Top 10 Occupational Therapy Graduate Programs for 2025
Occupational therapists (OTs) are healthcare professionals who work with patients to help them return to activities of daily living. OTs help patients alleviate pain, overcome disabilities, and recover from surgery.
Becoming an occupational therapist requires completing a graduate program. To help you find a program that suits your needs, we compiled the top 10 occupational therapy graduate programs.
Top 10 Occupational Therapy Graduate Programs
Our ranking criteria is based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation, and uses the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard.
|
School |
Total Tuition |
Program Length |
Accreditation |
|
Boston University |
$266,352 |
4 years |
ACOTE, AOTA |
|
Ohio State University |
$134,897 - $231,539 |
3 years |
ACOTE |
|
Thomas Jefferson University |
$101,032 - $155,562 |
2-3 years |
ACOTE |
|
Colorado State University |
$46,615 - $114,295 |
3 years |
ACOTE |
|
University of Pittsburgh |
$122,460 |
2 years and 8 months |
ACOTE |
|
Columbia University |
$117,891 |
2 years |
ACOTE |
|
Duke University |
$137,610 |
3 years |
ACOTE |
|
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
$44,173 - $86,025 |
2 years |
ACOTE |
|
Baylor University |
$110,100 |
3 years |
ACOTE |
|
Saint Joseph’s University |
$124,440 |
2.5 years |
ACOTE |
US News & World Report named Boston University the best occupational therapy school nationwide. The program is highly competitive, but it provides students with an unparalleled classroom and clinical experience. The BU program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Boston University offers three pathways to a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree, including a traditional OTD, an OTD/PhD, and a post-professional track. Students complete a 14-week practicum and project focused on their professional interests in clinical, research, policy and advocacy, or education fields.
Upon graduation, many students get to work at some of the top facilities in the country.
- Application Deadline: December 16th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (617) 353-2713
- Email Address: sargrad@bu.edu
- Degree Offered: Doctorate
OSU is also among the top-ranked OT schools, offering a top-notch educational experience to graduate students. The graduate occupational therapy program requires six months of full-time fieldwork and a 14-week capstone experience.
Throughout the program, students work with award-winning faculty with expertise in every field. Some instructors have authored leading textbooks in the field, received major research awards from the National Institutes of Health and other organizations, and are leaders in the field, including the president of the Ohio Occupational Therapy Association.
- Total Tuition:
- Resident: $134,896.50
- Nonresident: $231,538.50
- Application Deadline: September 3rd
- Contact Info:
- Email Address: HRSGraduateStudentServices@osumc.edu
- Degree Offered: Doctorate
Among the best OT schools, Thomas Jefferson University offers a master's or doctoral option to prospective students. The hybrid full-time master's program holds in-person class meetings on weekends, providing students with ample flexibility to work while pursuing their degree. During the second year, the campus schedule changes to Thursday, Friday, and Saturday briefly during the Summer 1 semester.
- Total Tuition:
- Masters: $101,032
- Doctoral: $155,562
- Program Length:
- Master's: 2 years
- Doctoral: 3 years
- Application Deadline: June 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (215) 951-2800
- Email Address: enroll@jefferson.edu
- Degree Offered: Master's and Doctoral
With a 100% national certification exam pass rate and 100% employment rate for students within three months of graduation, it's no surprise to find CSU among the best occupational therapy programs nationwide.
Students in this graduate OT program earn a doctoral degree. While in the program, they have access to the Assistive Technology Resource Center and the Center for Community Partnerships, two resources that enhance their experience and help them become well-rounded professionals.
- Total Tuition:
- Resident: $46,615
- Nonresident: $114,294.70
- Application Deadline:
- Priority: October 15th
- Final: December 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (970) 491-6253
- Email Address: otinfo@colostate.edu
- Degree Offered: Doctorate
As the #3 occupational therapy program nationwide, according to U.S. News & World Report, the OT program at Pitt is unparalleled. The university established the occupational therapy program in 1982. Since then, it’s become leader in OT education on a national and international scale.
The university offers a traditional and post-professional OTD as well as a post-professional Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) degree.
- Application Deadline: June 20th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (412) 383-6565
- Email Address: OTpitt@shrs.pitt.edu
- Degree Offered: Doctorate, Master’s
$117,891
Columbia offers one of the top occupational therapy programs in the country. The program focuses on creating leaders by promoting health, well-being, and adaptation.
The OT curriculum follows Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory. Students focus on human dimensions and caring to understand of how their viewpoints, emotions, and thoughts influence clients and affect care delivery.
- Application Deadline: January 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (212) 305-2862
- Email Address: psadmissions@cumc.columbia.edu
- Degree Offered: Master's
Students enrolled in the doctorate program at Duke combine didactic learning with active engagement in the Durham, NC, community. The program takes a holistic approach to treating patients. It also offers one-of-a-kind opportunities for research and formation in partnership with the Bass Connections program, Duke Divinity School, Duke Eye Center, and Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering.
- Application Deadline:
- Fall: October 10th
- Spring: January 10th
- Contact Info:
- Email Address: OTD_admissions@duke.edu
- Degree Offered: Doctorate
$44,173 - $86,025
UNC's excellent occupational therapy graduate program ranks among the top schools according to US News & World Report. The most common pathway for graduate OT students is the traditional MSOT degree.
However, those with an existing occupational therapy degree and significant clinical experience can pursue the Ph.D. program. This option focuses on academia and clinical research. The faculty-student ratio is approximately 1:7 for both programs, providing students with significant one-on-one time with professors.
- Total Tuition:
- Resident: $44,173.28
- Nonresident: $86,025.28
- Application Deadline: November 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (919) 966-2451
- Email Address: osinfo@med.unc.edu
- Degree Offered: Master's
Students enrolled in the doctoral program at Baylor complete a small percentage of coursework online. They attend the rest of their classes at the Atlanta campus and complete in-person clinical experiences throughout the region. Students must complete a capstone doctoral project as well as a capstone doctoral clinical experience.
- Application Deadline: June 20th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (254) 710-8999
- Email Address: OTD@baylor.edu
- Degree Offered: Doctorate
Located in Philadelphia, Saint Joseph's University offers students several unique features that other programs do not. Graduates from SJU's OT programs enter the job market six months earlier on average than students from other schools.
Additionally, SJU introduces students to clinical fieldwork experience from the very first semester. Students in this program also take six courses in occupational therapy intervention. In comparison, other programs typically offer two or three.
- Application Deadline: May 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (610) 660-1000
- Degree Offered: Master's
Occupational Therapy Graduate Program Overview
Graduate occupational therapy programs result in a master’s or doctoral degree, depending on the level of education you wish to pursue. In general, master’s programs last around two years, while doctoral programs last three to four years. Of course, the program length may vary depending on the school and your prerequisites.
While some schools offer online options, others may not. No matter the education delivery method, you can expect these programs to be extremely challenging. However, the rewards are well worth the effort.
Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect from an occupational therapy graduate program.
Prerequisites
Besides the standard admission requirements, students must possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited university. Applicants must also complete the following prerequisite courses before applying:
- Anatomy & Physiology (with lab)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology (General, Developmental, Abnormal)
- Statistics
Admission Requirements
While each school sets its own standards, many have similar basic requirements, which may include the following:
- A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree from a nationally accredited institution
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Resume/CV
- Official transcripts
- Official program application
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- GRE scores, if applicable
- Prerequisite coursework
- Personal interviews
- Application fee, if applicable
- Volunteer or work experience log (see description below)
Most graduate occupational therapy programs also require students to complete volunteer or experiential hours with a certified occupational therapist. They must follow proper documentation procedures to log the hours and submit them to the program.
Each program sets its requisite hours, so this requirement will vary by school. To fully understand your program's standards, ensure you thoroughly read the program information or contact an advisor.
Classes & Coursework
Courses in an occupational therapy graduate program are generally similar regardless of the university. The names of the specific courses will vary depending on the university. Students can expect to take the following courses:
- Movement Analysis
- Human Development
- Kinesiology
- Overview of Occupational Therapy Practice
- Neuroscience
- Introduction to Clinical Skills
- Theories of OT
- Clinical Management and Supervision
- Therapeutic Groups
- Ethics
- Health Advocacy and Administration
- Orthopedic Evaluation and Intervention
- Mental Health Evaluation and Intervention
- Pediatric Evaluation and Intervention
- Professional Issues
- Neurological Evaluation and Intervention
- Evidence-Based Practice and Research Methods
- OT Interventions: Technology
- OT Interventions: Rehabilitation Approach
- OT Interventions: Cognitive
What is the Best Degree for Occupational Therapy?
Unlike physical therapy, which requires a doctoral degree, occupational therapists can become certified practitioners with a master's degree or higher.
Still, the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is the best degree. As a terminal degree, it gives students the ultimate level of OT education, thus providing more employment opportunities. With an OTD, you can work in research and academia, which is much more challenging to achieve with a master's.
Furthermore, a doctoral degree may still become the gold standard in OT education. Employers could collectively decide they only want OTD-educated OTs to join their teams. Also, while there hasn't been an official announcement, OT programs may follow the lead of PTs and transition to the doctoral standard in the future.
How to Choose an Occupational Therapy Program
The main factor to consider when choosing an occupational therapy program is national accreditation. To be eligible to sit for your national certification and obtain a job, the OT program must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
According to ACOTE, there are currently 513 accredited programs nationwide, with an additional 82 programs seeking accreditation. Of the total Accredited programs, 21 programs have Accreditation-Inactive status.
Other factors to consider when choosing an OT program include:
- Cost (resident vs. nonresident)
- Financial aid options, including scholarship opportunities
- In-person campus requirements
- Admission requirements
- Clinical requirements and placement
- Faculty-to-student ratio
- Online learning support
- Program structure
- Attrition rate
- National certification pass rate
- Graduation rate
- Networking opportunities
