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Admissions

Admission to the Distance Master's Program in Occupational Therapy is for the Fall semester. Applicants will be accepted on a rolling admission basis starting on October 1st. The first applicants to meet the qualifications will be accepted first. The earlier you submit your application, the better your chance of acceptance.

Apply for Graduate Admission to San José State University's Office of Graduate Studies and Research. Be sure to send official transcripts to the university and the Occupational Therapy department (see below for more info).

Apply separately to the Occupational Therapy Department. Please include all materials outlined in the criteria for acceptance. (See below for more information).

Criteria for Acceptance

All of the following criteria are equally important in the selection process. Exceptional performance will improve your chance of selection. Since the program is intended for working professionals, the enrollment committee is particularly interested in knowing about your clinical and managerial experience, potential for professional growth and educational goals. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required. For further information regarding the admissions process, please see the section on frequently asked questions.

  1. GPA of 2.8 or better in undergraduate work.
  2. Submission of three letters of recommendation attesting to academic ability, work performance record and personal attributes necessary for graduate study.
  3. Summary of professional achievement describing contributions to the profession, leadership activities, workshops and presentations, and contributions to clinical or educational practice. (A current resume may be substituted for this summary)

Cost

Fees are $350 per credit hour (unit)*. Students enroll in 6-7 units for each of the four semesters of the program ($2100-$2450 per semester), and in one to two units of independent study for each of the two summers in the program. The total number of units in the program is 30; total cost in fees for the program is $10,500*.

Additional costs include books, transportation and accommodations for the on-campus retreats, and a program fee of $275* for each on-campus retreat. Additional expenses may include the cost of upgrading computer systems and internet access to meet program guidelines.

*Fees subject to change.

Applying to the University

  1. Apply directly to the University online at www.csumentor.edu
  2. Submit the following additional material to the San José State University Office of Graduate Studies and Research.
    • A copy of the official transcripts of coursework required for the degree
    • A nonrefundable check for $55 for processing fee (if not paid on-line)

  3. Mail the university application materials from step 2 to:

    Office of Graduate Studies and Research
    San José State University
    One Washington Square
    San José, CA 95192-0025

Applying to the OT Department

  1. Complete and submit the enrollment form, summary of professional achievement (or resume) and personal statement to the department.
  2. Submit a copy of the official transcripts of coursework required for the degree to the department.
  3. Provide three (3) letters of recommendation. Mail one recommendation form and one self-addressed stamped envelope to three individuals for their completion. Individuals may send the forms directly to the OT department or return to you for sending, provided that the recommendation form remains in a sealed envelope.
  4. Mail the application materials from steps 1, 2, and 3 to:

    San José State University Department of Occupational Therapy
    One Washington Square
    San Jose, CA 95192-0059
    Attn: Distance Graduate Enrollment

Summary of Professional Achievement

Complete each section in 200 words or less. Since this graduate program is intended for experienced professionals, we are particularly interested in knowing about your clinical and managerial experience and potential as well as your contributions to the profession and practice of occupational therapy.

  1. Leadership - Describe the leadership you have exercised at work (e.g., team or department head) and in state or national professional organizations (if applicable)
  2. Presentations and Publications - List any in-service and professional presentations you have made and describe your audience. Describe any publications you may have written and where they were published. Please enclose one of the publications that you feel exemplifies your work. (Note: It is not required that you have published.)
  3. Awards and Recognition - Describe any professional honors that you have received.
  4. Professional Development - Describe your clinical and managerial experience, in chronological order beginning with the present. Particularly highlight what you feel are your greatest contributions to the profession.

Personal Statement

In 300 words or less describe why you are applying for the SJSU Distance Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy program and what this graduate study would mean to your professional development. NOTE: This statement may duplicate what is written on the university application.

International Applicants

Applicants who have completed their Occupational Therapy training outside of the U.S. must meet the following requirements in addition to the admission requirements described above:

  • Be a graduate of a World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) approved program
  • Receive a passing score on the TOEFL within the past 2 years if the degree program was conducted in a language other than English. See the Graduate Studies website for passing TOEFL scores.

Go to http://www.sjsu.edu/gradstudies/Prospective/International.html for additional information on international applications. Please note that students in the online program are not eligible for F-1 student visas. Students residing outside the U.S. must obtain a tourist or short-term visitor visa to attend the onsite retreats. Completion of this Master’s degree program will confer eligibility to sit for the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) registration examination, which is required to practice occupational therapy in the United States.

 


Did you know

Department of Occupational Therapy
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192-0059
408-924-3070

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