Occupational Therapy

Application Process

Application to the MSOT Program

Please read both the appropriate Candidate Information Sheet first:  Traditional   Hybrid

A candidate may apply to only one program, either the Traditional or Hybrid Program, each year.  Maximum class size for the Traditional Program is 30 and for the Hybrid Program is 24.  Late applications will be considered assuming requirements are met and there is space in the program.

Admission to either program within the Occupational Therapy department first requires completion of the Grand Valley State University graduate application, regardless of previous college attended. Candidates must complete all prerequisite courses and earn a bachelor's degree prior to entering the program.  There will be no waivers or exceptions to this policy.

Graduate School applications may be obtained from the university Admissions Office or can be completed online. Completed applications and all Application Forms should be submitted by January 15 for both the traditional program and the OT Hybrid program. (All paper application forms and supplemental application materials should be mailed to the Addmissions Office, 1 Campus Dr. Allendale, MI  49401) You may apply to one program per year, and therefore must indicate either the traditional or weekend program on your application.   Please call the Occupational Therapy Department to discuss your application and timeline. Admissions Policy should be reviewed.

Admission to the Occupational Therapy Program is competitive.

Completed application and the criteria to be met must include:

  1. Academic achievement of a minimum 3.0 GPA in preprofessional courses and in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. All preprofessional courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.  Students are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

  2. Recommendation letters (two) are required.  One must be completed by a registered occupational therapist and the other by a professor who is able to comment on your academic performance.  A Graduate Assistant, Teaching Assistant, or Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant do not qualify.  For non-traditional students, an employer may be substituted for the academic professor requirement.  The letters of recommendation (LOR) are now electronic with the instructions included in the graduate school application.  If a student wishes to obtain a letter of recommendation prior to the senior year at the time of submitting the graduate school application, paper LORs are available.  Click on the appropriate link for paper LORs: Traditional Program LOR         Weekend Hybrid Program LOR     Provide the paper copy to the appropriate recommender.  Once it is completed, have him/her place it in a sealed envelope and mail it to the GVSU Admissions Office (Grand Valley State University, Attention: Admissions, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale MI, 49401)

  3. An interview and an onsite writing sample.

  4. Documented volunteer experience for a minimum of 50 hours under the supervision of an occupational therapist.  (Mail this and all supplemental materials to the Admissions Office, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI  49401)

  5. Completion of Achievement Summary Form detailing student accomplishments that reflect the core goals of the program.  (Mail this and all supplemental materials to the Admissions Office, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI  49401)

  6. International student applicants should be able to communicate well in English. The following minimal scores are expected: TOEFL 610 or computer-based TOEFL 253.

OT Admissions forms listed above can be downloaded here.

The application procedures for high school students include:

The application procedures for transfer students include:

  • Transfer students from two or four-year colleges must also complete an undergraduate application to Grand Valley State University. Transfer students should consult with an advisor from the Occupational Therapy Department before entering Grand Valley or shortly thereafter.

  • Potential candidates to the occupational therapy programs coming from other educational institutions who wish to complete a required preprofessional course at Grand Valley State University may apply for non-degree-seeking status, using an undergraduate application. Once all preprofessional requirements have been completed, then the student will need to submit a graduate application.

  • The Occupational Therapy Department at Grand Valley State University does not accept transfer students from other occupational therapy programs. 

Information for non-traditional students, click here.

Page last modified January 17, 2013