Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

The 79-hour curriculum utilizes developmental course sequences, which includes coursework in three essential components: basic skills, the occupational therapy process, and capstone experiences. This program prepares students with a breadth and depth of information for practice as a generalist with a broad exposure to current practice settings (e.g., home health care, acute care, outpatient, school systems, skilled nursing, etc.) and emerging practice areas (e.g., wellness/injury prevention, low vision rehabilitation, universal design, ergonomics, etc.).

The length of the program follows the typical progression and pattern of graduate course work for entry-level occupational therapy education in order 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, typical life span development, and wellness with integration of the major theories and practice methods of occupational therapy. A developmental sequence (i.e., from pediatrics to geriatrics) 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, emerging practice areas are incorporated. This sequence of courses promotes the development of critical thinking skills. 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. 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.

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 October 15 for verification. The application must be verified in OTCAS by November 15 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 November 15 in order for the application to be considered for admission

Early Acceptance Program for Milligan Undergraduates

Current Milligan undergraduate students may be eligible for the early acceptance program. You may start applying as early as your Junior year. Students who are interested need to contact the MSOT office at 423.461.1538 or MSOT@milligan.edu to apply.

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.
• Volunteer experience in a variety of occupational therapy clinical settings with a minimum of 40 documented hours or a disability related work/volunteer experience with the proper documentation.
• GRE combined score of 297 or higher as reported on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
• The TOEFL score must be at least 550 on the paper-based examination or 213 on the computer-based examination or 79 on the internet-based examination. The IELTS score must be at least 6.5. (international students only)
• Three completed reference forms 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.
• A completed baccalaureate degree that includes the following prerequisite courses
  • Math and Science
    • 9-12 hours including 8 hours of Anatomy & Physiology
    • Math Course
    • Anatomy & Physiology I
    • Anatomy & Physiology II
  • Social Science
    • 9 hours including:
    • Intro to Psychology
    • Intro to Sociology OR Intro to Anthropology
    • Human Development OR Developmental Psychology
  • Communication
    • 6 hours
    • Writing/English
    • Public Speaking
  • Medical Terminology
    • 1-3 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 a face-to-face on-site interview. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation for a face-to-face on-site 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.

Expectations and Responsibilities

All students at Milligan are expected to uphold the expectations and responsibilities for student lifestyles of Milligan College. We at Milligan adopt specific rules on the basis of our belief that God’s Word, as the final rule of faith and practice, speaks on many matters pertaining to personal conduct. Specifically, the Milligan College adult student agrees to abide by a lifestyle commitment in which he or she refrains from illegal drugs, pornography, profanity, dishonesty, sexual immorality, unethical conduct, vandalism, and immodest dress. Students are expected to seek to serve Christ in an atmosphere of trust, encouragement, and respect for one another. Click here to read more about expectations and responsibilities for the Milligan community.

International Students

*If you are an international applicant, please have your Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score sent directly from the Educational Testing Service to Milligan’s 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 »