Missouri State University and Missouri Southern State University have signed a new agreement to expand graduate education opportunities for students pursuing careers in athletic training. 

The memorandum of understanding establishes a pathway for qualified Missouri Southern undergraduate students in health-related degree programs to pursue a Master of Athletic Training degree at Missouri State. 

Under the agreement, eligible MSSU students will receive priority consideration for admission to Missouri State’s MAT program. The university will reserve up to two seats annually for qualified students, subject to program capacity. 

“Right next door, at Missouri State, exists a quality athletic training program that is now more accessible than ever to our future Missouri Southern graduates,” said Dr. Conor Theiss, Missouri Southern assistant professor of kinesiology.  

“This was made possible by the diligent work of faculty at both institutions. This articulation agreement provides a firm foundation from which the next generation of clinicians who graduate from that graduate program will make a profound impact.” 

The partnership also establishes collaboration between the universities on student recruitment, academic advising and prerequisite requirements to help students prepare for graduate study. 

“We are excited about this new agreement between our schools,” said Dr. David Carr, Master of Athletic Training program director. “This partnership will provide a pathway for MSSU undergraduate students interested in athletic training. I hope this collaboration may lead to other agreements between programs in healthcare and beyond.” 

Preparing future healthcare professionals 

Missouri State’s Master of Athletic Training program combines classroom instruction with clinical education experiences to prepare graduates for careers as athletic trainers. 

The partnership comes as demand for athletic trainers continues to grow. Missouri employment in the field is projected to increase 12.5% by 2034, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. The agreement will help create a pathway for students interested in pursuing careers in this growing field. 

The agreement supports both universities’ commitment to student success and workforce development by creating a clear pathway from undergraduate education to professional graduate study.