The University offers a five-year, entry-level Master of Science degree program in Occupational Therapy (OT). Students usually enter this program as freshmen, proceed through four years of undergraduate study, receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences, and are awarded the M.S. in OT degree upon completion of graduate requirements. The course work is sequenced in a planned progression in order to build upon and develop knowledge and skills at increasing levels of complexity, competence, and integration. Therefore, all required courses are to be completed in sequence. A minimum grade of C (2.00) must be attained in every undergraduate cognate and OT course.
A minimum, overall, undergraduate GPA of 2.75 is required in order to advance into graduate study; a minimum, overall GPA of 3.00 must be achieved and maintained for all graduate courses. Required OT Level II Internships are graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. The normal length of time for completion of the program is five and one-quarter years. All OT students must complete Level II Fieldwork within 24 months following completion of the academic portion of the program. Students will receive the M.S. in OT degree following completion of all academic and clinical requirements.
Admission to the program is normally open to first-time incoming freshmen; transfer students are considered for admission on an individual basis. Applicants are selected on a competitive basis, with emphasis placed on high school record, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. It is suggested that prospective students observe and/or volunteer in an occupational therapy setting. The Undergraduate Admissions office will request this information prior to registration. Since the majority of coursework is at the undergraduate level, the OT program is described in detail in the University’s undergraduate catalog rather than in this graduate catalog. Inquiries about admission to the B.S. to M.S. in OT program should be directed to the Graduate Admissions Office at 570-941-7600.
Capstone Experience
Each student is required to complete a faculty mentored research internship. This process begins in the junior year with OT 393, Research Methods in Occupational Therapy, builds during the senior year with OT 494, Evidence Based Research in OT, and culminates during the graduate year with OT 597 , Faculty Research Internship I and OT 598 , Faculty Research Internship II. The internship involves active group participation in a faculty mentored research project. Students are required to present the outcome of their research internship in a public forum during the graduate year.
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