Occupational science is the scientific study of human occupation related to the purposeful
and meaningful activities that comprise everyday life experiences. Towson’s occupational
science doctoral program prepares you to undertake cutting-edge research and create
evidence-based interventions.
This program is designed for occupational therapists with a master’s degree or non-occupational
therapists with a master’s degree in a social science-related field and demonstrated
success in post-graduate education, research, and/or employment experiences that align
with faculty research in occupational science. This doctoral program will prepare
you for advanced-level research and leadership roles in academia, practice, advocacy
and administration. Created in 2000, Towson’s doctoral program helps you apply knowledge
gained through the advanced study of occupational science to improve the health and
well-being of society through occupation.
This doctoral program is designed for the working professional and offers the following:
Part-time, year round course offerings
Ability to take classes in a traditional, onsite or online format.
A community of scholars engaged in occupation-based research across the lifespan
All materials must be received by the following dates for consideration:
March 1 for Summer admission
June 1 for Fall admission
October 1 for Spring admission
An Evolving Discipline
Broaden Your Community
The Society of the Study of Occupation: USA is a research society that strives to build the body of knowledge in occupational
science to benefit humanity. Join this national community of scholars to exchange
ideas and support the global discipline of occupational science.
A Developing Discipline
The field of occupational science was founded in the late 1980s to provide the profession
of occupational therapy with its own scientific and research base for informing clinical
practices. Today, Towson’s program is among a small number of academic programs in
occupational science worldwide.