MOT Prerequisite Courses
Listed below are the MOT Program prerequisite courses as listed on the Selection Criteria page. To the right of each requirement are examples of equivalencies if taken at SSU. Please refer to the MOT Prerequisite Summary (PDF) form for your assistance.
In addition to meeting university admission criteria, applicants must have successfully completed the following prerequisites in addition to or in conjunction with a baccalaureate degree in any area of study. Applicants are encouraged to work with the Graduate School Administrator, (740) 351-3177, for academic advising to ensure that a plan for completing prerequisite requirements is developed before applying to the MOT program.
Academic advising to select a baccalaureate degree best suited to the applicant's interests and skills is strongly advised. Admissions will be processed and handled through the Graduate School. Students admitted into the program will begin coursework the following fall semester.
*NOTE: Applicants are NOT required to be an Occupational Therapy Assistant, or earn an associate's degree in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, to apply to the MOT program.
All prerequisite biology courses must be within the past 5 years and all other prerequisite courses completed within the past 10 years.
Social and Behavioral Sciences
3 or 4 unit course in each of the following, beyond introductory level
- Developmental Psychology or Human Development (PSYC1130, PSYC2130/3130)
- Abnormal Psychology (PSYC3160)
- Adult development and/or Aging (SOCI3234*, PSYC3130 or 3131)
- Social or Cultural Anthropology (ANTH2250 or SOCI above intro level)
Natural Sciences
3 or 4 unit course in each of the following; upper division level of physical sciences within five years prior to admission to program
- Neuroanatomy with lab (BIOL3660)
- Advanced Human Physiology with lab OR Pathophysiology (BIOL3650)
- Biomechanical & Functional Kinesiology (EXSC3050)
- Two courses of physical science (CHEM, GEOL, NTSC, PHYS, or PSCI [above introductory level])
Other Course Work
- Medical Terminology (BUHE3000)
- Statistics (STAT1150or PSYC2120)
* SOCI3234 will meet the requirement for either Social Anthropology or Adult Development, but not both
Selection Criteria
All applicants must meet the minimum criteria as stated in the University Catalog as well as complete application materials to the Master of Occupational Therapy Program. All applicants receive a numerical score in four areas. Each area is weighted as follows:
Area 1: 20% - Volunteer evaluation (applicants need 40 hours). The volunteer evaluation is given a numerical rating based on the quality of the evaluation. Students who do not waive their right to review the volunteer evaluation will have a significant reduction in the scoring of the evaluation. This is due to potential reluctance of the reviewing therapist to make unfavorable comments.
Area 2: 50% - Grade point average, minimum GPA of 3.2 from previous baccalaureate degree. In addition, prerequisite courses must meet a minimum of 3.0. Grade point average will be based on these determinations and averaged per individual student and given a score. Applicants with overall undergraduate GPA of less than 3.2 are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and obtain a score above the 50th percentile.
Area 3: 20% - Essay, via OTCAS (or SSU application site for SSU undergraduates). The writing sample is scored blindly and independently by the Admission Committee faculty. These scores are averaged.
Area 4: 10% - Each application must be accompanied by three references, via OTCAS (or SSU application site for SSU undergraduates), from individuals with a history of knowledge about the applicant
Bachelors to Masters 3+2 Selection Criteria
Prerequisites for Bachelors to Masters 3+2 Program
- Minimum 3.5 High School GPA
- ACT score of 26 or greater (cumulative)
- High School College Prep track
- Maintain 3.2 or higher GPA while in 3+2 Program
Students interested in the 3+2 program are encouraged to contact the Academic Advisor at (740) 351-3177 or bmadden@shawnee.edu