Entry Level Occupational Therapy, M.S.

Students enter the Entry Level Occupational Therapy Masters Degree (MSOT) after successful completion the Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Sciences from the Panuska College of Professional Studies at The University of Scranton. Students 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, overall, undergraduate GPA of 3.00* is required in order to advance from the undergraduate component of the occupational therapy program 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. 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.

A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the certification examination or attain state licensure. Most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

*The 3.00 requirement is for those students admitted to the graduate component of the program beginning in the undergraduate OT program in fall 2012.  For students who receive a bachelor’s degree from another institution and want to complete the master’s program with the University of Scranton, the 3.00 applies starting fall 2012.

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.