- Complete both a bachelor’s and a graduate degree: Choose either the Master’s in Occupational Therapy (MOT) or Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program.
- Take advantage of a time-saving & cost-saving pathway for highly motivated undergraduate students looking ahead to graduate school.
- Declare a major in Health Sciences or Social and Behavioral Sciences to be eligible for this pathway.
- Study with faculty who hold expertise and experience in a broad range of OT practice areas.
- Begin your occupational therapy career sooner with both your bachelor’s and graduate degrees in hand.
How the pathway works
During your final year of undergraduate study, you’ll begin taking graduate-level Occupational Therapy courses — if you meet progress standards and graduate program admissions requirements. The graduate-level courses will satisfy credit requirements for your undergraduate major as well as the first year of the graduate Occupational Therapy program.
Eligible majors
To enroll in this pathway, you’ll select a major in Health Sciences or Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Program requirements
You’ll be required to complete a set of prerequisite courses for the graduate program. Enrolling in the pathway does not guarantee admission to the graduate program.
Admission to the graduate OT program
During your undergraduate studies, you will be required to submit the graduate program application along with all required admission materials. Your Academic Advisor will provide guidance on selecting whether to apply for the master’s program (MOT) or the doctoral program (OTD).
About our master’s program
Gain the practical knowledge and skills to intervene with people who are experiencing activity impairment as a result of developmental, physical, psychological, cognitive, or environmental dysfunction.
About our doctoral program
Our program provides a course of professional study that stresses competency in practice, research, and program development, and producing ethical, evidence-based practitioners and leaders.
Frequently asked questions
Our Accelerated Graduate Pathways offer highly motivated undergraduate students the opportunity to begin graduate study while completing their bachelor’s degree.
Next Steps
Our helpful admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services. We also invite you to explore the many ways to visit campus or to engage with us through online experiences.
Please note: You must enroll at the University before declaring this pathway. This pathway is most beneficial when you declare it as early as possible in your undergraduate studies. Current USM students should contact your Academic Advisor to learn more about how the pathway can work with your current academic progress.
