Degree Plan
Degree Plans & Course Descriptions
The OTD program is a full-time program due to the fixed sequence of the didactic curriculum. There are no part-time options except for the Fieldwork Level II and Doctoral Capstone Experience. According to ACOTE, Fieldwork Level II "may be completed on a part-time basis, as defined by the fieldwork placement in accordance with the fieldwork placement's usual and customary personnel policies, as long as it is at least 50% of an FTE at that site (ACOTE Standard, C.1.10.)." The Doctoral Capstone "may be completed on a part-time basis and must be consistent with the individualized specific objectives and capstone project (ACOTE Standard D.1.5.)."
The UTRGV OTD degree program courses are based on the ACOTE Standards for an entry-level doctoral program. The degree plan and course sequence are designed to (a) develop graduates who are prepared to effectively collaborate, communicate, and work with all who provide services and programs for persons, groups, and populations; (b) to develop graduates who can practice to the fullest scope of the profession, build research capacity, establish new knowledge, and interpret and apply this knowledge to practice; (c) to develop graduates who can articulate, plan, and apply evidence-based occupational therapy interventions to a variety of diagnoses, conditions, and impairments that affect engagement in everyday life activities across the lifespan; and (d) to develop graduates who can engage in culturally effective practice and promote justice through advocacy for occupational engagement for all beings. Due to the significant number of hours required to obtain the degree, there is very little room to create additional elective tracks.
The total number of hours required to complete the entry-level OTD program completion and graduation is 99 SCH.
All students enrolled in the OTD program are expected to progress and complete the fixed sequence of the didactic curriculum as proposed and accredited by ACOTE. The OTD. curriculum is sequenced; therefore, all courses included in each semester or term are considered prerequisites to any course in the following semester, including clinical training and a doctorate capstone experience.
Transfer Credits
Students interested in transferring into the OTD UTRGV Program from another entry-level OTD program may do so at the discretion of the Program Director and admission committee, depending on the student's qualifications, the reason for the transfer, and available seats. The student must meet all admission criteria and prerequisite requirements. The student must provide course syllabi for all courses to be considered for transfer to assure that the course meets the Program's content requirements. The program director will determine if the course meets the content and graduate-level requirements in consultation with faculty.
OTD Tuition Estimate
UTRGV's Tuition and Fees are the 2nd lowest in the UT System and the 3rd lowest among all Texas public universities. For OT graduate students, differential tuition, $20 per hour (up to 12 hours), will be added for graduate courses. The maximum is $240 per semester. The amounts for books & supplies, room & board, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses are averages and will vary widely depending on the circumstances and needs of each student (e.g., place of residence, miles driven throughout the academic year, personal expenses, eating in a campus residence hall, or cooking for oneself, etc.) Visit the tuition and fees page for detailed information.