Occupational Therapy

BS/MS Frequently Asked Questions

 1. What is a combined BS/MS program?

The combined BS/MS program at Philadelphia University is designed for students who know early on that they want to become occupational therapists. This program allows students to seamlessly complete undergraduate and graduate degrees in less time than would be required to complete both of these degrees separately. Undergraduate courses and extra-curricular experiences provide students with a foundation to develop the knowledge, values and interpersonal skills needed for success as an occupational therapist.

During the first three years of undergraduate coursework, students complete major requirements for the bachelor degree, including PhilaU’s college studies courses and Occupational Therapy (OT) program prerequisites. Students who meet the graduate OT Program progression criteria can matriculate into the master’s program by enrolling in first year OT graduate coursework during their fourth year of undergraduate studies. At the end of the fourth year, students are awarded the bachelor degree in either Health Sciences or Psychology, and upon completion of graduate OT program requirements, the master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.

2. What are my undergraduate degree options in this combined BS/MS degree program?

Philadelphia University offers two tracks in undergraduate disciplines that provide an excellent foundation for a career in healthcare. The BS in Health Sciences and BS in Psychology are designed so that major coursework, college studies and OT Program prerequisites can be completed within the first three years of undergraduate studies. Qualified students matriculate into the graduate program and enroll in OT coursework in Year 4.

3. Who is eligible for the combined BS/MS in Occupational Therapy?

Freshmen applicants who demonstrate the following profile will be considered for admission to the program:

• Minimum overall high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.0
• Minimum combined SAT score of 1000 for Critical Reading and Math, or 22 on the ACT
• Four years of science -- strongly encouraged

Students with less than 30 credits are eligible to transfer. At least half of the occupational therapy graduate program’s prerequisite courses must be completed at Philadelphia University, including one of the three science courses.  Students may not transfer any of the program’s prerequisite courses with grades lower than B-. Applicants must fulfill a 60-credit residency requirement prior to entering the professional phase of the BS/MS program. Transfer applicants should contact the Office of Admissions to discuss entry requirements.

4. If I am interested in the M.S. in Occupational Therapy, yet do not want a combined BS/MS program, what other options do I have?

Students may find that with some disciplines, completing the undergraduate major in four years is more conducive to success, and allows greater opportunities for electives and participation in intercollegiate sports and extracurricular activities. Students who are interested in completing their bachelor degrees prior to matriculating into the M.S. in Occupational Therapy program can choose other undergraduate majors as long as they complete the following prerequisite courses before entering into the OT Program:

Students pursuing other undergraduate majors should consult with the appropriate program’s advisor. Students are also advised to meet with a representative of the OT faculty to indicate their interest in OT, review potential for acceptance, and ensure that all appropriate prerequisite coursework can be completed in a timely fashion.

5. If I'm not initially accepted into the combined degree program, what course sequence do I follow to be considered for admission to the graduate program in Occupational Therapy?

Students may follow the same curricular sequence as those students accepted into the combined degree program. Potential internal transfer students are eligible to change their majors at one point only, the fall semester of the junior year (Year 3), dependent on BS/MS program seat availability. Applications will be due May 1 of the year that the student meets sophomore status. Please contact Learning and Advising or the OT Program for more information.

6. Once accepted, what are the requirements to maintain my status (also called progression criteria) in the combined BS/MS degree program?

Students who demonstrate the following profile are guaranteed matriculation into the MS in Occupational Therapy Program:

• Completion of undergraduate major and college studies requirements
• Overall minimum 3.0 GPA for all college coursework
• Overall minimum 3.0 GPA in OT prerequisites (minimum grades of "B-" or better in all OT Program prerequisite courses)

By October 15 of the third year (or equivalent) of undergraduate study, students should:

• Submit the matriculation documents identified below
  • Academic Standards Statement
  • Clinical Observation Documentation of at least 20 hours of clinical observation under the supervision of an occupational therapist. For all students, we strongly recommend that you complete your clinical observations as early as possible.
  • Program Prerequisite record
• Submit current resume
• Submit one letter of recommendation from PhilaU faculty
• Submit career goals essay describing how you became interested in Occupational Therapy, and the qualities you possess that will enable you to be a successful student in this program, and practitioner in the field (no more than 500 words)
• Complete the GRE or MAT (prior to July following third year of studies)

Students who are unable to achieve the standards listed above are not eligible to matriculate into the MS in OT Program. They will complete electives, by advisement, during their fourth undergraduate year to complete the bachelor degree in their chosen major. Students who wish to reapply to the OT graduate program after receiving their bachelor degree may be advised to repeat specified courses to raise their GPAs.