First Cohort Completes Wheeling University Master of Science in Athletic Training Program

December 22, 2025

First Cohort Completes Wheeling University Master of Science in Athletic Training Program

WHEELING, W.Va., December 22 - Three Wheeling University Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) students presented their capstone projects recently, which marks the official completion of their 18-month educational journey.

The presentations were the culmination of the students' coursework in the MSAT program. This group is the first graduating class from the master's program, said Director of MS Athletic Training Program, Dr. Melissa Bozovich. The inaugural class consists of Maira de Jesus Alevato, Kaleb Brown and Deja Ryals.

The three capstone projects presented were:

"Athletic Taping Effectiveness for Chronic Ankle Instability," by Alevato

"Shoulder Overuse Injuries Between College Baseball and Softball Pitchers," by Brown

"Sex-based Anatomical and Biomechanical Differences in Soccer Players; Implications for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk," by Ryals.

Each student gave students, faculty and staff a brief overview of their research and their findings.

Presentation of each student's research projects represent the culmination of their academic training, intellectual curiosity and commitment to advancing knowledge within the field of Athletic Training, Bozovich explained.

"The capstone experience challenges students to think critically, apply theory to practice, engage in scholarly inquiry and demonstrate independence as emerging professionals," she explained.

The first cohort of students began in the MSAT program in May 2024.

The Wheeling University Athletic Training degree began as a bachelor's program, which has been accredited since 2010. The AT Program shifted to a master's level degree in 2022 to comply with the Board of Certification and the broader Athletic Training Strategic Alliance recommendations. The accrediting bodies note the move ensures that athletic trainers possess more specialized knowledge and better meet evolving healthcare demands.

With the coursework completed, each of the students must now take and pass the Board of Certification exam to become a nationally certified athletic trainer, Bozovich said.

She congratulated the class, noting the historic significance of being the first graduating class of the MSAT program.

"Today is more than a ceremony - it is the realization of a vision, years in the making, and each of you sits here as proof that the foundation we built is strong, meaningful and full of promise … I want you to know you have shaped this program just as much as the program has shaped you. Your feedback, your presence, your energy, and your willingness to embrace the unknown have set the bar for every class that will follow. The culture of excellence, integrity and compassion that defines this program began with you," Bozovich added.

Wheeling University's Master of Science in Athletic Training uses a problem-based learning (PBL) methodology that enhances learning that uses clinical cases to develop problem-solving strategies. This learning format utilizes small group study that is student centered in nature. Faculty act as facilitators to stimulate active learning, who guide students toward pre-established curricular learning objectives. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

For more information about the Wheeling University MSAT program go to wheeling.edu or contact Dr. Bozovich at [email protected].