Philadelphia University's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program offers a unique curriculum to prepare students to enter this challenging and rewarding career.

What makes us different?

The Occupational Therapy Program at Philadelphia University prepares students to become successful practitioners through a combination of on-campus and distance learning experiences. Over the course of their OT education, students:

• work with a community participant, the "portfolio client," to learn from and apply classroom knowledge and skills
• engage in inter-disciplinary collaborations with students in the industrial design, architecture, and textile majors to gain unique professional experience and skills
• create an assistive device in partnership with their portfolio client and industrial design student team member
• develop their own unique practice platform that will direct their OT practice

On-campus week-end splinting activity

Flexible Schedule

The M.S. in OT is offered in an intensive weekend format. Classes meet eight week-ends during each semester, and are supplemented with off-campus coursework and projects. Students generally attend class two weekends per month as follows:

Friday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM and
Saturday, 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Between sessions, students complete assignments and participate in learning activities off campus, according to a schedule that accommodates their individual lifestyles. The OT Program can be completed in 27 to 30 months, about 2.5 years. Refer to the course schedule under "Academics" for more information.

Student/Faculty Field Trip to Walter Reed Army Medical Center

Distance Learning

To be successful in the program, students must have daily access to a computer and be familiar with basic computer functions including e-mail, internet, and Microsoft Word and PowerPoint software programs. Students participate in various off-campus guided and independent learning activities, facilitated through the use of e-mail, internet, and distance learning technologies (Blackboard, web conferencing).

Community outreach to local school

Psycho-Social Community-Based Model
The PhilaU OT Program emphasizes a psycho-social community-based approach that prepares therapists for both traditional and emerging career paths. Our graduates work in early intervention, school settings, community agencies and medical facilities.

Professional Collaboration
The Occupational Therapy Program builds on the strengths of the University in the areas of industrial design, apparel merchandizing, interior design, and architecture, providing students with a unique perspective on the delivery of occupational therapy services.

Industrial Design and Occupational Therapy students present their assistive device at the annual community exhibit

Master's Portfolio Project
The cumulative capstone project, the Master's Portfolio, is comprised of a scholarly paper and professional poster presentation. It chronicles the evolution of professional growth as the student engages in the journey toward becoming an occupational therapist. Each portfolio is unique and personal to the student, and is enhanced through focus on a client with a disability from the community.

2009 Master's Portfolio Presentation