MSOT Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

Admissions Process

The admissions process to the MSOT Program is aligned with the institutional mission and vision and reflects efforts to recruit and admit a diverse student population.

Procedures for Admission

• Three letters of recommendation from former professors, employers or supervisors familiar with the applicant’s professional or service experiences. These may be from religious or community leaders but not relatives or personal associates.
• Essay Questions. Using a 12-point font, double spacing and a maximum of 500 characters, please explain why you wish to pursue a degree in occupational therapy (include discussion of your current and long-term professional goals), and identify personal and professional strengths you believe will facilitate your success as an OT student.
• A minimum of 20 hours of observation of occupational therapy practice is required. Virtual or in-person observations will be accepted. Please download the site observation form and fill out appropriately.
• Additional evidence for success as a graduate student such as academic or professional awards, special certificates, continuing education, or completion of specialized examinations (not required but encouraged).
• GRE or MAT scores; waived for Alvernia alumni and recent bachelor’s degree graduates (within 5 years) 

Advancement to the Professional Graduate Phase

Alvernia University students who have successfully completed the undergraduate phase - see the BS Health Science 2026-27 Academic Completion Plan - may transition directly into the graduate phase of the program.

Advancement criteria will be:

• GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate work.
• Achieved a final grade of “C” or better in all occupational therapy, prerequisite, and related required courses.
• Completion of all core and undergraduate requirements.
• Submission of a portfolio of the student’s education, service, and professional accomplishments.
• Students must achieve/maintain a 3.0 GPA to continue in the professional graduate phase.

Students with a Baccalaureate Degree in a related field will be considered for admission into the entry level Master of Science in OT Program. Students with a Baccalaureate Degree in Occupational Therapy will be accepted directly into the graduate phase of the program. See course catalog for specific admissions requirements.

Students with a Baccalaureate Degree and current certification as a registered occupational therapist will be considered for admission into the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy completion program. Please refer to the Graduate and Continuing Studies Division catalog for full details regarding these programs.

Transfer of Credit

Learn more on our Transfer to Alvernia page.

Minimum standards for transfer students:

• GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for previous undergraduate work. Transfer students must achieve a grade of "C" or higher in the following related required or equivalent courses BIO 107/117, BIO 108/118 and MAT 208.
• Submit two letters of reference from academic or workplace contacts.
• No students will be accepted after Fall of junior year. (Please contact Program Director for entry level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy option)

Prerequisite Educational or Work Experience Requirements

Official transcript(s) indicating the applicant has earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited 4-year college or university. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree is required. Transcripts from all institutions of 2- or 4-year colleges or universities the applicant has attended. Evidence of completion of the following course work with a grade of “C” or higher

• Human Anatomy and Physiology (6 cr. with lab component)
• Introduction to Sociology or Anthropology
• Introduction to Psychology
• Lifespan Development or Developmental Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Statistics
• Kinesiology: Biomechanics (Option to complete as a first-semester leveling course with OT 564: Kinesiology for the OT.)

Please contact a Graduate Admissions Advisor with questions about prerequisite requirements or course equivalencies.