Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to the MSOT Program?
Create an account with and supply the requested information
When is the application deadline?
Application open for the upcoming cohort are available mid-July through mid-January each year.
We have two application deadlines:
- Early admittance option: November 1; interviews mid-November.
- Second round admittance option: January 15; interviews early February.
How many students will be accepted?
Maximum of 24 students each year.
How many students will apply?
The MSOT Program uses a competitive admission process and we anticipate 175+ applicants each application cycle.
When will I hear if I鈥檓 accepted?
Seat offers will be extended for the early admission option by early-December and for the second round option by late February.
What is conditional acceptance?
In the event we have not received all of your information, you may be considered as a conditional admit. You will need to complete all prerequisites and coursework by the end of 麻花导航鈥檚 Spring semester, meet GPA requirements, be accepted by 麻花导航 Graduate School (you will be notified when to apply to the Graduate School), and have all additional documentation submitted prior to beginning graduate coursework.
What if I鈥檓 not accepted?
According to your application ranking, you may be invited to be placed on an alternate list. Your application will not roll over to the next application cycle and we encourage you to reapply during the next application cycle.
What are the prerequisites?
- Human Anatomy (BIO 227/228) and Human Physiology (BIO 229/230), minimum of 4 credit hours each, both require lab. **Please note, Anatomy and Physiology I and II courses are acceptable, but not offered at MSU.
- Psychology (PSY 180), minimum 3 credit hours
- Lifespan/Developmental Psychology (PSY 260), minimum 3 credit hours
- Abnormal Psychology (PSY 307), minimum 3 credit hours
- Statistics (STA 135), minimum 3 credit hours
- Medical Terminology (BIO 120 or 220), minimum 1 credit hour
Which bachelor鈥檚 degree should I have prior to acceptance?
You must earn a baccalaureate degree before enrolling into the program and can be in any field of your choice, as long as the prerequisites are met.
What is OTCAS?
Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) allows you to submit requested Occupational Therapy Program application documentation to one centralized service.
Is there a minimum GRE required?
The GRE is not required.
What type of health information will I need to provide if I鈥檓 accepted?
All of the health information items should be kept current and should cover the duration of the OT program.
- Current Basic Life Support/CPR certification for the Health Professional-in person or online certification
- Professional Liability Insurance (admitted students will be provided detailed requirements of coverage)
- Proof of medical insurance coverage--annually and must cover the duration of the OT program
- Physical examination--annually and must cover the duration of the OT program
- Drug screen (will complete upon acceptance to OT program)
- Immunization record (including Hepatitis B or signed HBV waiver, influenza, TB, MMR, varicella, TDAP, etc.)
- Criminal background check (will complete upon acceptance to OT program)
- Fingerprinting and/or Child and Family Service Review as requested
What are observation hours?
Using your own time sheet form, please provide documentation of at least 40 clock hours of observation, volunteer, or paid experience in at least two different occupational therapy settings (hospital, outpatient, nursing home, etc.). Your site supervisors should sign off on the time sheet and at least one of the supervisors should be an OT practitioner (OTR or COTA).