How to apply
Online applications must be submitted through OTCAS. OTCAS is the online, centralized application service for Occupational Therapy graduate programs nationwide. Visit the
OTCAS Applicant Help Center for detailed application instructions.
There is no supplemental application through DePaul's website- you will only apply via OTCAS.
Application Deadline
The fall 2023 application cycle is closed. The fall 2024 application cycle will open in OTCAS on July 21, 2023. The 2024 application deadline will be January 16, 2024 at 11:59 pm EST. We recommend submitting your application via OTCAS 4-6 weeks ahead of the deadline to allow time to verify your application credentials. We will only review applications complete or verified by the deadline. After submitting in OTCAS if you do not receive a confirmation email from DePaul University, OTCAS has not yet verified your credentials and should be contacted.
Requirements
The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program is designed as a full-time course of study. Students must complete and fulfill the following requirements upon application:
- Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale is preferred. You can apply while you are still enrolled in undergraduate degree program or while you are completing prerequisite coursework.
- Prerequisites: All prerequisite courses must be completed for college credit with a grade of “C” or better and within the last 10 years. Prerequisites must be completed at regionally-accredited colleges or universities. Only 3 prerequisites may be in progress when you submit your application.
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I (or Human Anatomy)
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II (or Human Physiology)
- Intro to Sociology or Cultural Anthropology
- General/Intro to Psychology (AP credit accepted with score of 3+)
- Abnormal Psychology
- Developmental Psychology (covering the lifespan; can be one course or a combination)
- Statistics (AP credit accepted with score of 3+)
- Medical Terminology
- If you have questions about whether a course you have taken or plan to take will meet a prerequisite, please email graddepaul@depaul.edu with the school and course number/name for review.
- Personal Statement/Essay (upload in the "Documents" section of OTCAS): Please submit in ONE document the responses to the following personal statement prompts. Keep the response to each prompt around 2-pages double spaced. Please do not submit a document with more than 8-10 pages.
What aspects of the DePaul Occupational Therapy program resonate with you and make it a good fit for you? (Please limit to approximately 500 -750 words).
Describe your understanding of the occupational therapy profession and the steps you have taken to learn about OT. (Please limit to approximately 500 -750 words).
- It is essential that occupational therapists are prepared to provide culturally sensitive and relevant care. Describe experiences you have had or pursued to learn about what diversity, equity, inclusion mean to you. How would your understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion inform your work as an OT? (Please limit to approximately 500 -750 words).
- If your academic record does NOT accurately reflect your capabilities, please describe why it does not. Present any information that may assist the admissions committee in interpreting and evaluating your academic history or credentials.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) letters of recommendation (e.g. professor, supervisor, or employer), on professional letterhead (recommended), who can comment on the academic, clinical and professional experiences of the applicant should be submitted via OTCAS.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts of all undergraduate coursework will be submitted directly to OTCAS.
- Observation Hours: A minimum of 25 observation hours completed with an OTR/L is required upon application. Observation hours may be fulfilled by taking Introduction to Occupational Therapy or by viewing online modules and submitting a reflection paper.
Regarding transfer credit
The occupational therapy program at DePaul University does not accept transfer credits or experiential learning credits toward fulfillment of graduate-level coursework required to complete the MSOT degree.
International Students
Applicants with international undergraduate degrees who do not require a student visa to participate in University courses and/or degrees can be considered for admission. All instruction in the MSOT program is conducted in English. To be considered, a candidate must submit:
- Course -by-course credential evaluation report (including transcripts). Applicants can send an official WES evaluation directly to OTCAS. DePaul also accepts evaluations from: One Earth, Educational Perspectives or ECE which would need to be sent directly to DePaul (not OTCAS). We will not accept credential evaluations from any other service.
- Official English proficiency exam scores- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test are accepted for applicants whose education was completed in a language other than English or their native language is not English.
Health documentation, background check and drug screening
Occupational therapy is a profession that interacts with patients, clients, and vulnerable populations within a variety of settings. The occupational therapy program requires that students participate in such interactions during clinical training and fieldwork as requirements for graduation. Therefore, students must be vaccinated against specific communicable diseases or have tests verifying immunity before enrollment. This includes documentation of the COVID-19 vaccination.
To begin the program and participate in the required course-related clinical experiences and fieldwork, students must satisfy criminal offense background checks. In addition, students must complete drug screening as required by fieldwork placements. Results of background checks and drug screening may affect a student’s ability to participate and progress through the program.
Take the next step
If you need assistance to complete your application and/or have questions, contact the CSH Graduate Admission office at (773) 325-7315 or graddepaul@depaul.edu.