Is the selection process competitive?
Yes. We are planning for somewhere between 80-120 applicants for the selection process.

Is there an application deadline for the selection process?
Yes. The deadline will be posted on this Web site.

Do I have to have a minimum number of hours to apply?
Yes. You must show completion of a minimum of 40 semester credit hours of prerequisite work by the application deadline to begin the application process.

Is there an alternate list in case I am not invited?
Yes. Depending on overall ranking, students who are not among the top 30 ranked students may be placed on a alternate list.

When will I find out if I am accepted?
The OTP will notify applicants regarding their status (invitation to begin, conditional invitation, alternate list placement, or no ranking) during March.

What is a conditional invitation?
A conditional invitation is offered to students who are invited, via the selection process, to begin the professional program, but who have prerequisite work remaining. These students are invited on the condition that the grades earned in the remaining prerequisite work do not significantly affect their ranking among those who participated in the selection process.

Do I have to complete all prerequisite courses before I apply to the program?
No. You can be in the process of taking prerequisite courses when you apply. However, a student receiving an invitation into the professional program must complete all prerequisite courses by the conclusion of USI’s Second Summer Session.

How long is the combined BS/MS degree curriculum?
5 years

Will I need to leave the area for one or both of the extensive fieldwork opportunities?
Probably—a student is assigned to a fieldwork site based on a number of factors—including the sites available, the student’s interests, and the student’s educational needs.

What degree(s) will I have an opportunity to earn?

• Bachelor of Science (does not, by itself, make you eligible for the OT national certification examination).
• Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.

Note: At USI you must complete both degrees (BS/MSOT) to be eligible to take the national certification examination for the occupational therapist.


I already have a bachelor’s degree (e.g., psychology, health services, biology)—can I just do the MSOT-only option?
No. If you have a BA/BS in another area, you must apply for selection and complete the combined BS/MSOT degree curriculum.

I already have a bachelor’s degree (e.g., psychology, health services, biology)—what prerequisite courses do I need?

• BIOL 121: Anatomy and Physiology 1
• BIOL 122: Anatomy and Physiology 2
• CHEM 141: Principles of Chemistry (or higher)
• MATH 111: College Algebra (or higher)
• PSY 201: Introduction to Psychology
• PSY 261: Lifespan Developmental Psychology
• PSY 322: Abnormal Psychology
• HP 115: Medical Terminology
• HP 325: Pharmacology & Therapeutics