Athletic Training Education Program

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Worldwide, people are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of physical activity in helping to maintain a high quality of life. As the participation in physical activity increases, so does the risk for injury. Whether it is the highly competitive high school or collegiate athlete or the aging "weekend warrior", the professional dancer or the industrial worker, Certified Athletic Trainers are prepared to help individuals remain active. An Athletic Trainer is a highly educated and skilled allied healthcare professional who specializes in caring for physically active individuals a variety of settings. These settings may include secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports, hospitals, and industry. Whatever the setting, Athletic Trainers are recognized as part of a comprehensive sports medicine team and work alongside physicians, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
The School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training. The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Program graduates are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. This national credential qualifies athletic trainers to practice in 49 states.

Exercise Science & Health Promotion

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This program emphasizes that good health is central to living and to life. Through the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism, students can pursue two degree concentrations that prepare them for professional careers in exercise science and health promotion. Both degree concentrations advance the development of knowledge and skills that professionals can transfer to individuals, groups, organizations, and society in general.
The academic program prepares students to develop and utilize science-based approaches to healthful and proactive living strategies, thereby offsetting much of the complacency surrounding many contemporary health and safety topics. Students who are prepared to promote others' healthy exercise routines and positive life health decisions contribute meaningfully to society by inspiring their colleagues, clients, children, and others to maximize their human potential, and to increase their overall well-being.

Health and Physical Education

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The Health and Physical Education program has been in existence for several decades and is highly respected by students at Mason and teachers in the field. It prepares undergraduate students for licensure in the teaching profession of health and physical education at the elementary, middle and high school grades. The program is accredited by the Virginia's Department of Education and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. This program has graduated numerous teachers and leaders in the field.

Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies

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Increasingly recognized as contributing to the livability of communities and quality of life for all people, parks and recreation programs play a major role in promoting a healthy lifestyle and environment. The nationally-accredited curriculum in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies at George Mason University, with concentrations in both Parks and Outdoor Recreation and Therapeutic Recreation provides students with the framework necessary for professional development, career advancement, and advanced education through a combination of rewarding learning and practical experiences.
Students in both concentrations are exposed to the various facets of this dynamic and rapidly growing field. Our graduates are prepared to make a real difference – informing policy, promoting economic development, advocating stewardship of natural resources, encouraging inclusive community service and lifelong recreation participation, and working to enhance the quality of life of all individuals, families, and communities at the local, national, and international levels.

Sport Management

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Sport Management focuses on the preparation of professionals qualified to operate sport organizations, including private enterprises, government or public employment settings, non- profit or voluntary agencies, and commercial ventures.

Professional preparation develops capable sport management specialists able to apply creative communication, leadership, and managerial skills in an array of positions in the sport industry, including sales, marketing, public relations, operations, facilities, and event management.

Sport Management has developed rapidly as a field of study, and with it, the number of professional preparation programs has grown. However, competition for available positions in the sport industry has undergone comparable growth. Therefore, quality professional preparation in sport management is essential as a competitive advantage in the employment marketplace.

Tourism and Events Management

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This program is built on scholarship and research excellence, and delivers one of the most dynamic, cutting-edge professional preparation curriculum in the country. World-class faculty and dedicated students from diverse backgrounds engage in learning, service, and research activities to build a firm foundation for a vibrant industry and successful careers.

Studying tourism and events management in Northern Virginia and the capitol region affords ideal opportunities for unique fieldwork experiences, career networking, and outstanding guest instruction.