2013-2014 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
- Requirements for the M.S. in Occupational Therapy
- Professional Program Requirements for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
- Sample Curriculum for Professional Program
For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Health Professions section in this catalog.
Website: www.gvsu.edu/grad/ot
Admission to the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
- Academic achievement of a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in pre-professional courses and in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. All pre-professional courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.
- An interview and an onsite writing sample.
- Documented volunteer experience for a minimum of 50 hours under the supervision of an occupational therapist.
- Completion of Achievement Summary Form detailing student accomplishments that reflect the core goals of the program.
- International student applicants should be able to communicate well in English. The following minimal scores are expected: TOEFL 610 or computer-based TOEFL 253.
- Transfer students from two or four-year colleges must also complete an undergraduate application to GVSU. It is recommended that students transfer by the beginning of their junior year to ensure completion of all undergraduate degree and pre-professional requirements. Transfer students should consult with an advisor from the occupational therapy program before entering GVSU or shortly thereafter.
- Potential candidates to the occupational therapy program coming from other educational institutions who wish to complete a required pre-professional course at GVSU may apply for non-degree-seeking status, using an undergraduate application. Once all pre-professional requirements have been completed, then the student will need to submit a graduate application.
Requirements for the M.S. in Occupational Therapy
Completion of 79 to 80 credits in the professional curriculum is required for completion of the master's degree in occupational therapy. General graduate academic policies can be found in the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog. General university degree requirements are in the Academic Regulations section of the catalog and the requirements for undergraduate majors are in the appropriate Academic Programs section.
Professional Program Requirements for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Because the occupational therapy program prepares students to practice in a variety of settings, we assume the responsibility to assure the public that our students have met high standards of professional behavior, academic achievement and consistent evidence of response to consumer needs. Criminal background checks may be required prior to participation in certain clinical experiences. The cost of this evaluation may be the responsibility of the student.
The program requires that students attain a minimum of 84 percent competency in each course, which is reflected in each course syllabus across the professional curriculum.
- OT 502 - Theoretical Foundations of OT Credits: 3
- OT 503 - Group Occupations in Practice Credits: 2
- OT 505 - Limitations on Occupation Credits: 3
- OT 551 - Meaningful Living Through Occupation Credits: 3
- OT 552 - Meaningful Living Laboratory Credits: 3
- OT 553 - Level I Fieldwork (Part 1) Credits: 2
- OT 555 - Professional Socialization in Occupational Therapy Credits: 3
- OT 557 - Research Design in Occupational Therapy Credits: 2
- OT 558 - Mental Health Services in Occupational Therapy Credits: 2
- OT 559 - Mental Health Laboratory Credits: 1
- OT 561 - Child and Adolescent Practice Credits: 3
- OT 562 - Child and Adolescent Laboratory Credits: 2
- OT 563 - Level I Fieldwork (Part 2) Credits: 1
- OT 564 - Occupational Therapy Research Proposal Credits: 2
- OT 565 - Occupational Therapy Services Administration Credits: 3
- OT 571 - Adult Practice Credits: 3
- OT 572 - Adult Laboratory Credits: 3
- OT 573 - Level I Fieldwork (Part 3) Credits: 1
- OT 651 - Older Adult Practice Credits: 3
- OT 652 - Older Adult Laboratory Credits: 3
- OT 653 - Level I Fieldwork (Part 4) Credits: 1
- OT 660 - Level II Fieldwork (Part 1) Credits: 9 *
- OT 661 - Level II Fieldwork (Part 2) Credits: 9 *
- PA 535 - Grant Writing Credits: 3
- STA 610 - Applied Statistics for Health Professions Credits: 3
- EDH 648 - The Adult Learner Credits: 3
- OT 693 - Occupational Therapy Research Project Credits: 2
OR
- OT 695 - Occupational Therapy Master's Thesis Credits: 3
- OT 698 - Professional Issues Seminar Credits: 1
* Level II fieldwork must be completed within 24 months of completion of the academic program.
Sample Curriculum for Professional Program
Traditional Program
Fall I
- OT 502 - Theoretical Foundations of OT (3 credits)
- OT 551 - Meaningful Living Through Occupation (3 credits)
- OT 552 - Meaningful Living Laboratory (3 credits)
- OT 553 - Level I Fieldwork (Part 1) (2 credits)
- STA 610 - Applied Statistics for Health Professions (3 credits)
- OT 557 - Research Design in Occupational Therapy (2 credits)
Winter I
- OT 505 - Limitations on Occupation (3 credits)
- OT 558 - Mental Health Services in Occupational Therapy (2 credits)
- OT 559 - Mental Health Laboratory (1 credit)
- OT 561 - Child and Adolescent Practice (3 credits)
- OT 562 - Child and Adolescent Laboratory (2 credits)
- OT 563 - Level I Fieldwork (Part 2) (1 credit)
- OT 564 - Occupational Therapy Research Proposal (2 credits)
Spring/Summer I
- OT 503 - Group Occupations in Practice (2 credits)
- PA 535 - Grant Writing (3 credits)
- OT 571 - Adult Practice (3 credits)
- OT 572 - Adult Laboratory (3 credits)
- OT 573 - Level I Fieldwork (Part 3) (1 credit)
- OT 693 - Occupational Therapy Research Project (2 credits) OR
- OT 695 - Occupational Therapy Master's Thesis (3 credits)
Second Six Weeks:
Fall II
- EDH 648 - The Adult Learner (3 credits)
- OT 555 - Professional Socialization in Occupational Therapy (3 credits)
- OT 565 - Occupational Therapy Services Administration (3 credits)
- OT 651 - Older Adult Practice (3 credits)
- OT 652 - Older Adult Laboratory (3 credits)
- OT 653 - Level I Fieldwork (Part 4) (1 credit)
Winter II
Spring/Summer II
Weekend Delivery Model
Fall I | Winter I | Summer I |
OT 502 3 cr | OT 551/552 6 cr | OT 557 2 cr |
OT 505 3 cr | OT 553 2 cr | OT 565 3 cr |
STA 610 3 cr | OT 555 3 cr | PA 535 3 cr |
TOTAL: 9 cr |
TOTAL: 11 cr |
TOTAL: 8 cr |
Fall II | Winter II | Summer II |
OT 503 2 cr | OT 558/559 3 cr | OT 571/572 6 cr |
OT 561/562 5 cr | EDH 648 3 cr | OT 573 1 cr |
OT 563 1 cr | OT 564 2 cr | OT 693/695 2-3 cr |
Total: 8 cr | Total: 8 cr | Total: 9-10 cr |
Fall III | Winter III | Summer III |
OT 651/652 6 cr | OT 660 (FW) 9 cr | OT 661 (FW) 9 cr |
OT 653 1 cr | OT 698 1 cr | |
Total: 7 cr | Total: 9 cr | Total: 10 cr |