Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Degree Admission Requirements

The Department of Occupational Therapy offers a 3+2, entry-level master’s degree with a minimum of 69 credits in occupational therapy courses. Additionally, the department offers an entry-level master’s degree (requiring 77 credits) for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree and who have completed the required prerequisite coursework. The department also provides a Post-baccalaureate master’s degree option for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy requiring a minimum of 34 credit hours.

IMPORTANT UPDATE!  Our application deadline has been extended! Applications due Sunday, January 29 at midnight.

Pre-OT for Entry Level Program: Those interested in the MSOT Entry Level program, but who have not completed all general education, prerequisite undergraduate courses, or who hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than occupational therapy, should contact their Pre-OT Faculty advisor (SVSU Occupational Therapy faculty are available for advising and to discuss career options for those in the entry-level occupational therapy program leading to the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree.) or The Office of Admissions for undergraduate application materials and credit evaluation.

» View the complete list of requirements

MSOT Entry-Level Program: Students WITHOUT a bachelor’s degree (3+2 program)

• Completion of a minimum of 83 credits prior to admission to the MSOT program.
• Successful completion of all general education and prerequisite undergraduate courses.
• Achievement of a minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA for all pre-professional coursework (based upon all college-level work computed both at SVSU and other schools and colleges).
• Completion of 30 hours of verifiable work/volunteer experience with people experiencing decreased participation in daily activities.
• Completion of an approved background check and 10-panel drug screen.
• Submission of the completed application packet.

MSOT Entry-Level Program: Students WITH a bachelor’s degree

• Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university prior to admission to the MSOT program
• Achievement of a minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA for all pre-professional coursework (based upon all college-level work computed both at SVSU and other schools and colleges)
• Successful completion of prerequisite undergraduate courses with a grade minimum of 2.0 for each course:
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Introductory Psychology
  • Medical Terminology
• Completion of 30 hours of verifiable work/volunteer experience with people experiencing decreased participation in daily activities.
• Completion of an approved background check and 10-panel drug screen.
• Submission of the completed application packet.

MSOT Advanced Practice Program: Post-Baccalaureate OTR to MSOT

• 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 completed application through Graduate Admissions.
• A one-page personal statement of accomplishments and academic goals.
• 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 as determined by the College
• International students must also provide documentation, including a passport copy and evidence of financial support.