Occupational Therapy (OTD)

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is a post-professional degree program that provides graduates with advanced knowledge and skills in one of four leadership pathways: 1) pedagogy and academic administration; 2) clinical research; 3) policy and administration and (4) advanced clinical practice.

Chan OTD graduates will become expert faculty and provide leadership within academic institutions; be highly skilled at evaluating patient outcomes and contribute to clinical research teams; apply occupational science to address critical societal challenges; advance occupational therapy practice and elevate the profession’s influence within healthcare systems and mobilize knowledge to enhance health and well-being across communities.   

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the OTD program are expected to have a master’s degree in occupational therapy or a related field from an accredited college or university. Additionally, prospective students who will complete the program in the United States must submit proof of passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy® (NBCOT) examination and state licensure prior to enrollment. Prospective students who will complete the program outside of the United States must submit proof of an equivalent credential to practice in their location. All students must maintain their respective credentials throughout the duration of the program. Prospective applicants who are licensed/registered with only a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy should apply for the master’s program in occupational therapy.    

Applicants must have earned a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA during previous graduate coursework. At least three letters of reference, an autobiographical statement of purpose and a current resume or curriculum vitae are required. Applicants’ leadership potential, previous academic record, clinical experiences and professional accomplishments will also be considered.

USC maintains additional admissions requirements for international students (see the Admission section of this catalogue), including English language competence as measured by the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination or Pearson Test of English (PTE).

For details regarding admissions procedures and deadlines, please refer to the Chan Division website: chan.usc.edu/education/post-professional-otd.

Degree Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 36 units beyond the master’s degree is required. Students without a master’s degree in occupational therapy or a related field from an accredited college or university are required to complete at least 60 units for the OTD. The degree is awarded under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue, for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degree must be accepted by the USC Graduate School.