Online MA in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

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The Online Master of Arts program is open to occupational therapists with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from outside USC. All students must complete either the Thesis or Comprehensive Exam Option. This online program requires a total of 32 units for the Comprehensive Exam Option, or a total of 28 units plus OT 594a and OT 594b for the Thesis Option.

Online MA in Occupational Therapy

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited college or university outside USC; a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0); a minimum score of 153 on the verbal section, 144 on the quantitative section and a 3.5 on the analytical writing section of the Graduate Record Examinations taken within five years of application; three letters of recommendation and an autobiographical statement of purpose. A satisfactory score on the TOEFL or IELTS within two years of enrollment is a requirement for most international students.

Required Core Courses

OT 515 Neuroscience of Behavior Units: 4
OT 518 Quantitative Research for Evidence-Based Practice Units: 4
OT 525 Qualitative Research for Evidence-Based Practice Units: 4
OT 534 Health Promotion and Wellness Units: 2
OT 538 Current Issues in Practice: Adulthood and Aging Units: 2
OT 540 Leadership Capstone Units: 2
OT 545 Advanced Seminar in Occupational Science Units: 2

Required Elective Courses

Comprehensive Exam Option (12 units)

In addition to the required core courses, all required elective courses (12 units) must be successfully completed prior to taking the comprehensive exam. Successful performance on a written comprehensive examination administered each fall and spring semester completes the degree.

Thesis Option (8 units)

In addition to the required core courses, students are required to take 4 units of OT 594a and OT 594b Master’s Thesis for a total of 28 units.