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Admission Requirements

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (M.S.O.T.) program welcomes your application and questions on the admissions process. All applications must be submitted through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).

COVID-19 Statement

COVID-19 has impacted the ability of hospitals, clinics and schools to accommodate prospective OT students for completion of observation hours. In response, Seton Hall University's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program will provide an alternative option to meet this requirement for the application cycle of the Fall 2023 incoming class.

Applicants are reminded they can apply with hours still in progress or planned to be completed. Students who are unable to complete in-person observation hours will be required to complete online modules to meet the observation hours requirement. To access the online modules, please contact Ms. Debra Olszewksi, Department Secretary, at Debra.Olszewski@shu.edu.

Students who have already completed 50 hours of observation and have the supporting signed documentation are not required to also complete the modules.

Students are required to provide 3 letters of recommendation. While recommendations may be provided by an OT, it is not required for Fall 2023 admission.

Please note that successful completion of these modules is no guarantee of admission into the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program. Admission decisions are holistic and based on multiple indicators of likely student success; it will not be possible to admit every student who meets minimum qualifications for any one criterion.

Deadline:

  • Applications are accepted through OTCAS with a deadline of January 15.
  • Review of applications will begin after January 15.

Please Note:

  • Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are not required for admission to the M.S.O.T. program.
  • Students with incomplete prerequisites may apply, but all requirements must be completed before the start of the program.
  • All prerequisite courses must be completed within 10 years of the application date. College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credits cannot substitute for prerequisite courses.

M.S.O.T. Admission Requirements and Prerequisites:

  • Completion of the Seton Hall University MSOT program application through OTCAS
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
  • Overall cumulative grade point average (GPA) of no less than 3.2 on a 4-point scale.
  • Fifty (50) observation hours with an OTR (Occupational Therapist, Registered)
  • Three letters of recommendation, including one from an OTR
  • If English is not the native language, a student must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Score Report documenting a paper-based score of 550 or above, a computer-based score of 213 or above, or an internet-based score of 79 or above.
  • Completion of the following prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better and a cumulative grade point average (GPA) no less than 3.2 on a 4-point scale (CLEP, AP or IB credits will not be accepted for these courses):
    • Human Anatomy and Physiology (including a laboratory): 8 credits
    • English: 3 credits
    • Statistics: 3 credits
    • Sociology: 3 credits
    • General Psychology: 3 credits
    • Abnormal Psychology: 3 credits
    • Developmental Psychology: 3 credits

Considerations

While courses such as neuropsychology, physiological psychology and physics taken at the undergraduate level are not required for admission to the program, they may be helpful in preparing you for your graduate studies.

Students who are pursuing a degree in occupational therapy need to be aware of certain elements that potentially can impact fieldwork placement, certification, licensure and future employment. Federal and various state laws are in place that preclude persons with criminal backgrounds from being in contact with children and patients. Where these laws apply, you will be required to undergo a criminal background check, which may include fingerprinting and a search of federal and state criminal databases. Drug testing may also be required. A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination and/or attain state licensure.

How to Apply

MSOT Admissions Questions:

Patrick McDermott, M.A.
Assistant Dean for Graduate Enrollment and Student Affairs
School of Health and Medical Sciences
shms@shu.edu
(973) 275-2062

Qualified students are admitted without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability, natural origin, sexual orientation, ancestry or gender.