Schools
Alabama
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Department of Occupational Therapy
School of Health Professions
1720 2nd Avenue South, SHPB 354
Birmingham, AL 35294-1212
Phone: (205) 934-3568; Fax: (205) 975-7787
E-Mail: warrenm@uab.edu
Web site: https://www.uab.edu/shp/ot/programs/low-vision-rehabilitation
Contact Person: Mary Warren, PhD, OTR/L, SCLV, FAOTA, Director of Post-professional Graduate Certificate in Low Vision Rehabilitation Program
Degree(s) Offered: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy; Low Vision Rehabilitation Graduate Certificate
Major Area(s) of Study:
Postprofessional Master of Science in Occupational Therapy:
The Master of Science program has graduated many leaders in the occupational therapy field. We will graduate our final cohort in 2017 and are no longer accepting applications. The program will be replaced with a post-professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) in fall 2017. One highlight of the upcoming OTD will be a concentration in Low Vision Rehabilitation, working with nationally recognized experts in this field.
Post-professional Low Vision Rehabilitation Graduate Certificate:
The 15 credit hour post-professional Graduate Certificate in Low Vision Rehabilitation program prepares the occupational therapist to become a specialist in low vision rehabilitation of adults with age-related eye disease and vision impairment from brain injury. Coursework covers visual system anatomy, eye and brain diseases and conditions; principles of optics and magnification for reading, low vision assessments, visual skills training; interventions to address limitations in activities of daily living, psychosocial adjustment, driving, diabetes self-management, functional mobility and health literacy. Instruction focuses on assessment, intervention, documentation and the occupational therapy role in low vision rehabilitation. The program prepares the student to meet the competencies established for AOTA specialty certification in low vision (SCLV). Around the world, from Singapore to Ireland to Alabama, the graduates of this program are driving the future of low vision rehabilitation through leadership and innovation.
Area(s) of Concentration: Low vision rehabilitation with a focus on adults with age-related disease and vision impairment from brain injury.
Distance Learning Options: The 15 credit hour curriculum is delivered online; students complete one 3 credit hour graduate course per semester. Students are required to attend a two day on-campus intensive one time during the final semester.
Admission Requirements: Admission to the UAB Graduate School and to the Occupational Therapy LVR program. The applicant must complete an application to the LVR program and provide proof of occupational therapy licensure and also an application to the graduate school including submission of official transcripts for their OT degree. International students from countries where English is not the official language, may be required to submit an acceptable TOEFL score. Full details can be found at: https://www.uab.edu/shp/ot/low-vision-rehabilitation/a
Special Features: The learning environment at UAB is research focused as UAB is one of fifty category one research institutions of higher learning in the United States. The UAB Medical Center is internationally known for funded research and clinical excellence in low vision rehabilitation. The low vision courses are taught by Dr. Mary Warren and Dr. Elizabeth Barstow, both experts in the field of low vision rehabilitation. Our nationally recognized faculty members edited and contributed chapters to the AOTA published textbook Occupational Therapy Interventions for Adults with Low Vision.
Length of Study: 5 semesters (online) for part-time students.
Program Entrance Date: Fall semester of the academic year.
Financial Aid: No financial aid, but all students and international students pay the resident tuition rate, regardless of where they live.
Institutional Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; http://www.sacscoc.org/
Arizona
A. T. Still University
Arizona School of Health Sciences
Occupational Therapy Program
5850 E. Still Circle
Mesa, AZ 85206-3618
Phone: (480) 219-6070; Fax: (480) 219-6100
E-mail: mzacofsky@atsu.edu
Web site: http://www.atsu.edu/amot
Contact Person: Michelle Zacofsky, BA, Administrative Coordinator
Degree Offered: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Major Area(s) of Study: Advanced clinical practice and administration. The program is designed for the working therapist who wishes to obtain advanced knowledge and credentials. The four areas of study are: professional practice, critical inquiry, electives, and capstone experience.
Area(s) of Concentration: Pediatrics, General Practice, Geriatric Health Management, Health Administration, Public Health.
Distance Learning Option: This program is conducted through e-learning (online) in its entirety. Other than graduation, there are no requirements to travel to the Mesa, Arizona campus.
Admission Requirements: A bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university; initial certification as an Occupational Therapist from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy; minimum overall undergraduate 2.75 GPA and minimum OT program 2.75 GPA on a 4.00 scale.
Special Features: This e-learning program is entirely web-based allowing students to work at home at their convenience. It is supported by an online bookstore and virtual library. Designed as a part-time program with completion of degree typically requiring two years of coursework, on average.
Financial Aid: Available through the Financial Aid office at A. T. Still University's Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, 1-800-626-5266.
Institutional Accreditor: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association; www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org
California
University of Southern California
Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
1540 Alcazar, CHP-133
Los Angeles, CA 90003
Phone: (323) 442-2850; Fax: (323) 442-1540
E-mail: info@chan.usc.edu
Web site: http://chan.usc.edu
Contact Person: Erna Blanche, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Director of Post-professional Master's Program, blanche@chan.usc.edu
Degree(s) Offered: Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy
Major Area(s) of Study: Occupational Science, Occupational Therapy
Area(s) of Concentration: Adult Physical Dysfunction, Mental Health, Pediatrics, Adulthood and Aging, Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Technology, Sensory Integration.
Distance Learning Options: The post-professional master's program is offered in two formats: on campus or fully online. The online program is only offered on a part-time basis.
Admission Requirements: Complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test within the last five years with a minimum score of 153 on the verbal section, 144 on the quantitative section, and 3.5 on the analytical writing. Evidence of completion of a baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy, GPA of 3.0 or greater.
Special Features: The on-campus postprofessional master's program includes electives in hand therapy, sensory integration, school-based practice, motor learning, technology, and other relevant areas of practice. The student also may have the opportunity to participate in research laboratories as a volunteer or teaching assistant. The online post-professional master's program includes courses in sensory integration, Lifestyle Redesign®, and adult neurorehabilitation.
Financial Aid: Scholarships, student loans, salaried employment in the community are available for students.
Institutional Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges; http://www.wascweb.org/
Colorado
Colorado State University
Department of Occupational Therapy
219 Occupational Therapy Building
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1573
Phone: (970) 491-3810; Fax: (970) 491-6290
E-Mail: wwood@colostate.edu
Web site: www.ot.cahs.colostate.edu
Contact Person: Wendy Wood, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, Professor and Head
Degree(s) Offered: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Major Area(s) of Study: Occupational Therapy with a focus on human performance and participation in everyday occupations and contexts across the lifespan.
Area(s) of Concentration: In collaboration with a faculty mentor, independent programs of study are created involving courses from within the Occupational Therapy Department, and throughout the university as needed. Prospective students are advised to review the program's Web site for possible areas of concentration that align with faculty research.
Distance Learning Options: Not available at this time.
Admission Requirements: GRE minimum score of 3.5 in all sections; minimum GPA of 3.0; evidence of completion of a baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy; and references.
Special Features: Faculty members have developed the following centers to focus their research efforts and enhance students' learning experiences: The Assistive Technology Resource Center, The Center for Community Participation, The Center for Occupational Therapy Education @ CSU, Children's Participation and Environment Research Laboratory, the Integrative Neurorehabilitation Research Laboratory, and the Brain Waves Research Laboratory. The centers offer students opportunities for volunteer work, hourly employment, fieldwork and research on an ongoing basis.
Financial Aid: Scholarships, fellowships, teaching, research and lab assistantships, workstudy, opportunities, and student loans.
Institutional Accreditor: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association; www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org
Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky University
Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
Dizney 103
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3135
Phone: (859) 622-3300; Fax: (859) 622-1605
E-mail: maryellen.thompson@eku.edu
Web site: www.ot.eku.edu
Contact Person: Mary Ellen Thompson, PhD, OTR/L, Coordinator, Graduate Program
Degree(s) Offered: Master of Science
Major Area(s) of Study: Occupational Therapy
Area(s) of Concentration: Physical Dysfunction Rehabilitation; Mental Health Rehabilitation; Pediatrics Early intervention, school-based practice; Gerontology Rehabilitation; Administration/Leadership Program development and evaluation, leadership roles, development, and rural health care; Rural Health/Rehabilitation Rural health: Program development, service delivery. Rehabilitation: Includes mental health and physical disabilities; Technology Rehabilitation.
Distance Learning Options: Online options limited.
Admission Requirements: GRE Aptitude Test, basic statistics, abnormal psychology, human anatomy and physiology, transcript with GPA of 3.0 or better in the last 60 undergraduate hours, 3 letters of recommendation, evidence of completion of a baccalaureate degree or post-baccalaureate certificate in occupational therapy. TOEFL scores if applicable.
Special Features: Cooperative community agencies; evaluation of health care programs and services; evening courses; opportunities in rural health care.
Financial Aid: See http://finaid.eku.edu/#_ga=1.146773436.90389970.1400162732
Institutional Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; http://www.sacscoc.org/
Massachusetts
Tufts University
Department of Occupational Therapy
574 Boston Avenue
Medford, MA 02155-7084
Phone: (617) 627-5720; Fax: (617) 627-6259
E-mail: jill.rocca@tufts.edu
Web site: www.ase.tufts.edu/occupationaltherapy/default.aspx
Contact Person: Jill Rocca, Recruitment and Admissions
Degree(s) Offered: Postprofessional Master of Science
Major Area(s) of Study: Varied
Area(s) of Concentration: Physical Dysfunction, Mental Health, Gerontology, Education, Administration, Research, Technology, Upper-Extremity Rehabilitation
Distance Learning Options: Not Available.
Admission Requirements: Prerequisite coursework, GRE scores, TOEFL (refer to the Web site for specifics).
Special Features: Certificate program offered
Financial Aid: Offered.
Institutional Accreditor: New England Association of Schools and Colleges; https://cihe.neasc.org/
Michigan
Wayne State University
Occupational Therapy Program
Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
259 Mack Avenue
Detroit, MI 48202-3489
Phone: (313) 577-1435; Fax: (313) 577-5822
E-mail: ad9049@wayne.edu
Web site: www.cphs.wayne.edu/ot/
Contact Person: Regina Parnell, PhD, OTR/L, MOT Admissions Coordinator
Degree(s) Offered: Master of Science
Major Area(s) of Study: Occupational Therapy
Area(s) of Concentration: Mental and Physical DysfunctionNeurodevelopment, Pediatric Developmental Disabilities; Assistive Technology, Research, Community Health, and Gerontology.
Distance Learning Options: Not Available.
Admission Requirements: Visit online at www.wayne.edu.
Financial Aid: Visit online at www.wayne.edu.
Institutional Accreditor: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association;http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/
Minnesota
University of Minnesota
Rehabilitation Science Program
Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
420 Delaware Street, SE, MMC 338
Minneapolis, MN 55455-0392
Phone: (612) 625-3966; Fax: (612) 626-7192
E-Mail: adamc002@umn.edu; mathi003@umn.edu
Web site: www.med.umn.edu/rehabsci/home.html
Contact Person: Rich Adamczak, DGS Assistant or Virgil Mathiowetz, PhD, OTR/L, Graduate Faculty
Degree(s) Offered: Master of Science
Major Area(s) of Study: Rehabilitation Science
Area(s) of Concentration: Outcomes of Therapeutic Interventions, Stroke Recovery and Neuroplasticity, Postural Control, and Muscle Adaptation
Admission Requirements: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or graduate degree in a discipline related to rehabilitation, such as biomedical engineering, medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech/audiology, etc. International students must hold a comparable degree from an accredited program. Depending on the educational background of the applicant, admission may be contingent upon completion of selected prerequisite course work (e.g., physics, etc.).
Special Application Requirements: Applicants must include the following: graduate school application and fee; GRE general test scores; transcripts; three letters of reference; TOEFL or IELTS test scores for international students; minimum of 3.0 GPA; agreement from a Rehabilitation Science faculty member to serve as an advisor*.
*Advisor: As part of the application process, each prospective student should contact Rehabilitation Science faculty to arrange for an advisor. Compatibility of research interests is a major determinant in the mutual selection of an advisor by the student and of the student by the advisor. Since some advisors may already be at capacity with graduate student advisees, availability of faculty is another determinant. Selection of, and consent from, an advisor is necessary to complete the application process.
Special Features: The program is tailored to meet your interests and needs, including flexibility in course requirements; your choice of coursework throughout the university; experienced research advisors; mentored research experience that will train you to research independently, which is essential for success in most academic settings (clinical doctorates do not have this necessary research experience); and the opportunity to study with a diverse group of students from across the globe and from a variety of majors.
Financial Aid: Full-time students may apply for a limited number of fellowships and graduate student assistantships. The deadline for fellowship applications is January.
Institutional Accreditor: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association;http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/
New York
New York University
Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
Department of Occupational Therapy
Joseph and Violet Pless Hall
82 Washington Square East, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 998-5825; Fax: (212) 995-4044
E-mail: occupational.therapy@nyu.edu
Web site: http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/ot/
Contact Person: Tsu-Hsin Howe, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Director of Postprofessional Programs; tsuhsin.howe@nyu.edu
Degree(s) Offered: Master of Arts (MA) in Occupational Therapy
Major Area(s) of Study: Applied scientific inquiry, evidence-informed practice, theory.
Area(s) of Concentration: Occupational therapy theory, research, and practice areas of interest.
Distance Learning Options: Not available.
Admission Requirements: Graduation from an approved professional occupational therapy program; certification as an occupational therapist or eligibility for certification; GPA of 3.0 or higher; TOEFL (for international applicants); three letters of reference; personal statement; resume; interview.
Special Features: NYU is the nation’s largest private university; Department has a close relationship with the University’s 23 schools, colleges, institute, and international campuses. Graduate programs are interprofessional with a student–faculty ratio of 10:1; preeminent open stack research library; clinical and research facilities; evening and summer courses; ergonomics, biomechanics, and kinesiology research laboratory; diverse graduate student groups provide peer/professional network in NYU/metropolitan New York occupational therapy community.
Financial Aid: University and governmental financial aid.
Institutional Accreditor: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; http://www.msche.org/
Ohio
Cleveland State University
Department of Health Sciences
2121 Euclid Avenue
Health Sciences (HS) 101
Cleveland, OH 44115-2440
Phone: (216) 687-3567; Fax: (216) 687-9316
E-Mail: healthsci@csuohio.edu
Web site:www.csuohio.edu/sciences/dept/healthsciences/graduate/MOT/
Contact Person: Karen M. Keptner, MS, OTR/L, Master of Science in Health Sciences Director
Degree(s) Offered: Master of Science in Health Sciences
Major Area(s) of Study: Professional Practice; Education; Management
Area(s) of Concentration: Mental Health; Pediatrics special emphasis on early intervention, school system practice;Gerontology graduate certificate available; Education emphasis on clinical education; Administration; Research especially outcomes and qualitative research;Technology; Other: Bioethics, Culture, Communication, and Health Care.
Distance Learning Options: Online master's degree in professional practice concentration. Students in all concentrations may take at least some courses online.
Admission Requirements: Health care professional with a bachelor's degree; GRE or GPA of 3.0; Three letters of reference.
Special Features: Program individually tailored to meet specific student needs. Can be completed full-time (some financial support available) or part-time. Students have opportunities to be involved in study abroad in Central America. Students may participate in outcomes research at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation or other area healthcare facilities.
Financial Aid: Some graduate assistantships available.
Institutional Accreditor: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association;http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/
Pennsylvania
Misericordia University
Occupational Therapy Programs
College of Health Sciences
100 Lake Street, Passan Hall
Dallas, PA 18612-1098
Fax: (570) 674-3052;
Web site: www.misericordia.edu
Contact Person:
Post-professional MS: Ellen McLaughlin, EdD, OTR/L, Associate Professor; (570) 674-6399; emclaugh@misericordia.edu
Pediatric Certificate: Orley Templeton, OTD, OTR/L, Assistant Professor, (570) 674-8154; otemplet@misericordia.edu
Degree(s) Offered:
Post-professional Master of Science
Post-professional Pediatric Certificate
Major Area(s) of Study:
Post-professional Master of Science: Theory and core; Research; Concentration Area
Pediatric Certificate for Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapists
Area(s) of Concentration:
Post-professional Master of Science: Pediatrics, Interdisciplinary Studies
Pediatric Certificate: Pediatrics
Distance Learning Options: Courses offered in varied formats with some being completely online and some requiring 1 to 5 days on campus per semester.
Admission Requirements:
Post-professional Master of Science: Be a credentialed occupational therapist.
Pediatric Certificate: Be a credentialed occupational, physical, or speech therapist; have a baccalaureate degree in one of these three therapy fields.
Special Features: Program offers diverse specialty topics which support learning. See www.misericordia.edu/page.cfm?p=1258
Institutional Accreditor: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; http://www.msche.org/
University of Pittsburgh
Department of Occupational Therapy
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
5012 Forbes Tower
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Phone: (412) 383-6620; Fax: (412) 383-6613
E-Mail: otpitt@shrs.pitt.edu
Web site: www.shrs.pitt.edu/OT/
Contact Person: Roxanna Bendixen, PhD, OTR/L, Director, Postprofessional Education
Degree(s) Offered: Master of Science
Major Area(s) of Study: Evidence-based practice in occupational therapy.
Area(s) of Concentration: Physical Dysfunction, Mental Health, Pediatrics, Gerontology, Education, Administration, Research, Technology, Ergonomics
Distance Learning Options: Not Available.
Admission Requirements: US educated applicants to the program: completed an accredited baccalaureate or entry-level master's degree for the occupational therapist; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) in entry-level occupational therapy courses; and demonstrate knowledge of rehabilitation through previous work experiences. Internationally educated applicants to the program: completed a baccalaureate degree from a school/university approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT); minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) in entry-level occupational therapy courses; demonstrate knowledge of rehabilitation through previous work experiences; achieve a minimum score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL. Visit https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/MSOT/ for more information.
Special Features: Carnegie Level I Research University and member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Internationally-renowned academic medical center. Numerous clinical and research opportunities. Part-time and full-time graduate education.
Financial Aid: Limited departmental funding.
Institutional Accreditor: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; http://www.msche.org/
Washington
University of Washington
Division of Occupational Therapy
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
Box 356490
Seattle, WA 98195-6490
Phone: (206) 598-5764; Fax: (206) 685-3244
E-mail: jmpowell@u.washington.edu
Web site: http://rehab.washington.edu/education/degree/ot/
Contact Person: Janet M. Powell, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Degree(s) Offered: Master of Science in Rehabilitation; Medicine (Occupational Therapy Pathway)
Major Area(s) of Study: The purpose of the program is to prepare occupational therapists to serve as clinical researchers, educators, and/or administrators. Specific goals of the program are to prepare students to (1) discuss the philosophical base of occupational therapy and understand and apply occupational therapy theories and frames of reference to practice and research; (2) design and conduct research and report the results in written and oral form appropriate for dissemination to other professionals and consumers; (3) design, conduct, and evaluate instruction as it pertains to classroom teaching, workshop presentations, and in-service training; and (4) serve in leadership roles in clinical research education, and/or administration.
Area(s) of Concentration: Pediatrics, Physical Disabilities, Assistive Technology and Accessible Design, Psychosocial Practices, Education, and Disability Studies
Distance Learning Options: Not Available.
Admission Requirements: Potential for advanced study (GRE scores and transcripts). Baccalaureate or entry-level master's degree from an accredited occupational therapy program. National Certification, Occupational Therapist Registered.
Special Features: The Occupational Therapy Master of Science Degree program is housed in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine. The academic and clinical administrative relationship within the Health Sciences Center promote integration of educational components with aspects of clinical care. Unique resources include (1) clinical and research opportunities at the Center for Human Development and Disability, a University Affiliated Program which provides service, training, and research related to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families; (2) the University Hospital and University of Washington Medical School Affiliates in the Greater Seattle Area (e.g., Seattle VA Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, and Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center) with research and training projects in head injury, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, pain management, and other areas. A PhD in Rehabilitation Science is also offered at the University of Washington through the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine.
Financial Aid: Information on general scholarship and financial assistance can be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid, University of Washington, Box 355880, Seattle, WA 98195. Most students work part-time while completing the Master of Science degree.
Institutional Accreditor: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities; http://www.nwccu.org/
Wisconsin
Mount Mary University
Occupational Therapy Department
2900 N. Menomonee River Parkway
Milwaukee, WI 53222-4597
Phone: (414) 930-3059
E-mail: mmu-gradinfo@mtmary.edu
Web site: www.mtmary.edu/ot-ppm
Contact Person: Jane Olson, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, Post-Professional Program Director; olsonj@mtmary.edu; (414) 930-3376
Degree(s) Offered: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Major Area(s) of Study: Professional development in physical rehabilitation, pediatrics, gerontology, mental health, education, or leadership. The program has 12 credits and takes 9 months.
Area(s) of Concentration: Physical Rehabilitation, Pediatrics, Gerontology, Mental Health, Education, Leadership
Distance Learning Options: Program is fully online and completed part-time. By remaining in their work setting while engaging in advanced education, students will develop reflective practice skills in a manner that has ongoing real-world application. In order to present their culminating project at the end of the program, students come to campus one time.
Admission Requirements: Baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy and current license in occupational therapy. The institution cannot enroll international students in this distance learning program.
Special Features: This part-time distance delivered program is designed for practicing occupational therapists who seek to transition from a bachelor's to a master's degree. The learning experiences are designed to enhance reflection about practice based on occupation, theory, and evidence. Graduates will be able to critique and create practice alternatives and to communicate evidence of therapeutic efficacy in a preferred practice area.
Financial Aid: Financial aid is available.
Institutional Accreditor: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association;http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Occupational Therapy Program
Department of Kinesiology
2000 Observatory Drive
Madison, WI 53706
Contact Persons:
John Hageman, Graduate Secretary, Phone: (608) 262-0543; Fax: (608) 262-1656
Mary L. Schneider, PhD, OTR, OT Graduate Coordinator
1300 University Avenue (2120/MSC)
Madison, WI 53706-1532
Phone: (608) 262-2936; Fax: (608)
E-Mail: rbenedict@education.wisc.edu
Web site: http://kinesiology.education.wisc.edu/ot/about
Degree(s) Offered: Master of Science in Kinesiology - Occupational Science Track
Major Area(s) of Study: Occupational Science
Area(s) of Concentration: Program emphasis is on the understanding of theories underlying occupational science. Students conduct research and develop advanced knowledge in a specific area of concentration within occupational science. Content includes seminars in human occupation and health, courses that emphasize research theory and design, electives focusing on a particular area of study, and completion of a thesis. The program prepares occupational therapists to serve as researchers and educators who are able to contribute to the understanding of the theoretical and empirical relationships between occupation, physiological health, and psychological wellbeing. Graduate students work closely with an academic mentor to pursue research on issues that will expand our current understanding of occupational science and its application to life-span development and health. Occupational science graduate faculty conduct scholarly activity on a wide range of topics and using diverse methodologies. Research is conducted in a broad range of contexts ranging from laboratories with technologically advanced data gathering and analysis equipment to whole communities. Prospective students are encouraged to review faculty Web pages and publications to identify a potential academic mentor.
Distance Learning Options: A post-professional online/blended learning OTD program is currently under development with expected approval in 2014.
Admission Requirements: 1) Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical sections); 2) Satisfaction of University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate School and Department of Kinesiology graduate admission requirements. Graduation from an approved program of basic professional education in occupational therapy is required.
Special Features: As a world-class research university, the UW-Madison has extensive resources to support research across and beyond campus. The UW-Madison Libraries are the 11th largest research collection in North America. There are over 20,000 journals available electronically, as well as numerous e-books. Many of these resources are accessed through more than 650 databases. The UW Libraries provide a wealth of support services including electronic equipment check-out (e.g., laptop computers, projectors, digital cameras and tape recorders), computer labs, software training and support, poster printing, and access to citation management services. Librarians are available for consultation through real-time chat, instant messaging, email, phone and in-person.
Graduate students also have access to extensive analytical and statistical software through the Social Sciences Computing Cooperative. Advanced technology permits students to create, store and back-up their work from virtually any environment with internet availability.
Financial Aid: Caroline Thompson Fellowships, Project, Research and Teaching Assistantships which provide full tuition remission and stipend or income. School of Education Graduate Research Scholars (Ed-GRS) program which is a community of graduate students from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds receiving Advanced Opportunity Fellowships (AOF).
Institutional Accreditor: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association;http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/