Scholarships & Funding

The Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science department offers several grant, scholarship, and graduate/research assistant opportunities for graduate students in our programs. Students are also encouraged to visit the TU Graduate School website and other professional organizations to explore additional funding opportunities. 

Grants

Towson University has been awarded a federal grant to provide supplemental training opportunities for students interested in improving outcomes for PK-12 students with autism and high-intensity support needs, called Project LINC 2.0. Occupational Therapy MS (OTMS) students interested in working with children and youth with special needs and developing interdisciplinary collaboration skills alongside scholars in special education and speech-language pathology are encouraged to apply.

We are currently recruiting students starting the OTMS program in Fall 2026 to apply for up to four funded scholar positions. Scholars participate in two years of interdisciplinary training while completing their graduate program. In exchange for your service, you will:

  • Receive stipends during years one and two, plus financial support summer tuition
  • Gain hands-on training in interprofessional collaboration
  • Develop skills for leading interdisciplinary teams
  • Learn evidence-based practices for supporting students with autism and high-intensity support needs
  • Make a meaningful impact on student outcomes
  • Receive mentorship from experienced professionals 

The application process includes:

Additional details about the program commitment can be found in this short video presentation (password: OTLINC2.0).

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact Dr. Ashley Lankford, Co-principal Investigator at .

Scholarships

The complete list of university offered scholarships can be accessed through the Academic Works portal.

The following scholarships are specifically available to students within the Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science in the recognition of academic achievements and support of learning experiences:

Bowes Family Occupational Therapy Endowed Fellowship: Eligibility requirements include enrollment in the M.S. program, minimum of 3.0 GPA, and demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to residents of Harford County, MD.

Susan A. Watkins Scholarship: Eligibility requirements include full-time junior, senior, or graduate student status, as well as good academic standing, a focus in pediatrics, and MD resident.

Warren Internship Award: Eligibility requirements include a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA, with automatic consideration based on a completed General Application. This award supports students with a Level II placement away from home, or obtainment of a third Level II placement. This award was established in honor of Harriet Warren, the first Fieldwork Administrator of the department.

William Ross Thomson Scholarship: Eligibility requirements include full-time student status, minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA, and demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to first generation college students who reside in Prince George’s County, MD. This scholarship honors and continues the legacy of William Ross Thomson, father of Vice Provost Dr. Maggie Reitz, who encouraged a mentee in their scholarly pursuit of Occupational Therapy at Towson University.

Research & Graduate Assistantships

Assistantships provide graduate students with financial support in the form of a stipend and tuition remission. Graduate students who hold assistantships benefit educationally and professionally. They gain further expertise in their field, enhance their research skills, and acquire leadership experience as well as interpersonal effectiveness. Students are encouraged to visit faculty member pages to discover research assistantships (RAs) of interest within the department. Graduate assistantships (GAs) are offered within and outside the department.

RAs and GAs begin with the start of each semester. GA dates are posted on the Graduate Assistantship webpage with further details. Maintaining assistantship eligibility requires a minimum of 3.0 GPA each academic term in all courses taken for graduate credit.

Tuition & Financial Aid

For information regarding tuition, fee and other costs, please see the Student & University Billing Office for the most up to date information

For information regarding financial aid (grants, scholarships, loans, etc.), please visit the financial aid office.