MSOT Admission Requirements

Those interested in the MSOT Entry Level program, but who have not completed all general education, prerequisite undergraduate courses, or who hold a Bachelor degree in a field other than occupational therapy, should contact the Office of Admissions for undergraduate application materials and credit evaluation.

Office of Admissions
Saginaw Valley State University
178 Wickes Hall
University Center, MI 48710-0001 USA
1-800-968-9500
(989) 964-4200
(989) 790-0180 FAX
admissions@svsu.edu

For those who hold a baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy and are interested in completing their master's degree in occupational therapy, please refer to the other admission requirements.

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program is a competitive admissions program that will accept students to begin MSOT coursework each Spring term.  In order to apply to the MSOT program, students must meet the following minimal standards:

1. Completion of a minimum of 83 credits prior to admission to the program.
2. Achievement of a minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA (based on a 4.00 scale) for all preprofessional course work (based on all college-level work computed both at SVSU and at other schools and colleges).
3. Completion of all prerequisite pre-occupational therapy undergraduate courses with a grade minimum of 2.0 for each course (see undergraduate description of the Pre-OT program).
4. Completion of 60 hours of verifiable work and/or volunteer experience with ill, handicapped or disadvantaged people.
5. Completion of an approved background check. Results to be submitted with the application packet.
6. Submission of a completed application packet.

All MSOT program prerequisites and general education undergraduate courses must be completed prior to starting the MSOT program (Spring term).  

Admission to the program is based on overall GPA in all college coursework, GPA in MSOT prerequisite courses (minimum 3.0 GPA), and a writing sample completed on-campus and evaluated on the basis of content, use of conventions of standard written English (grammar and mechanics), organization of ideas, and overall style.  At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, applicants may undergo an evaluation of professional behavior and/or be asked to complete an on-campus interview.

Students apply to the MSOT program during the Winter semester.  GPAs will be calculated based upon the grades in coursework that has already been completed. Students admitted to the program will be admitted on a provisional basis; students who demonstrate a drop in overall GPA to below 3.0 (based upon their final Winter semester grades) will be subject to review of Winter semester course grades, and may have their admission status revoked.

Admission to SVSU is required for, but does not guarantee, acceptance into the MSOT program.

PLEASE NOTE:  A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination, attain state licensure, or obtain employment as an occupational therapist.  It may also affect a student’s assignment to clinical learning facilities for completion of the program.  Therefore, students are required to submit the results of a criminal background check at the time of application to the MSOT program.  They are also required to indicate any changes from their original criminal background check on a yearly basis. Students whose background checks reveal convictions, pending charges, or other recorded events shall be advised by the Program Director as to how their background may impact their ability to enter or complete the program, obtain field experience placement, become licensed and/or certified, and obtain employment in the field.

A new class is admitted to the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy - Entry Level program each spring.

Students who have completed the above requirements must submit an application for graduate admission by January 16 (if January 16 falls on a weekend, the application deadline will be
moved to the first business day after January 16) to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Saginaw Valley State University 
160 Wickes Hall
7400 Bay Road 
University Center, MI 48710-0001 USA
(989) 964-6096
(989) 964-2788 FAX
gradadm@svsu.edu

Those interested in the MSOT Entry Level program, but who have not completed all general education, prerequisite undergraduate courses, or who hold a Bachelor degree in a field other than occupational therapy, should contact the Office of Admissions (989) 964-4200 for undergraduate application materials and credit evaluation.

DOMESTIC STUDENTS:

Please complete the Graduate Application for Admission including the non-refundable Application Fee and the following:‌

• An earned undergraduate degree in occupational therapy with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 based on a 4.00 scale. (A student with a 2.75 to 2.99 GPA may be admitted in a probationary status by the Admissions Committee of the Occupational Therapy Department. A probationary student may be considered for full admission when he/she has completed 9 hours of SVSU credit at the graduate level with a grade of “B” (3.00) or higher in each of the courses.)
• Official copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Successful completion with a grade of “C” (2.00) or better for a course in statistical or research methods, its equivalent or a validation examination
• Current registration, licensure, or eligible for initial certification by the NBCOT as an occupational therapist in the United States, or eligible for Michigan registration
• A one page personal statement of accomplishments and academic goals- Statement of Purpose Form (608kB)

Transfer Students needs are considered on an individual basis by the Department of Occupational Therapy.

Submit completed DOMESTIC applications, transcripts and required materials to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Saginaw Valley State University
160 Wickes Hall
7400 Bay Road
University Center, MI 48710
(989) 964-6096
(989) 964-2788 - fax
gradadm@svsu.edu

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:

Please complete the International Graduate Application for Admission‌ including the non-refundable Application Fee and the following:‌

• Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate competence in English. The College accepts a score of 525 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a passing score on an alternative test determined by the College. SVSU’s English Language Program is available for students without a TOEFL score or whose TOEFL score is below the required minimum. Successful completion of the English Language Program does not guarantee acceptance to a graduate program at SVSU.
• Evidence of Financial Support
• An earned undergraduate degree in occupational therapy with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 based on a 4.00 scale. (A student with a 2.75 to 2.99 GPA may be admitted in a probationary status by the Admissions Committee of the Occupational Therapy Department. A probationary student may be considered for full admission when he/she has completed 9 hours of SVSU credit at the graduate level with a grade of “B” (3.00) or higher in each of the courses.)
• Official copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Successful completion with a grade of “C” (2.00) or better for a course in statistical or research methods, its equivalent or a validation examination
• Current registration, licensure, or eligible for initial certification by the NBCOT as an occupational therapist in the United States, or eligible for Michigan registration
• A one page personal statement of accomplishments and academic goals- Statement of Purpose Form (608kB)

Transfer Students needs are considered on an individual basis by the Department of Occupational Therapy.

Submit completed INTERNATIONAL applications, transcripts and required materials to:

Office of International Programs
Saginaw Valley State University
250 Wickes Hall
7400 Bay Road
University Center, MI 48710
(989) 964-4473
(989) 964-6066 - fax
oip@svsu.edu