Professional (Master of Science) Program: OTHR

Please follow the directions in the Office of Graduate Admission's application brochure or their website (http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/graduate_admissions/). Send the application package, including your official transcripts and all supplementary materials, directly to Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, Office of Graduate Admissions. Your application must include:

A personal statement. In this two page essay discuss:
- How has your work/volunteer/life experiences led you to choose the profession of occupational therapy?

Note: Volunteering/observing an occupational therapist is highly recommended. We have provided a listing of suggested volunteer sites to assist you.

Two letters of recommendation from either:
- a college professor
- an employer
- a supervisor at a volunteer site

Letters should be on the letterhead of the writer. No forms are provided unless you choose to submit an online application. Request that the letter be returned to you sealed in an envelope with the recommender's signature over the seal. Do not open these envelopes.

Prerequisite Checklist. Carefully read the attached Prerequisite Course Requirements information sheet before completing the Checklist.

How many students are in each class?

Up to 50 students are accepted for each class. The Admissions Committee seeks a diverse mix of students representing a variety of ethnic, geographic and economic backgrounds. We aim to admit a class that is the most academically promising and able, and whose varying perspectives will serve to enrich the occupational therapy community.

When will my admission decision be mailed?

Fall enrollment decisions are made from the middle to the end of April. An official decision letter is mailed by the Steinhardt School's Office of Graduate Admissions.

How long is the program?

The full-time program of study is just over two years (74 points), which includes at least six months of full-time internship (Level II Fieldwork).

Must I have a specific undergraduate major to be accepted to the program?

No. You must have earned a B.A. or B.S. degree or the equivalent international credentials, in any field of study (other than occupational therapy). Your application will be evaluated and reviewed based on its merits and in the context of the applicant pool for that year.

Where can I take the prerequisites?

Prerequisites may be taken at any accredited college or community college. Internet on-line courses in psychology, anthropology and sociology are acceptable. Course substitutions must first be approved in writing by the Admissions Committee.

Can I apply before I have completed all the prerequisites?

Yes. If you are accepted or wait-listed, all prerequisites must be completed before classes begin in the fall. We recommend that you complete at least one science and two non-science prerequisite courses prior to applying.

How many volunteer hours do I need?

There is no set number of volunteer hours that you need to complete in order to be accepted into the program. It is vital, however, that you have been exposed to occupational therapy through work, volunteer experiences, or observing an occupational therapist.

Does the Department offer courses via the Internet (Distance Learning)?

No, not at the present time.

How do I apply for student housing?

Check off Box 11 on the Graduate Application. Housing information and an application will be mailed to you from the Office of Graduate Admissions. You may view the Graduate Housing office information online at www.nyu.edu/housing.

Is it possible to tour the University?

Yes. Please call the NYU Information Center at 212-998-4636 to request a tour.

Where can I take the prerequisite courses for the Professional Program?

Prerequisite courses may be taken at any accredited college or community college. Internet on-line courses in psychology, anthropology, and sociology are acceptable. Course substitutions must first be approved in writing by the Admissions Committee.

How do I apply for financial aid?

You need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if you wish to be considered for need-based scholarships and/or apply for federal or private loans. For more information, visit the Steinhardt School of Education's Office of Graduate Admissions web site: www.steinhardt.nyu.edu/graduate.admissions

Are there any additional requirements for becoming certified as an occupational therapist?

Students entering the Professional Program in Occupational Therapy should be aware that felony charges or convictions may affect a graduate's ability to take the certification examination or to obtain a state license. NBCOT makes available an early determination review for any occupational therapy student or prospective student who wishes to have his or her character background reviewed.

Is the occupational therapy program accredited?

The Professional Program in Occupational Therapy at New York University is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education

ACOTE
4720 Montgomery Lane
P.O. Box 31220
Bethesda, MD 20824-1220
Tel: 301-652-2682
FAX: 301-652-711
E-mail: accred@aota.org
Web site: http://www.aota.org/

I still have questions, whom do I contact?

Ginelle John, M.A.
Enrollment and Student Services Administrator
NYU Steinhardt
Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
Department of Occupational Therapy
35 West 4th Street, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10012-1172
Tel: 212-998-5847
Fax: 212-995-4044
E-mail: ginelle.john@nyu.edu