Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Degree Admission Requirements

The Department of Occupational Therapy offers a freshman direct admission track, 3+2 entry level track and an entry level track for students who have previously completed a bachelor’s degree.   

Reminder: Those interested in the MSOT program, but who have not completed all general education, prerequisite undergraduate courses, or who hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than occupational therapy, should contact their Pre-OT Faculty advisor (SVSU Occupational Therapy faculty are available for advising and to discuss career options for those in the entry-level occupational therapy program leading to the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree.) or The Office of Admissions for undergraduate application materials and credit evaluation.

» View the complete list of requirements

MSOT 3+2 Admit Track: Students WITHOUT a bachelor’s degree (3+2 program)

• Completion of a minimum of 85 credits prior to admission to the program.
• Enrollment in final semester of, or completion of, all prerequisite coursework.
• Achievement of a minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA (based on a 4.00 scale) for all preprofessional course work (based on all college-level work computed both at SVSU and at other schools and colleges).
• Achievement of a grade minimum of 2.0 for each completed prerequisite pre-occupational therapy undergraduate course.
• Completion of 30 hours of verifiable work and/or volunteer experience with individuals impacted by physical injury or illness, psychological and social challenges, or developmental disabilities.
• Completion of an approved background check and 10 panel drug screen. Results to be submitted with the application packet.
• Submission of a completed application packet.  

Students pursuing the 3+2 Admit Track may be eligible to obtain a bachelor’s degree after completion of their first year in the program.  Students are encouraged to speak with an OT faculty advisor for further information.  

• Application Deadlines for FALL Start:  - May 15th
• Application Deadlines for WINTER Start: September 15th

MSOT Entry-Level Program: Students WITH a bachelor’s degree

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university prior to admission to the program.
• Achievement of a minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA (based on a 4.00 scale) for all prior course work (based on all college-level work computed both at SVSU and at other schools and colleges).
• Enrollment in final semester of, or completion of, all prerequisite undergraduate coursework at an accredited college or university, with a grade minimum of 2.0 for each course. These courses include: Anatomy and Physiology, Introductory Psychology, and Medical Terminology.
• Completion of 30 hours of verifiable work and/or volunteer experience with individuals impacted by physical injury or illness, psychological and social challenges, or developmental disabilities.
• Completion of an approved background check and 10 panel drug screen. Results to be submitted with the application packet.
• Submission of a completed application packet.

Students pursuing the Bachelor’s Admit Track will be required to enroll in and complete two foundational OT courses in order to start the MSOT program. Students are encouraged to speak with an OT faculty advisor for further information.  

• Application Deadlines for FALL Start: January 15th
• Application Deadlines for WINTER Start: May 15th

Freshman Direct Admit Track: Students who Qualify for Direct Admission From High School

A limited number of qualified incoming freshman students will be accepted for guaranteed admittance into the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program. To be eligible for consideration as a freshman direct admit, students must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 or better.   

Students selected will automatically begin the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy courses upon completion of prerequisite courses and application to the MSOT program. Freshman direct admit students must maintain a 3.3 cumulative GPA, at time of application. Students will be considered with the regular applicant pool if they do not maintain the required GPA.    

Freshman Direct Admit track students will be required to complete the following in order to be fully admitted to the MSOT program:  

• Completion of a minimum of 85 credits prior to admission to the program.
• Enrollment in final semester of, or completion of, all prerequisite coursework.
• Achievement of a minimum cumulative 3.3 GPA (based on a 4.00 scale).
• Achievement of a grade minimum of 2.0 for each completed prerequisite pre-occupational therapy undergraduate course (see undergraduate description of the Pre-OT program).
• Completion of 30 hours of verifiable work and/or volunteer experience with individuals impacted by physical injury or illness, psychological and social challenges, or developmental disabilities.
• Completion of an approved background check and 10 panel drug screen. Results to be submitted with the application packet.
• Submission of a completed application packet.