Graduate Bulletin

Occupational Therapy, M.S.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: August 1                               [December 15 for international applicants]

Spring: December 1                            [August 1 for international applicants]

Applications are processed as they are received throughout the year.

Letters of Reference:

Number Required: 2

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from employers and/or professional colleagues.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration:

Not applicable.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:

A degree or certificate in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-accredited or WFOT-approved entry-level Occupational Therapy program is required.  The applicant must also be a certified Occupational Therapist (OTR).

Statement of Goals:

The Statement of Goals should be approximately 500-1,000 words and should include the following elements: your interest in Temple's program; your research goals; your future career goals; and your academic and research achievements.

Standardized Test Scores:

The GRE/MAT is required. The GRE scores should be in the 50th percentile on at least two of the three test sections (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical). The MAT scores should be in the 50% range. Applicants who score below the 50th percentile, yet demonstrate an ability to do graduate work, may be considered.

Minimum TOEFL score or range of scores needed to be accepted: 600 paper-based, 250 computer-based, or 100 internet-based.

Interview:

All applicants who meet the minimum admission criteria will be invited to interview with the Chair of the department. The department will schedule individual interviews.

Resume:

A resume is required.

Transfer Credit:

Graduate credits from an accredited institution may be transferred into the Master of Science program. The credits must be equivalent to coursework offered at Temple, and the grade must be a "B" or better to transfer. The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is 6.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:

Number of Didactic Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 30

Required Courses:

Occ Ther 990, 991

Students must earn credits in the following areas: 12 credits in core courses (6 of which are in thesis research), 12 credits in a specialty area, and 12 credits in subspecialty area.

Internship: No internship is required.

Language Examination: No language examination is required.

Culminating Events:

Thesis:

The master's thesis is a guided positive research experience that adds to the body of knowledge of the profession and is publishable. A student preparing to present her/his thesis should confirm a time and date with her/his Thesis Advisor.  After the time, date, and room are approved, the department will post flyers announcing the presentation. The student's Master's Committee is responsible for evaluating the thesis and its presentation. No thesis should be presented unless it is ready for public scrutiny. The Commitee will evaluate the student's ability to express verbally her/his research question, methodological approach, primary findings, and implications. The Thesis Advisor will assign a letter grade. If the student must make revisions, those changes must be approved as arranged by the Committee.

Contacts

Program Contact Information:

www.temple.edu/ot

Department Information:

Dept. of Occupational Therapy

College of Health Professions

3307 North Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19140

otcahp@temple.edu

215-707-4813

Department Contacts:

Admissions:

Wanda Nesmith

Graduate Secretary
otcahp@temple.edu
215-707-4813

Program Coordinator:

Graduate Chairperson:

Moya Kinnealey, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
moya.kinnealey@temple.edu
215-707-4813

Chairperson:

Moya Kinnealey, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
moya.kinnealey@temple.edu
215-707-4813

About the Program

Temple University's Department of Occupational Therapy is committed to excellence and providing an accessible, affordable, professional education to a widely diverse student population. Through a curriculum rich in theory, research, reflection, and critical thinking, the Occupational Therapy Program prepares students for clinical leadership, lifelong learning, and evolution as professionals responsive to the changing needs of society. The Master of Science degree program produces advanced Occupational Therapy professionals.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 6 years

Campus Location:

Health Sciences

Most of the required and elective courses are taken at the Health Sciences Center Campus. Courses may also be available on the Main, Center City, and Ft. Washington/Ambler campuses depending on the specialty area.

Full-Time/Part-Time Status:

Students are able to complete the degree program through classes offered after 4:30 p.m. Students are able to complete the degree program on a part-time basis (8 credit hours or less per semester).

Department Information:

Dept. of Occupational Therapy

College of Health Professions

3307 North Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19140

otcahp@temple.edu

215-707-4813

Interdisciplinary Study:

The program encourages interdisciplinary study through coursework within the specialty areas.

Affiliation(s):

Not applicable.

Study Abroad:

No.

Ranking:

Not applicable.

Accreditation:

Not applicable.

Areas of Specialization:

Areas of specialization include administration and management; gerontology; pediatrics, with a focus on school-based practices and early intervention; and sensory integration.

Job Placement:

This program gives the practicing occupational therapist advanced training and research skills. Many become clinical specialists, supervisors, or academic educators.

Licensure:

Not applicable.

Non-Degree Student Policy:

Non-matriculated students may take up to 9 semester hours of credits prior to matriculation.

Financing Opportunities

The principal duties of a Teaching Assistant include assisting faculty in classroom and laboratory instruction and grading quizzes. TAs are expected to devote 20 hours per week to these or similar teaching-related activities.  Research Assistants are expected to devote 20 hours per week to research obligations. RAs are assigned to a faculty member or principal investigator who is working on a specific research topic. The appropriate subjects for research are determined by consultation between the student and the student's research and academic advisors. Both Teaching and Research Assistantships carry a stipend and tuition support for up to 9 credits per semester. Applications should include: (a) a statement of previous teaching and/or research experience, areas of interest, and future goals; (b) unofficial transcripts; and (c) a curriculum vitae. The department makes offers of assistantships in September and January.  Consult the department for applications information.

Updated 3.1.06