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Occupational Therapist working with a toddler

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

Welcome to the University of Mount Union's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program! Our program is dedicated to equipping passionate individuals with the skills to become leading occupational therapists. Our program will ensure you are ready to empower individuals to improve their performance in daily activities and lead more fulfilling lives. This is achieved through evaluating and diagnosing functional limitations and creating personalized treatment plans.

Our MSOT degree program combines the proven excellence of our long-standing allied health programs with the flexibility demanded by today's students. Designed for individuals with busy lives, our hybrid learning model combines online courses with hands-on experiences, allowing you to balance education, work, and life.

Learn more about our program, the collaborative environment, and the supportive community we provide below. We are dedicated to advancing occupational therapy professionals and making a meaningful impact on the lives of those they serve.

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Preparing for Success in Occupational Therapy

Our MSOT program ensures that you will emerge as a confident and accomplished occupational therapist, fully equipped to meet industry demands. Our 22-month occupational therapy degree blends online academic coursework with immersive, hands-on training, including 16 months of didactic study and two 12-week Level II fieldwork rotations. Rest assured, knowing that your fieldwork placements can be conveniently located close to home, offering you comfort and convenience.

Our blend of online learning and hands-on skill development allows you to pursue your degree without sacrificing your life commitments. Dive into immersive, real-life scenarios through specialized technology and online simulations, all within a safe virtual environment. Advance your career on your terms.

  • With Mount Union's MSOT Degree, You Will Be Able To:
    1. Assess and Diagnose: Evaluate individuals' physical, cognitive, or emotional condition to identify functional limitations.
    2. Create and Implement Treatment Plans: Develop personalized plans to improve daily living skills and independence.
    3. Apply Therapeutic Techniques: Use proven methods and adaptive equipment to enhance clients' functional abilities.
    4. Work in Diverse Settings: Operate in various healthcare environments, including hospitals, schools, and clinics.
    5. Collaborate with Healthcare Teams: Partner with other professionals for comprehensive client care.
    6. Educate and Advocate: Teach clients and families about health management and advocate for their needs.
    7. Adhere to Professional Standards: Maintain ethical, legal, and cultural competence in practice.
    8. Sit for Licensure: Sit for the certification exam required to practice as a licensed occupational therapist.
  • 70 Credit Hours

    The MSOT consists of online classes and four on-campus immersives.

  • $800 per credit hour

    The 2025-2026 cost per credit hour for the MSOT is $800. (*MSOT Costs)

  • August 2025

    MSOT's expected start date will be in August 2025.

Meet the Rising Demand for Occupational Therapists: MSOT Degree

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of occupational therapy is experiencing significant demand, with 12% job growth through 2032. Driven by an aging population seeking independence and an increasing number of P-12 students with disabilities, occupational therapists will play a crucial role in supporting these and other populations of individuals who need to improve their quality of life.

OTs provide crucial services in home modifications, daily activities, and school interventions, addressing diverse healthcare needs across hospitals, clinics, and educational settings. Recognized as the #4 healthcare job in 2024 by US News Best Jobs, OTs are pivotal in enhancing quality of life and education outcomes nationwide.
 

Learn From Expert Faculty in Occupational Therapy

Our occupational therapy master’s program is led by expert faculty who bring invaluable real-world experience and a student-centered approach to your education. Benefit from their personalized mentorship as you unlock your leadership potential in occupational therapy. You'll learn from accomplished professionals with deep industry knowledge and grow your own network through their extensive industry connections.

 

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Admission Requirements

  1. The program requires an overall GPA of 3.0 and an overall prerequisite GPA of 3.0
  2. Prerequisite coursework must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher. A grade of “C-” or lower will not be accepted. All prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to beginning the MSOT program. 

    Prerequisite courses required for admission include:
       • Anatomy and Physiology I & II with labs (6 credits)
       • General Psychology (3 credits)
       • Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
       • Developmental Psychology/Lifespan Development (3 credits)
       • Medical Terminology (1 credit)
       • Research Methods / Statistics (3 credits)
       • Biomechanics/Kinesiology/Physics (3 credits)
       • Sociology/Anthropology (3 credits)
     
  3. Applicants must complete an application through the Central Application Service (OTCAS) by the published deadline. This application includes submission of all transcripts and two (2) letters of recommendation from non-relatives (instructor, coach, supervisor).
     
    For International Students Only: 
    TOEFL Requirement: To be admitted into the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program, applicants whose primary language is not English must have a recent IBT (Internet-Based TOEFL) score of 100 or more, in addition to meeting the other program requirements. 

  4. Upon completion and review of application materials by the Office of Admissions and the MSOT program, competitive applicants will be contacted to complete an interview with program faculty. 
  5. Notification of acceptance into the program will be provided within 90 days of the interview. Applicants offered a seat for the current matriculating class must acknowledge acceptance within the timeframe noted by following the instructions in the emailed acceptance letters and paying a non-refundable deposit of $500.00 to hold a seat in the class. 
  6. Acceptance to the program is contingent on the following: 
    1. Candidates must complete all outstanding prerequisite coursework with a grade of “C” or better, maintaining the 3.0 GPA requirements. Official transcripts must be submitted to the program as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the fall I term.
    2. Completion of a bachelor's degree.
    3. Candidates must complete a physical examination and immunizations (following current programmatic guidelines) prior to matriculation.
    4. Students are required to maintain adequate health insurance throughout the program. Confirmation of health insurance coverage will be required upon acceptance. The University does not offer a health insurance policy and is not responsible for costs incurred for injury or medical problems sustained by a student while in the program.
    5. Documentation verifying the applicant can meet the Technical Standards for the MSOT program is required.
    6. All students must complete an FBI/BCI background check. While a conviction may not prevent a student from entering the program, applicants should know that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

 
Consideration for Conditional Admission
: Applicants who do not meet the above criteria will be judged on a case-by-case basis and asked to submit additional documentation in an attempt to gain conditional admission.
 

Transfer Credits

Transfer credits will be reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis. Due to the variety of occupational therapy curricula and sequencing variations across programs, acceptance of transfer credit is not likely or guaranteed. Mount Union's MSOT program does not grant advanced placement, credit for experiential learning, or work experience toward degree requirements. Students wishing to have transfer credits considered should contact the graduate admissions representative once their application has been submitted through OTCAS.