Program Requirements
The Master of Science (MS) in Occupational Therapy program begins in the fall term (August). The MS in Occupational Therapy program requires the completion of 12 core credits of advanced evidence-based rehabilitation coursework. The MS in Occupational Therapy program offers exposure to a wide variety of occupational therapy practice and research. The MS in Occupational Therapy program is 30 credits/2 terms (Fall and Spring). Additionally, the MS in Occupational Therapy program also offers a Research with Scholarly Project (ARCO) plan of study, which provides an opportunity to complete a scholarly project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The Research with Scholarly Project (ARCO) is 30 credits/3 terms (Fall, Spring, and Summer). A Comprehensive Examination, which is different from the scholarly project, is required prior to graduation at the end of the last term.
Preceptorship
The MS in Occupational Therapy program offers clinical and research preceptorships.
Clinical preceptorship provides a structured exposure to the U.S. health care system. Students are exposed to occupational therapy practice in various health care settings (e.g., acute and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient clinics) under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.
Research preceptorships provide exposure to clinical research in the field of occupational therapy. Students are exposed to occupational therapy research in a variety of areas (e.g., pediatrics, neurology, geriatrics, health systems).
For all preceptorship experiences, in addition to the site mentor, students are assigned a faculty mentor who guides them through the preceptorship. The student and faculty mentor meet prior to the start of the preceptorship to discuss goals for the preceptorship, a plan of action for achieving the goals, and the evaluation process. The student and faculty mentor meet throughout the preceptorship to discuss the student’s progress. Students find the preceptorships to be rewarding experiences that advance their clinical or research skills and career development.
Academic Standards
In addition to following University-wide academic rules and regulations as detailed in the General Academic Regulations section of this Catalog, the MS in Occupational Therapy program is regulated by the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Academic Standards, as well as the policies and procedures in the SHRS Graduate Student Handbook and the MS in Occupational Therapy Student Manual.
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