Occupational Therapy (M.S.)

Occupational therapy demands that practitioners demonstrate competency and knowledge to best address their client’s issues. TU’s program provides the applied skills and knowledge to prepare you for one of the fastest growing fields in health care.

OT students

The Occupational Therapy master’s degree is designed for students without a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. You must satisfy all admission requirements and deadlines to be considered for admission to the program. The curriculum includes didactic, lab and field experiences that prepare students across all areas of occupational therapy practice, providing students the knowledge and practice experience which enables them to be successful on the certification examination.

Ariel Wallace

About Our Students

“Overall, I am most excited to enter the workforce as an OT and make a difference in the lives of my clients,” says Ariel Wallace.

Read her story

Our faculty are leaders who excel in teaching, research and service and bring years of experience to the classroom.

Accreditation

Our Occupational Therapy Master's Degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association

7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 652-AOTA
www.acoteonline.org

View the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy pass rates.

Learn about admission requirements and deadlines.

Admission to the Program

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Degree Requirements

View the degree requirements in the Graduate Catalog.

Hands-on Learning

The Occupational Therapy MS program includes required laboratory and clinical learning experiences designed to reinforce classroom learning and further prepare students for career success.

Level I Fieldwork

Level I Fieldwork introduces students to the practice of occupational therapy by exposing them to a variety of occupational therapy settings and roles. Under the supervision of licensed practitioners, and with the support of faculty, students complete three Level I fieldwork experiences: one in mental health, one in adult physical rehabilitation, and one in children and youth practice. Students also participate in a community-based program to develop skills in conducting needs assessment and program development/evaluation.

Level II Fieldwork

Level II Fieldwork provides full-time, in-depth experience in delivering occupational therapy services to clients, focusing on the application of purposeful and meaningful occupational therapy services. Under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist, and with the support of a faculty supervisor, students complete two required Level II fieldwork experiences focused on one or more of the following practice areas: adult physical rehabilitation, mental health, and children & youth. Each experience is a 12-week, 480-hour, full-time commitment requiring additional time for preparation on the evenings and weekends; students are not permitted to maintain employment during Level II fieldwork.

Estimated Costs: 2.5-Year OT MS Program

This chart contains estimates based on the 2022-2023 academic year: students are strongly encouraged to review the current official tuition and fee schedule that is maintained by the Student and University Billing Office and should independently determine their own costs.

Cost Estimate: In-State Residency

YEAR
(summer -
Spring)
tuition and fees books/supplies total
2022 - 2023
(23 units)
Tuition: $11,086
School Fees: $2,932
Course Fees: $50
$500 $14,568
2023 - 2024
(35 units)

Tuition: $16,870
School Fees: $3,892
Course Fees: $150

$500 $21,412
2024
(18 units)
Tuition: $8,676
School Fees: $2,880
Course Fees: N/A
$300 $11,856
TOTAL
(76 units)
    $47,836

Cost Estimate: Out-of-State Residency

YEAR
(summer -
Spring)
tuition & fees books/supplies total
2022 - 2023
(23 units)
Tuition: $22,954
School Fees: $2,932
Course Fees: $50
$500 $26,436
2023 - 2024
(35 units)

Tuition: $34,930
School Fees: $3,892
Course Fees: $150

$500 $39,472
2024
(18 units)
Tuition: $17,964
School Fees: $2,880
Course Fees: N/A
$300 $21,144
TOTAL
(76 units)
    $87,052

Additional Notes

  • Estimates do not include out of pocket expenses which may include but are not limited to: Background checks, health screening requirements, and/or transportation
  • Tuition and fees are estimated based on the current tuition and fee schedule and are subject to change. The Student & University Billing Office provides a full breakdown of tuition and fees.
  • The Provost Budge Office publishes the full list of TU's course/ lab fees.
  • Fees do not include room and board. Various housing and dining options are available through the university.

MSOT Graduation Rates

Graduation Year Students Entering Students Graduating Graduation Rate
2020 82 76 92%
2021 60 53 88%
2022 24 64 89%
Combined 2020-2022 166 193 90%

National Certification

When you graduate, you are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successfully completing the exam, you will be an occupational therapist, registered (OTR). Most states require licensure to practice. However, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination. (Persons convicted of felonies may be unable to sit for the certification examination and should inquire in advance of program entry regarding eligibility.)

In Demand

Our students have presented their work at the national conference of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists Congress. Well before graduation, the majority of students receive job offers for positions in hospitals, community-based programs, assisted living centers, rehabilitation centers, early intervention programs and public and private schools.