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2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]

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Post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

This program will be available to occupational therapists that have earned a bachelors or masters degree. Practitioners with a bachelors in OT and a masters in a related field will be considered for admission by the program director.

Occupational therapists admitted to the program are required to complete 36 credits of doctoral level coursework. Course credit may be earned with evidence of relevant professional experience and development of a portfolio of work. Coursework is linked to professional practice with the intent to develop applied skills in the areas of policy, advocacy, leadership, and education. Specifically, students will develop knowledge and skills directed toward enhancing leadership and advocacy, participating in public policy activities, dealing with social determinants of health, providing evidence-based interventions, and educating therapists. Additionally, a culminating Capstone portfolio grounded in theory and evidence will be required.

Admission

The following is required for admission to the doctorate in occupational therapy program:

  • A minimum of two years of practice as a registered occupational therapist. This may be waived for MSOT graduates with faculty recommendations, completion of level 2 fieldwork, and NBCOT certification.
  • Cumulative GPA for last 60 credit hours of 3.25
  • Critical evaluation of an occupational therapy article selected by the OST Department faculty, or submission of recent scholarly work such as a graduate level OT assignment, paper, and/or research project.
  • Identification of specific, individual goals and timelines for seeking the Dr.O.T. degree, within a personal statement
  • Virtual interview with an OST faculty member
  • Three letters of support from professional colleagues, supervisors, or department heads

Note: Students are encouraged to maintain a minimum of part-time employment throughout their matriculation in the doctoral program. Exceptions to this requirement will be addressed by the program director on a case-by-case basis.

Dr.O.T. Curriculum

The following courses are required of all Dr.O.T. students, with the exception of program directors approval of course credits received from related professional experience.

Policy, Advocacy, and Leadership Courses

Advanced Practice Courses

Education Courses

Doctoral Project

Course Sequence

Semester One

Semester Two

Semester Three

Semester Four

Semester Five

Semester Six


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