MOT in Occupational Therapy

Admission to the master of occupational therapy program is selective and limited to 24 spaces. The program seeks applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than occupational therapy with a record of academic achievement and who are committed to employing interdisciplinary approaches and strategies in the study of occupational therapy.

The program also seeks candidates who are committed to self-development as a necessary foundation for assisting others. Academic coursework and clinical experiences require that students be available throughout the day and some evenings. In addition to four semesters of academic coursework, students are required to complete six months of full-time fieldwork in an occupational therapy setting.

The application, transcripts, and other supplemental materials should be sent to: Office of Graduate Admissions, USM, P.O. Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104-9300.

The following criteria are used in the selection process:
1. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

2. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or a B average is highly recommended. If you have a graduate degree, your graduate cumulative GPA will be used. If your cumulative GPA is not 3.0 or better, the likelihood of acceptance is significantly diminished. Your application will not be considered if you have a cumulative GPA lower than 2.75.

3. Prerequisite courses: Either as part of your baccalaureate degree or subsequent to receiving it, you must have completed the following courses with a grade of B (3.0) or better. All of the science prerequisites must have been taken within six years prior to the fall semester for which you are applying. If science courses were completed with a B or better more than six years ago, you may do one of the following: 1) use more current upper division courses in the discipline to satisfy the requirement; 2) retake the course; or 3) take a CLEP or equivalent exam if one is available. If you have questions regarding the prerequisite requirements, contact the MOT director.

Prerequisite Courses:

• Statistics (such as MAT 120D or SBS 328 or equivalent)** 3 Credits
• College Algebra (such as MAT 108 or equivalent)* 3 Credits
• College Level English* 3 Credits
• Intro to Sociology* 3 Credits (or an upper level SOC or SBS course)
• Human Growth and Development or Developmental Psychology** 3 Credits (Life span course)
• Abnormal Psychology or Psychopathology*** 3 Credits
• Intro to Physics with lab 4 Credits
• Human Anatomy and Physiology I*** 4 Credits
• (or equivalent)
• Human Anatomy and Physiology II*** 4 Credits
• (or equivalent)
• Medical Terminology 1-3 Credits

* There are CLEP exams available for these courses.
** There are DANTES exams available for these courses.
*** There are Excelsior College Exams available for these courses.