M.S. in Occupational Therapy Program

Qualified high school students can apply for admission to the pre professional phase occupational therapy program. Once at the University of Charleston, students must take the designated prerequisites, complete the general education requirements, and the coursework related to their undergraduate major (e.g. exercise science). To transition into the professional phase of the program, they must demonstrate a 3.0 overall grade point average and earn a ‘C’ or higher in each prerequisite course and complete a minimum of 82 credit hours including 8 at the upper division level (300 – 400 level). Students who fulfill the general education requirements of the University of Charleston will earn a bachelor’s degree after successful completion of the first year of the professional phase of the occupational therapy program.

Twenty positions are available to qualified high school students who apply for admission to the University of Charleston and will graduate from an approved secondary school or submission of a state-approved high school equivalent program, applicants must have:

Completed work equal to a standard academic high school coursework with:

• Minimum Overall GPA 3.0 or greater (based on 4.0 scale)
• Minimum Science GPA of 3.0 or greater (based on 4.0 scale)
• Requirement to meet with an occupational therapy faculty member or attend a virtual orientation of the program.

NOTE: the Occupational Therapy program at the University of Charleston does not accept AP science courses for the transfer (Biology and lab, Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs).

Students without an earned bachelor’s degree can apply for admission to the pre professional phase occupational therapy program. Once at the University of Charleston, students must take the designated prerequisites, complete the general education requirements, and the coursework related to their undergraduate major (e.g. exercise science). To transition into the professional phase of the program, they must demonstrate a 3.0 overall grade point average and earn a ‘C’ or higher in each prerequisite course and complete a minimum of 82 credit hours including 8 at the upper division level (300 – 400 level). Students who fulfill the general education requirements of the University of Charleston will earn a bachelor’s degree after successful completion of the first year of the professional phase of the occupational therapy program.

Students with an earned bachelor’s degree can apply for admission to the professional phase of the occupational therapy program. Applicants must demonstrate a 3.0 overall grade point average and earn a ‘C’ or higher in each prerequisite course.

Graduate admission and progression requirements to the professional phase of the MSOT program include:

Prerequisite coursework completed prior to starting the professional phase with the grade of a “C” or higher:

• Statistics (3 credit hours)
• Biology with Lab (4 credit hours)
• Anatomy and Physiology with labs (8 credit hours)
• Medical Terminology (1-3 credit hours)
• Sociology (3 credits)
• Introduction to Psychology (3 credit hours)
• Life-Span Development (3 credit hours)
• Abnormal Psychology (3 credit hours)

Cumulative GPA of 3.0

Students applying for direct admission to the professional phase of the program must include:

A brief typed essay (300 words or less) responding to the prompt: Describe your personal characteristics and experiences that you believe will lead to your success in the occupational therapy profession.

A resume documenting your academic and work experiences.

Offers of acceptance will be provided based upon cohort space availability.

*A bachelor’s degree is not required for admission to the MSOT program. Students who are admitted to MSOT without a conferred undergraduate degree may work with their advisor to see if they are eligible for bachelor degree conferral after their first year of professional course work. If not, they will be awarded a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy after successful completion of the program.

** Students with an earned bachelors degree will not be awarded a bachelors degree from the University of Charleston as part of the MSOT program.

Students applying for the transfer track without a Bachelors degree and those with a Bachelors degree who are applying for direct admission to the MSOT program must complete UC application and submit and essay and resume.

Applicants for the MSOT Program are required to have a high functioning computer with updated software and good bandwidth and internet connection, as well as video access. Students must be competent in the use of technology and able to efficiently navigate online platforms used within the program. No exceptions are allowed due to the design of this program to ensure that students are able to complete course assignments and attend virtually held classes from a distance.

Download the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy student handbook.

General University Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Students must meet the graduation requirements as published in the Catalog in effect when they first enroll in order to graduate, unless they have not maintained continuous enrollment (summers exempted). Students who interrupt their studies may be expected to meet degree requirements of the Catalog in effect at the time of their return. Transfer student requirements are governed by the Catalog in effect at the time of initial enrollment. Subsequent changes in degree requirements, as published in the Catalog, amended by the faculty, may be substituted at the option of the faculty in discussion with the student.

Within the University certain programs have specific guidelines as to the courses accepted for credit or the time in which courses can be applied for credit. Records of students not completing degree requirements within these times will be subject to review to determine graduation requirements.

Departmental requirements for graduation are those in effect at the time the student declares the major except in cases in which an external accrediting agency requires otherwise. Changes in departmental requirements after declaration will apply, provided they do not require a student to enroll in more than a normal complement of credit hours in any term or do not prolong the time required to complete degree requirements.

Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

For a student to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, they must successfully complete the first year of the MSOT program and all degree requirements for their undergraduate major. The student must be in good academic standing and have earned 120 credit hours

MSOT Degree Requirements

For a student to graduate from the MSOT program, the student must be in good academic standing, have had satisfactory progress in all semesters of the academic program, and satisfactorily complete the following:

• Successfully complete the required 92 credit hours.
• Achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the program.
• Exhibit the expected conduct and behavior as described in the Conduct and Behaviors Review Form, AOTA Core Values, and the Code of Ethics for the Occupational Therapist.
• Successfully complete a total of 24 weeks of supervised Level II Fieldwork.
• Complete all program requirements within four years of the start date unless an extension is approved by the program director.
• Honor all professional and financial obligations to the University of Charleston, as published in the University of Charleston and MSOT Student Handbooks, and as specified in any written communications from the University’s administrators.

The University of Charleston’s M.S. in Occupational Therapy program provides a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum designed to prepare students for impactful careers in occupational therapy. The hybrid format combines online coursework with hands-on, in-person learning experiences, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Program Highlights

• Foundational Knowledge and Ethics

Begin your journey with courses like Foundations of Occupational Therapy and Ethics in Occupational Therapy Practice, which establish a strong professional and ethical framework.

• Diversified Areas of Practice

Dive deep into pediatric, physical disabilities, and mental health care through dedicated courses in evaluation, intervention, and fieldwork experiences.

• Innovative and Evidence-Based Practice

Learn to apply research in Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice and Research, and Research – Data Analysis and Dissemination. Explore innovative solutions in courses like Assistive Technology in Occupational Therapy, and The Occupational Therapist as an Innovator.

• Leadership and Management

Build leadership skills and administrative expertise through courses such as Administration, Management, and Leadership, and Leadership and Transition to Professional Practice.

• Real-World Application

Gain practical experience through multiple Level I Fieldwork courses in pediatrics, physical disabilities, and mental health, culminating in extensive Level II Fieldwork placements and competency preparation.

• Capstone and Clinical Reasoning

Showcase your knowledge with a personalized capstone project and participate in clinical reasoning seminars to prepare for professional practice.

Flexible and Immersive Learning

This hybrid program combines the convenience of online learning with on-campus experiences in West Virginia, allowing students to develop practical skills in real-world settings.

With a curriculum designed to build expertise across diverse populations and practice settings, graduates of the University of Charleston’s M.S. in Occupational Therapy are well-equipped to transform lives and lead in the field.