The “BobcAT Early Assurance Program” is designed for highly motivated high school students who are interested in pursuing a graduate athletic training degree. The “BobcAT Early Assurance Program” allows incoming undergraduate students to West Virginia Wesleyan College to apply for early acceptance into the Master of Athletic Training Program. Applicants who are accepted will be guaranteed a seat in the MAT Program, pending matriculation through the undergraduate requirements and prerequisites. Students who complete the West Virginia Department of Education Career Technical Education (CTE) in Sports Medicine can earn college credit toward their Exercise Science undergraduate degree*. 

The WVWC MAT Program aims to provide higher education opportunities for high school students wishing to pursue a career in athletic training and enter the workforce. This program is designed to meet the needs of WV and the larger region to hire certified and licensed athletic trainers. Students will have the opportunity to earn two degrees (Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science; Master of Athletic Training) in 5 years. 

*Pending completion of 1st Year of MAT coursework (4th year of 5Yr MAT program) and remaining a student in good standing

• Open for applications: Aug. 1
• Priority deadline: Jan. 15
• Interviews: March prior to Fall semester entry to WVWC
• First candidates informed: April prior to Fall semester entry to WVWC
• Rolling consideration: May 1 through June 30 prior to Fall semester entry to WVWC

Application Process:

1. Apply for Admission to West Virginia Wesleyan College. Applicants are encouraged to utilize the “BobcAT Early Assurance Program” Application found here, created uniquely for the MAT Program.  
2. There is no cost to apply
3. Priority deadline for consideration is January 15, though applications will be considered on a rolling basis until June 30.
4. Choose Exercise Science/5 Yr MAT as your major
5. Submit a transcript through three years of study showing a cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
6. Submit an ACT or SAT score report
7. Submit Letters of recommendation from two of the following

• STEM or Health Science high school teachers
• Sports Medicine Career Technical Education (CTE) instructor
• Certified athletic trainer at the applicant’s high school or in the community

Applicants will then be invited for an on-campus or virtual interview. Interviews will typically occur during the winter/spring prior to the applicant’s enrollment at WVWC. Applicants must have an acceptable interview for admission into the Program. 

• Continuing Requirements:
  • Students must complete the following prerequisites in Exercise Science/5Yr MAT
    • Anatomy & Physiology (8 hours w/lab), 
    • Biology (Principles or Microbiology preferred) (4 hours w/lab)
    • Physics (Physics II preferred/4 hours w/lab)
    • Chemistry (8 hours w/lab)
    • Statistics (3 hours)
    • General Psychology (3 hours)
    • Exercise Physiology (4 hours w/lab)
    • Kinesiology (4 hours w/lab)
    • Human Nutrition (3 hours)
    • First Aid & Safety (3 hours)
  • Students must maintain a cumulative average of 3.5 and must have a cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.25. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA each semester (only one semester can fall below 3.0 during the first three years). 
  • Complete all undergraduate pre-requisite courses within the first 3 years and have a minimum of 90 credit hours completed by the start of the MAT Program (MAT Summer II Term)
  • Students must complete 50 hours of directed observation with a certified athletic trainer before starting the program (MAT Summer II Term)
  • Students will apply to the program through ATCAS in the Spring of their Junior Year. All prerequisite requirements must be met or be in the process of being met by the end of the Spring of their Junior Year. 
  • Students with professionalism issues at WVWC can be removed from the Early Assurance at the discretion of the MAT Program.