Occupational Therapy (MS)
Occupational Therapy (MS)
The MS in Occupational Therapy program considers for admission those applicants who possess the academic and professional promise necessary for development as competent, caring members of the health care community. To select these candidates, a competitive admission framework has been established. Within this competitive admission framework, multiple criteria are used to select the most qualified candidates from an applicant pool that exceeds the number of seats available. Interested individuals are advised to complete their application as early as possible to ensure timely consideration.
Important:
The UTRGV Occupational Therapy program is in the process of transitioning to the doctoral entry-level.
Applicants need to be aware that the OT program is in the process of transitioning the entry-level MS in occupational therapy program to an entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. The program must be granted approval by THECB and Candidacy status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) before students can be admitted to the entry-level OTD program. Applicants who apply to the OT program during the transitional period will be admitted to either the entry-level MS or OTD program depending on when Candidacy Status is granted by ACOTE. Check the UTRGV OT program webpage about the status of the OTD program. New admission to the master’s degree program will not be accepted once candidacy status is received.
Information Regarding Accreditation & Admission to OTD Program.
- Ranked #79 among 300+ national universities by Washington Monthly in 2018
- Accredited, cutting edge degree program
- Experienced, dedicated faculty
- Affordable tuition (ranked #1 in net price among national universities by Washington Monthly in 2018 and #3 most affordable university in America 2018 by BestValueSchools.com)
- Demonstrated student success in research, professional certification and career advancement
Although some graduate programs suspended the GRE/GMAT exam requirement due to COVID -19, the M.S. in Occupational Therapy is not participating and continues to REQUIRE GRE test scores for students applying for Fall 2021, 2022, etc...
Step #1: Submit a UTRGV Graduate Application at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply. The university application fee of $50 ($100 for International Applicants) can be paid online by credit card or electronic check (in the online application). All application fees are nonrefundable.
Step #2: Request your official transcripts to be sent electronically to gradapps@utrgv.edu or mailed to:
Step #3: Apply to Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS)
The UTRGV Occupational Therapy program uses the Centralized Application Service of Occupational Therapy Schools (OTCAS) for students applying to the program. All applicants to the OT program are required to submit their application to OTCAS with all required materials by the February 1st application deadline. Please refer to the OTCAS website for instructions on submission of the OTCAS application materials. Materials to be submitted to OTCAS include application, official transcripts, letters to the reference, and personal statement. The official GRE scores are sent to the UTRGV Graduate College but are self-reported on OTCAS.
Review and Submit all Program Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a recognized international equivalent.
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.Official transcripts from each institution attended (must be submitted directly to UTRGV).
- Personal statement addressing (a) why you select OT as a career; (b) how an OT degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals, and (c) describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals.
- Three letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources.
- GRE General Test. Minimum scores: 150 Verbal, 140 Quantitative,2.5 Analytical Writing. GRE test scores are valid for 5 years. A waiver of the GRE requirement will be granted to applicants who show proof of completing a graduate degree (master’s or doctoral).
- Documented volunteer hours or experiences.
- Cleared Criminal Background Check
- Submission of application to OTCAS.
- Personal interview.
- Signed FERPA Consent allowing community-based Occupational Therapists to evaluate application materials.
- Specified undergraduate coursework completed within 5 years of the February 1st application deadline with a grade of C or better and 3.0 GPA on all prerequisite coursework.
o Anatomy & Physiology I (Lecture & Lab)
o Anatomy & Physiology II (Lecture & Lab)
o Basic Statistics
o Psychology of Lifespan
o Abnormal Psychology
o Anthropology or Sociology
o Biomechanics
o General Physics I (Lecture & Lab)
o Technical Writing
o Medical Terminology
Additional requirements for domestic applicants who attended foreign universities:
- TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on Internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years. For additional information, visit the Additional Documents for Domestic Applicants who Attend Foreign Universities section of our website.
- Certified English translation of educational records.
Additional requirements for international applicants:
- TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on Internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. For additional information, visit the English Proficiency Exam section of our website.
- Certified English translation of educational records.
- Financial Documentation showing sufficient funds to cover all expenses (living and academic) for the first year of study. For additional information, visit the Financial Documentation section of our website.
- Immigration documents, including a current copy of your valid passport. For additional information, visit the Immigration Documents section of our website.
UPDATE ON INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS FROM U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT:
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SEVP regulations prohibit the issuance of a Form I-20 based on conditional admission, effective July 13, 2016. University officials can only issue a Form I-20 when students have met all standards for admission for the program of study listed on the Form I-20. These standards for admission include any English proficiency requirements.
Important Information
In keeping with the University of TexasRio Grande Valley policy, the Department of Occupational Therapy Admission Committee does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, previous major, or college attended.
Applicants who have a felony conviction are advised that the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) may bar persons with a felony record from taking the certification examination and the Texas Board of Occupation Therapy Examiners may deny person with a felony record a state license to practice. Please contact the National Aboard for Certification in Occupational Therapy and the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners regarding their requirements for certification following graduation.
In signing your admission application to the Graduate College, please ensure that all information given on your applications Is complete and correct and that misrepresentation or omission of information on this application and/or credentials is cause for denial of admission to the program, and that you have read and understand the following statement: “Persons convicted of felonies may be unable to sit for the occupational therapy certification examination” (NBCOT).
To view a list of application deadlines and program contacts for our traditional programs, click here.
Residency | Per 3-Credit Hour Course | Semester (9-Credit Hours) | Total Estimated Cost |
Texas Resident | $1,481.39 | $3,894.17 | $35,059.56 |
Non-Resident/International | $2,708.39 | $7,575.17 | $64,098.56 |
*We estimate that tuition and fees will closely approximate the rates shown above; however, rates are subject to change. Please note that the rates above are estimated for on-campus students and those enrolled in 16-week online programs. The rate is different for Accelerated Online Programs (AOP). Visit the tuition and fees page for detailed information.
Click here to view the program's course requirements from the current catalog.