Occupational Therapy Degree Programs:
Master of Science (MS)

Applying to the MS Program

Requirements for Admission

• Bachelor Degree/ Grade Point Average. Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. Further, they should have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above or a grade point average above 3.25 on the most recent 60-semester or 90-quarter credits.
• Professional Certification. Applicants must have National Certification, Occupational Therapist Registered.
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Within the last 5 years, applicants must have completed the General Test portion of the Graduate Record Examination. Scores above the 50th percentile in each area (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical) are preferred. For further information about the GRE call (609) 771-7670; email gre-info@ets.org, or visit their website at http://www.gre.org. They can also be contacted at the following address: Graduate Record Examination, Educational Assessment Service, P O Box 6000, Princeton, NJ 08541.
• English Language Competence. Applicants who are not citizens of the U.S., or whose native language is other than English must demonstrate satisfactory command of the English language as outlined in Graduate School Memorandum No. 8 (with exception of citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom). A minimum TOEFL score of either 580 (written exam) or 237 (computer-based exam) is required.
• Professional Experience. One year of occupational therapy practice is preferred.

How to Apply
The applicant must apply to both the Division of Occupational Therapy and the University of Washington Graduate School.

• Master of Science Occupational Therapy Program Application Applications are revised yearly and are available June 1 prior to the year of admission. Do not use outdated forms. Applications for the Autumn academic year will be evaluated beginning February 15.

The application packet is available to download as a pdf file (53k):
Master of Science Program Packet



The applicant should send the following materials to the Division of Occupational Therapy:

1. A typed application form to the Master of Science Medicine (Occupational Therapy Pathway).
2. Official transcripts of all college-level coursework.
3. An official copy of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
4. Three letters of reference from individuals qualified to evaluate aptitude for graduate study (e.g., former professors, supervisors, employers). Each letter should be attached to one of the provided "Reference Letter Forms."
5. A photocopy of the applicant's NBCOT certification.
6. A current resume.

Check with the OT Program Coordinator if you have any questions about admissions:

The Occupational Therapy Curriculum Office
Phone: (206) 598-5410
Email: ot@u.washington.edu


• University of Washington Graduate School Application Applicants also must submit an application to the UW Graduate School by February 15 or at the same time that they apply to the Master of Science Program. The Graduate School application is sent with the OT application packet when requested. You can download the Graduate School application from http://www.grad.washington.edu/application. If you want a paper copy, call the Graduate Admissions Office at (206) 543-5929 or online at http://www.grad.washington.edu/application.

  Please note that the Graduate School Application also requires that you send them official transcripts.

Graduate Student Selection Process

Admissions Committee
The Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee evaluates each applicant for admission through a review of the following: scholastic achievement, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, three letters of reference, resume, application form and essay. In addition, the committee reviews involvement in work as an occupational therapist as related to academic goals and future career goals. An in-person or phone interview may be requested.

Independent assessments of each candidate are conducted separately by a committee of three to four faculty members. The individual ratings are totaled to produce a rank-ordering of candidates. Candidates for admission are then recommended to the Occupational Therapy Advisory and Evaluation committee.

Notification of Applicants
Each applicant is sent written notification of the decision of the committee within two months of receipt of the completed application. Those applicants offered admission are asked to accept/decline in writing within two weeks of notification.

The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity in education without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations.

This policy applies to all University programs and facilities, including, but not limited to, admissions, educational programs, and employment. Such discrimination is prohibited by Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination in Employment Act Amendments of 1978, Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and other federal and state statutes and regulations.

The University of Washington is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation contact the Disability Services Office at least ten days in advance at: 206-543-6450/V, 206-543-6452/TTY, 206-685-7264 (FAX), or dso@u.washington.edu.

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