Millikin, Eastern Illinois Launch Athletic Training Pathway
A direct admit partnership guarantees placement in Millikin's athletic training master's program for qualified Eastern Illinois University students.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in College Applications
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Millikin University and Eastern Illinois University have established a Master of Science in Athletic Training Direct Admit partnership. Beginning fall 2027, EIU students who meet eligibility criteria will have a direct path to Millikin's MSAT degree.
Why it matters
The partnership is intended to expand access to high-quality graduate education in athletic training. It responds to growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals across central Illinois and beyond.
The agreement guarantees placement for at least three qualified EIU students each academic cycle and waives the application fee. Eligibility requires a cumulative 3.0 GPA, 25 observation hours with a certified athletic trainer, and current Emergency Cardiac Care certification.
The players
Millikin University
A private university located in Decatur, Illinois, known for its programs in health sciences and graduate education.
Eastern Illinois University
A public university located in Charleston, Illinois, and the partner institution offering eligible students a direct admission path.
The details
Millikin's MSAT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), and graduates are immediately eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam. The program offers Early Entry and Post-Baccalaureate admission routes, and the two institutions will coordinate closely so students can plan their path.
Timeline
Fall 2027: EIU eligibility-based direct path to the MSAT program begins.
May 31: Application deadline for Millikin's MSAT program.
Culture Shift
The partnership sits within the national CAATE accreditation framework that governs athletic training graduate education. It reflects a broader move toward structured pipelines that connect undergraduate programs to graduate-level clinical training.
Students interested in the pathway should confirm they meet the 3.0 GPA, 25 observation hours, and Emergency Cardiac Care certification requirements well before the May 31 deadline. Applying early leaves time to complete the observation hours and certification if they are not yet in hand.
The takeaway
Students who plan early can use this direct path to move from undergraduate study into a graduate athletic training program. Meeting the GPA, observation, and certification requirements ahead of time keeps the May 31 deadline manageable.
What happens next
Eligible Eastern Illinois University students can begin preparing for the fall 2027 direct path, with applications due May 31.
Further reading
Explore more about College Applications in Illinois to see how students plan their graduate pathways.
More information
Review the Millikin + Eastern MSAT partnership information and application for details on eligibility and how to apply.
Source note: This article includes information reported by JG-TC.
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