Frequently Asked Questions
Decisions on applications are made continuously as the program operates through a rolling admissions model. Once the application deadline passes, our Admissions team will inform you of your application's status. Once your application is complete, it will be sent to the OT Program for review. Final decisions (Accepted, Alternate, Rejected) will then be mailed to you from our Admissions team as they are made. Decision letters are typically sent out between February and June. Please note that we do not provide status updates over the phone.
There are two degree paths to become an occupational therapist - master's (MOT) or doctorate (OTD). Both programs qualify you to sit for the same national licensure exam and begin entry-level practice as an occupational therapist.
The key difference is that master's programs are shorter in length and prepares students to work with patients in a clinical setting. Doctoral program also prepares students for clinical practice. However, there's a greater emphasis in areas like research and program development, going beyond the minimum requirements to enter the profession.
We offer an entry-level master's degree in OT for those seeking to become an occupational therapist. We also offer a post-professional doctoral degree (PP-OTD) for those licensed occupational therapists who want to continue their education and advance their skills.
We accept between 34 and 36 students each year.
Starting Fall 2025, our full-time program will be a total of 24 months.
Our program schedule is designed to provide a dynamic and comprehensive learning experience, blending essential classroom and hands-on components. While the specific schedule may vary each semester, you can generally expect classes to take place between 9 am and 5 pm. We also encourage active participation in enriching off-campus experiences and student club activities, which are often schedule in the afternoons or on weekends.
Once accepted, students are expected to attend the first fall semester on a full-time basis. Following this initial semester, students may request to switch to a part-time schedule with approval and guidance from their faculty advisor, program chair and if approved by our admissions and academic committee. This flexibility allows students to tailor their program to best fit their learning needs.
Prerequisite courses must be completed by the first day of classes in August, and you must have obtained your bachelor's degree by the program start in August. For a detailed list of program requirements, please visit the following link: MS Program Requirements
No. Undergraduate courses cannot be transferred for graduate level credits. They can be used to satisfy prerequisites if they meet the content and credit requirements.
No, the program does not require the GRE as an admissions requirement.
No, the prerequisite courses are not offered here. We do not offer any undergraduate, liberal arts courses. All applicants take their prerequisites at another accredited colleges or universities.
You may complete your prerequisite requirements at any accredited college or university. Be sure that the course has the amount of credits required and, where applicable, labs are included.
In order to accept AP or credit by exam credits such as CLEP or REGENTS you must submit the official score report from the organization administering the courses. We will accept up to 12 credits of credit by exam for prerequisites if the grades received are acceptable. Please see further information on credit by exam by going to the Application Instructions (PDF) on the Admissions website.
If you have trouble with the link, go to the Downstate homepage, click on Prospective Students, then School of Health Professions, then Occupational Therapy, then Click to Apply, then click on Step 1, Download and read the Application Instructions.
Instructions for foreign credits are found in the Application Instructions (PDF) on the Admissions Office website (see pages 2 and 4). If you have trouble with the link, go to the Downstate homepage, click on Prospective Students, then School of Health Professions, then Occupational Therapy, then Click to Apply, then click on Step 1, Download and read the Application Instructions (pg. 2,4).
Information on tuition and fees for the Master’s in OT program can be found here under School of Health Professions - Graduate Program: Tuition & Fees
Additionally, a breakdown of cost of attendance can be found here: Financial Aid Costs