Program Requirements
The Master of Science (MS) in Occupational Therapy program begins in the fall term (August). The MS in Occupational Therapy program offers Clinical and Research plans of studies, which provide exposure to a wide variety of occupational therapy practice and research. The Clinical and Research plans include 30 credits/2 terms (Fall and Spring). Additionally, the MS in Occupational Therapy program also offers a Research with Scholarly Project plan of study, which provides an opportunity to complete a scholarly project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The Research with Scholarly Project 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 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, and 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).
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.
