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Entry-Level Master's Program

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Entry-Level MS Graduate Coordinator
  • Name:  Karen Papesh
  • Location: CCB 220
  • Phone: 408.924.3074
Entry-Level MS Graduate Admissions Asst.

Master of Science Program

  • Entry-Level Master's Group Advising Session Videonew_icon
    ( NOTE: Be sure to read over all the links related to the Pattern II ELM program to make sure you have all the required information before applying to our program. The group advising video is meant to be in addition to the information presented on our website; it is not meant as an alternative.)

The Entry-Level Master's program curriculum is designed for students who have earned a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than occupational therapy. It enables the student to obtain the education and degrees necessary to be eligible to practice as an occupational therapist. Once the Master of Science degree in occupational therapy is completed, the student is eligible to sit for the national certification examination. Successful completion of the examination qualifies the candidate to apply for national certification and state licensure.

We accept applications once per year on October 1st. The deadline for submitting applications and application materials is on February 1st of each year though we recommend submitting the application as soon as possible as we admit on a rolling basis and can therefore fill the class before February 1st. We do not accept applications for the Spring semester. We only admit students for Fall admission.

Curriculum Design

The curriculum is designed to enable students to acquire the knowledge and competencies necessary to become a qualified occupational therapist within four semesters of graduate academic study and six months of internship (fieldwork). The program is based on the philosophy that an active learning environment will stimulate students to develop strong clinical reasoning and creative problem solving capabilities. Graduate classes are small in order to foster learning. During the first year of study students acquire the knowledge of occupational therapy and the skills that will prepare them for their fieldwork experiences. The second year provides graduate-level knowledge in occupational therapy theory and practice, management, history, education, and research. The graduate project is completed during the second year of study.