Explore Graduate Studies
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Gain evidence-based knowledge and applied occupational therapy skills to promote clients’ independence, well-being and engagement in daily life.
View the degree requirements and course descriptions in the Graduate Catalog. Additional information about time, professional, and technology requirements can be found under Program Expectations.
View admission requirements and deadlines to apply to the program.
The Occupational Therapy master’s degree is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree seeking to enter the occupational therapy profession. The curriculum includes didactic, lab and field experiences, giving you the knowledge and practical experience you need to be successful on the certification examination.
Our faculty are leaders who excel in teaching, research and service and bring years of experience to the classroom.
Our students have presented their work at the national conference of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists Congress.
The Occupational Therapy M.S. program includes required laboratory and clinical learning experiences designed to reinforce classroom learning and further prepare students for career success.
Level I Fieldwork will introduce you to the practice of occupational therapy by exposing you to a variety of occupational therapy settings and roles. Under the supervision of licensed practitioners, and with the support of faculty, you will complete three Level I fieldwork experiences: one in mental health, one in adult physical rehabilitation, and one in children and youth practice. You will also participate in a community-based program to develop skills in conducting needs assessment and program development/evaluation.
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, you will 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, meaning you will not be able to maintain employment during Level II fieldwork.
This chart contains estimates based on the current academic year: students are strongly encouraged to review the official tuition and fee schedule that is maintained by the Student and University Billing Office and should independently determine their own costs.
| YEAR (summer - Spring) |
tuition and fees | total |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 (24 units) |
Tuition: $14,064 School Fees: $3,415 Course Fees: $0 Program Fee: $800 |
$18,279 |
| Summer 2027 - Spring 2028 (35 units) |
Tuition: $20,510 |
$25,056 |
| Summer 2028 - Fall 2028 (12 units) |
Tuition: $7,032 School Fees: $2,256 Course Fees: $0 |
$9,288 |
| TOTAL (71 units) |
$52,623 |
| YEAR (summer - Spring) |
tuition & fees | total |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 (24 units) |
Tuition: $29,088 |
$33,303 |
| Summer 2027 - Spring 2028 (35 units) |
Tuition: $42,420 |
$46,966 |
| Summer 2028 - Fall 2028 (12 units) |
Tuition: $14,544 School Fees: $2,256 Course Fees: $0 |
$16,800 |
| TOTAL (71 units) |
$97,069 |
| ENTRY TERM | # Students ADMITTED | # Students GraduatED | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| FALL 2021 | 29 | 29 | 100% |
| FALL 2022 | 24 | 23 | 96% |
| FALL 2023 | 22 | 22 | 100% |
| Combined Total | 75 | 74 | 99% |
Well before graduation, the majority of our students receive job offers for positions in hospitals, community-based programs, assisted living centers, rehabilitation centers, early intervention programs and public and private schools.
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.
View the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy pass rates.
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
