culminating in a five-year accreditation—the maximum duration for initial approval.
“Accreditation is not a one-time event but an ongoing commitment to quality,” Schneider said. “Only students graduating from a CAATE-accredited program are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam, so attaining accreditation is mandatory for any institution wanting to offer an athletic training program.”
The accreditation also positions SEMO’s MSAT program to take advantage of the new Roy Blunt Health Professions Hall, set to open in 2027. The facility will provide state-of-the-art educational spaces, further enhancing the program’s regional prominence.
“This achievement is a culmination of almost five years of work by our athletic training faculty, campus administration, and community partners,” Schneider added. “I am extremely proud of their commitment to this goal and what it will mean for our students.”
For more information or to apply for the MSAT program, visit semo.edu/athletic-training or contact Dr. Kyle Schneider at kschneider@semo.edu or (573) 651-5193.