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 for all plans of study prior to graduation at the end of the Spring term.
Contact Information
Department of Occupational Therapy
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
University of Pittsburgh
Bridgeside Point 1, 100 Technology Drive, Suite 350
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-383-6620
otpitt@shrs.pitt.edu
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements and Application Process
Pitt SHRS is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment to create a more equitable health care system by welcoming applicants of all abilities/disabilities, religions, marital statuses, familial statuses, sexes, ages, sexual orientations, veteran statuses, national origins, all ethnic and racial backgrounds, genetic information, and gender identities and expressions.
Qualified applicants for the Master of Science (MS) Program in Occupational Therapy must meet the following admission requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. For international students, a bachelor’s degree or diploma must be from a school/university approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) in the year that the applicant graduated and/or national governmental institutions that approve/accredit occupational therapy programs to grant a degree in occupational therapy (e.g., Ministry of Health).
- For International applicants, a bachelor’s degree must be completed by June 15 of the year the applicant would enter the program.
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 (based on a 4.00 scale).
- Verification of English Language Proficiency is required unless the following apply:
- the applicant is a citizen of a country whose official language is English
- the applicant has completed a degree program at a regionally accredited institution in the U.S., or
- the applicant is not a citizen of a country whose official language is English but has completed a degree program at an institution outside of the U.S. where the language of instruction is English and where the official national language of the country in which the institution is located is English.
- Interview (personal or virtual) with the MS Program Director
Application Requirements
- Complete the GradCAS application
- Submit the application fee of $50 (U.S.).
- Evidence of graduate level writing skills in a self-evaluation essay that discusses goals, strengths, skills, and experiences that will contribute to success in the program and in the profession. The essay should also include a brief statement discussing interest in the field of study and reasons for applying to the University of Pittsburgh.
- Documented evidence of knowledge of rehabilitation through previous paid work experiences, internships or field experiences, or volunteer work experiences.
- Two letters of recommendation, preferably from individuals who have taught the applicant in an academic setting and/or supervised clinical activities. Letters of recommendation should address academic, professional and personal attributes, and potential for successful graduate education.
- Transcripts from all U.S. institutions attended.
- A course-by-course evaluation with GPA conversation for all higher-level institutions attended outside the US. The evaluation may be from World Education Services (WES), Inc. or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE).
- Admitted students will be required to provide official transcripts and/or credential evaluations from all higher institutions attended to the SHRS Admissions Office prior to enrolling in classes.
If applicable:
- Request official English Language Proficiency test scores be sent to the University of Pittsburgh from one of the following options. Minimum scores accepted and instructions for sending official test scores follow:
Admitted students who may need supplemental English language support should talk with their advisors. For additional information please click here.
Your application will be reviewed once it is complete.
Application Deadlines
May 1st. Applications are accepted for enrollment beginning in the Fall term only (August).
For questions about GradCAS, the application process and needed materials please email admissions@shrs.pitt.edu.
For information about our program, please contact the Department of Occupational Therapy at OTpitt@shrs.pitt.edu.
Curriculum and Course Descriptions
Plan of Study: Clinical (30 credits / 2 terms)
Plan of Study: Research (30 credits / 2 terms)
Plan of Study: Research with Scholarly Project - (30 credits / 3 terms)
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.
PLEASE NOTE: The MS in OT program requires students to complete preceptorship experience at facilities external to the University of Pittsburgh. All MS in OT students are responsible for securing required resources and completing required documents to participate in preceptorships including but not limited to transportation, health examinations and associated testing (i.e., drug screen, vaccinations), health insurance, background clearances, CPR/AED training, education modules, parking, housing, food, and clothing.
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 Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Student Handbook.
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