Occupational Therapy (M.S.)

Gain evidence-based knowledge and applied occupational therapy skills to promote clients’ independence, well-being and engagement in daily life. 

Degree Requirements and Course Descriptions

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.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

View admission requirements and deadlines to apply to the program.

Program Overview

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.

Estimated Costs: 2.5-Year OT MS Program

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.

  • A one-time Program Fee is charged as part of the student's first semester in the program and funds essential elements of the learning experience including course, lab, and basic fieldwork materials, AOTA membership, and access to multiple learning and clinical platforms for the duration of the program.
  • 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 and University Billing Office provides a full breakdown of tuition and fees.
  • The Provost Budget 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.
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
School Fees: $4,546
Course Fees: $0

$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
School Fees: $3,415
Course Fees: $0
Program Fee: $800

$33,303
Summer 2027 - Spring 2028
(35 units)

Tuition: $42,420
School Fees: $4,546
Course Fees: $0

$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

MSOT Graduation Rates

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%

Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy?

Strong Career Outcomes

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.

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. 

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

Not sure if the OT MS program is the right fit?

Why Towson University?

Program Advantages

  • expert faculty with extensive industry experience
  • applied learning experiences in the field
  • in-depth training across a broad range of areas of practice

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

Direct Edit