McPherson College is offering a new master’s in athletic training pathway program for students who want a small liberal arts undergraduate experience and the advantage of a graduate degree from a flagship institution. Classes will begin in fall 2027.
Through the new program, students can earn their bachelor’s degree at McPherson College and then pursue a master’s degree in athletic training at one of the college’s partner institutions. McPherson College recently announced a guaranteed admission program for eligible students seeking admission to Wichita State University’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program.
The athletic training pathway is designed for students who love sports and want a career in athletics but have decided not to compete at the college level. The program lets students stay part of a team and gain hands-on experience starting in their first semester.
“Our program has a particular student in mind – one who grew up on the court, on the field or on the track,” said Phil Schoenwetter, head athletic trainer. “Instead of trading athletics for academics, these students can stay on the sidelines of college sports as part of the team.”
Because McPherson College is small, students won’t have to wait behind graduate assistants for clinic experience. They will gain practical experience in real-world settings before many of their future graduate school classmates.
Students will major in exercise science, health science, or a related field at McPherson College. During their first year, they will join the athletic training staff as paid student workers. In their sophomore and junior years, they can complete credit-bearing internships and clinical experience with the McPherson College athletic department.
“McPherson College’s commitment to career-focused education is clearly visible in this new program,” said Aaron Meis, executive vice president. “Each student will be paired with a certified athletic trainer, rather than a single team, and then rotate among the trainers to see a wide range of sports and related therapeutic methods. There will even be opportunities in the summer during the football program’s preseason.”
After earning a bachelor’s degree, students can pursue a master’s degree at partnership institutions such as Wichita State, which reserves five seats per year exclusively for McPherson College graduates.
“Many strong athletes face a hard choice when they graduate from high school,” Schoenwetter said. “For them, it’s continuing to play in college or stepping away from sports altogether. This new pathway offers a third option. Students can stay close to the game while building toward a professional career.”
More information about the athletic training pathway.