Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

The 79-hour-MSOT curriculum utilizes a developmental course sequence, which includes coursework in three essential components: basic skills, the occupational therapy process (with persons, groups, and populations), and capstone experiences. The program prepares students with a breadth and depth of information for practice as a generalist with broad exposure to current practice settings (e.g., hospital, school, long-term care, community, and out-patient) and emerging practice areas (e.g., health and wellness services, low vision services, psychosocial needs of children and youth, and consulting and home modification). The curriculum prepares students for physical and mental health practice with a variety of populations including, children, youth, adults, and older adults.

The length of the program follows the typical progression and pattern of graduate course work for entry-level occupational therapy education to meet standards for graduate education and to meet the expected outcomes of our graduates. In addition, the length of the program is comparable to other institutions with graduate, entry-level occupational therapy programs. All students are admitted to the occupational therapy program on a full-time basis. Completion of all degree requirements on a full-time basis will take a minimum of two and one-half years. In exceptional cases, part-time status may be granted by the program director. Part-time students must complete all degree requirements within a period defined by the program director and faculty council of the occupational therapy program. This time period must not exceed five years.  Students must complete Level II fieldwork within 24 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.

Developmental Course Sequence

Component I: Basic Skills

The basic skills component represents subject matter which serves as the foundation for the professional theories and practice methods.  This component includes applied science courses, research methods and design, and an introduction to the profession of occupational therapy.

Component II: The Occupational Therapy Process

The core of this curriculum, the occupational therapy process, includes the study of occupation and therapeutic use of occupation, typical life span development, and health and wellness with integration of the major theories and practice methods of occupational therapy.  A developmental sequence (i.e., from children to older adults) is utilized to facilitate continuity and consistency from one course to another. Major topics dealing with disease processes, the physical and psychosocial impact of dysfunction, wellness, assessment, intervention, adaptation, and emerging practice areas are incorporated. This sequence of courses promotes the development of resourceful and critical thinking skills in the occupational therapy process with persons, groups, and populations. Self-reflection is facilitated to expand professional and ethical practice and servant leadership. An introduction to clinical experiences through Level I fieldwork is included.

Component III: Capstone Experiences

The capstone component of the curriculum is designed to move the student further toward the objective of integrated critical thinking for generalist practice as an entry-level occupational therapist with expertise in therapeutic use of occupation and therapeutic use of self. Topics covered in these courses include: administration and leadership, professional development, directed research, and Level II fieldwork.  At the end of this component of the curriculum, the student should be prepared to sit for the NBCOT certification examination for the occupational therapist.

Our MSOT program is priced competitively, and we will work with you individually every step of the way to help investigate all the options available for financing your education. Financial aid is available for graduate students. Ask us how our costs compare to other similar institutions and programs!

Current Costs

Tuition and Student Fees are subject to change

*Please note that this figure includes required liability insurance and background check expenses.

Estimated Off-Campus Living Expenses (per month)

• Read more about cost and financial aid here »

Milligan’s MSOT program is designed for students who have an earned bachelor’s degree and who have completed the prerequisite requirements for admissions to the program. Baccalaureate degrees can be in a variety of academic areas, some of which include human performance and exercise science, human relations, development, sociology, biology and psychology. Milligan’s MSOT program starts one class a year each August. Admission is very competitive in the MSOT program; therefore, it is highly recommended to have your completed application submitted to OTCAS by September 1 for verification. The application must be verified in OTCAS by October 1 in order for the application to be considered for admission.

Apply through OTCAS

To apply, submit an online application through OTCAS, an Occupational Therapy centralized application service. The application must be verified in OTCAS by October 1 in order for the application to be considered for admission.

Admission Requirements

The minimum requirements to be considered for admission to the MSOT program are as follows:

• • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with overall grade point average of 3.0.
  • GRE no longer required!
  • Observation experience in at least two occupational therapy clinical settings with a minimum of 40 documented hours or a disability related work/volunteer experience with the proper documentation.
    • Due to limited observation opportunities related to COVID-19, if you are unable to obtain in-person hours, applicants must complete a minimum of 12 virtual observation hours via Occupational Therapy Online Shadowing Experience (password: LucasQU). Applicant must include your plan to obtain in person observation hours and why this was not possible. Applicant must submit documentation of online shadowing experience (completion of related assignment/s) through OTCAS application.
  • Three completed reference forms/letters through OTCAS from persons who have adequate knowledge of the applicant’s Christian commitment, character, and professional qualities of potential for success as a graduate student. One must be from a professor.
  • A completed baccalaureate degree that includes the following prerequisite courses:

    DISCOUNTED PRE-REQ COURSES

    You might be able to take some prerequisite courses at Milligan at a reduced rate. Learn more »

    • Math and Science: 9-12 semester hours
      • Math Course
      • Anatomy & Physiology I (4 hrs)
      • Anatomy & Physiology II (4 hrs)
    • Social Science: 9 semester hours
      • Intro to Psychology
      • Intro to Sociology OR Intro to Anthropology
      • Human Development OR Developmental Psychology
    • Communication: 6 semester hours
      • Writing/English
      • Public Speaking
    • Medical Terminology: 1-3 semester hours

Substitution or waiver of requirement for any of the above prerequisite courses may be granted by the occupational therapy program admissions committee on an individual basis.

Prospective students meeting the minimum admission criteria will be considered for an interview. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation for an interview. Final selection of students will be made by the admissions committee of the occupational therapy program.

Matriculation of a cohort of new students is contingent upon an adequate number of admitted applicants.

International Students

International students must provide proof of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 79. Please have your score sent directly from the Educational Testing Service to Milligan’s PA Admissions Office. All international applicants must have taken the TOEFL within the last two years. You cannot be exempted from this requirement unless English is your native language, you are a U.S. citizen, or you have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited U.S. college or university.

After a student is admitted, there is required documentation to submit BEFORE form I-20 can be issued.  Students may begin gathering and submitting this information even prior to admission, but no I-20 will be issued until a prospect has been fully admitted AND has submitted the required documentation. International students should click here for information on the immigration/visa process »

COVID-19 Related Changes

Observation Hours

We recognize that some applicants may not be able to attain all the required observation hours due to COVID-19 restrictions at clinical sites. If you do not have an adequate number of hours (minimum 40 hours in at least two different clinical sites), you will need to submit a statement as part of your OTCAS application that addresses the following:

• Why you were unable to complete the observation hours
• Your original plan to complete observation hours
• How you have researched and educated yourself about the profession of OT

Applicants may complete up to 12 virtual observation hours. Click here to access the Occupational Therapy Online Shadowing Experience (Password: LucasQU). Applicant must submit documentation of online shadowing experience (completion of related assignment/s) as part of OTCAS application.

Early Acceptance Program for Milligan Undergraduates

Current Milligan undergraduate students may be eligible for the early acceptance program. You may apply as early as your Junior year. Learn more »

Expectations and Responsibilities

All students at Milligan are expected to uphold the expectations and responsibilities for student lifestyles at Milligan University. Milligan University adopts specific rules on the basis of the belief that God’s Word, as the final rule of faith and practice, speaks on many matters pertaining to personal conduct. Therefore, behavior that conflicts with Scripture is unacceptable. Historically, communities also have developed guidelines that help put into practice basic moral and social principles. Such standards serve as a guide toward worthwhile goals relevant to one’s academic, spiritual, social, and physical well-being.

Students should consult the Student Handbook for further guidance regarding acceptable personal lifestyle and conduct while enrolled at Milligan University. A student’s matriculation and enrollment at Milligan University is their pledge to uphold the policies and expectations outlined in the Student Handbook and Catalog.