Advance your knowledge and career as a practicing occupational therapist. In this doctor of occupational therapy degree, you will build a foundation of critical analysis, evidence-based practice, ethics, and theory, preparing to deliver, present, and collaborate with professionals to provide high-quality care.
A PhD program in Occupational Therapy is also available.
Official Degree Title
Doctor of Occupational Therapy for Practicing Occupational Therapists
Degree
OTD
Application Deadline
Fall Start:
July 15
Plan Code
YOTH
(online)
Credits
27–36
Format
Full-time or Part-time
Contact
Admissions Requirements
You must have graduated from an approved professional occupational therapy program (baccalaureate, certificate, or professional master's degree in occupational therapy) and have certification as an occupational therapist or be eligible for certification. A master's degree or equivalent is required for doctoral admission.
All coursework is online. Candidates are not eligible for visa sponsorship from New York University.
Interested candidates should plan for live classes being delivered each week in the Eastern Time Zone.
This program has a prerequisite course which is Statistics (must be completed within 7 years). We require accepted students to complete a statistics course prior to starting our program or take the course their first semester in our program. If you have yet to complete the requirement, you can take the statistics course over the summer (we accept online courses). Once you complete the course send your transcript to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
How to Apply
These instructions and requirements are for all applicants. If you are not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, please read the special instructions for international applicants.
Your application will require the following items. The following are acceptable document types for uploads: .pdf, .jpeg, .jpg, .gif, .tiff, .png, .doc, .docx, and bitmap.
1. Prepare Your Application
Résumé/CV
You are required to upload a copy of your most recent résumé or curriculum vitae as part of your application.
Statement of Purpose
You are required to upload a typed, double-spaced, two- to three-page statement explaining your purpose in undertaking graduate study in this particular program as part of your application. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself and to inform the admissions committee about your goals, interests, and career plans as they relate to your intended academic pursuits.
Letters of Recommendation
Submit three letters of recommendation. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline. Read detailed instructions.
Occupational Therapy Prerequisite Checklist
This program has a prerequisite course which is Statistics (must be completed within 7 years). We require accepted students to complete a statistics course prior to starting our program or take the course their first semester in our program. If you have yet to complete the requirement, you can take the statistics course over the summer (we accept online courses). Once you complete the course send your transcript to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
Transcripts
Upload one official copy of transcripts from every postsecondary institution (college/university) you have attended or are attending. Please note: This includes transcripts from institutions where you received transfer credits or did not complete a degree. Make sure to request an official copy of the transcript(s) in advance of the deadline.
Transfer Credits
We understand accepted transfer credits may be clearly listed on your degree awarding institution’s transcript. The Office of Graduate Admissions still requires a transcript from the initial credit-granting institution where you took the course(s). Delay in listing and uploading these transcripts can significantly delay the application review process.
Institutions Outside the US or Canada
If you completed or are completing a degree at an institution outside of the US or Canada, you are required to provide a WES or ECE international credentials evaluation. Please review our requirements for translation and a course-by-course evaluation of your transcripts.
GRE
Not required.
Although the GRE is typically required for this program, for the 2025 admissions cycle GRE scores will not be required. For more information see testing requirements.
Proficiency in English
See testing requirements.
2. Apply
Application
After you fill in and upload the required information, you can submit your completed application. Your application must be completed, dated, electronically signed, and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST of the stated deadline.
Application Fee
You will be prompted to pay a $75 application fee, payable by major credit card only. After submitting your payment, you will see your application status change from “saved” to “submitted.” Please print this screen for your records, as it confirms that your application has been successfully sent to our school. If you have problems submitting your payment, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions. Learn more about our fee waiver policy.
Decision
You will be notified about your decision by email. Typically, decisions will start going out in late November for Spring semester enrollment and in late March or early April for Summer or Fall enrollment. You may learn of your decision before or after this timeline.
Application Policies
Application deadlines are "in-office" deadlines, not postmark deadlines. It is your responsibility to ensure that all materials are in the Office of Graduate Admissions by the appropriate deadline, and we reserve the right to return any application that arrives after the deadline. Only completed applications will be considered. Should a deadline fall on a weekend, the in-office deadline will be the next business day. We advise you to apply early.
Please check the online system to confirm that you have successfully submitted your application. Due to the volume of applications and related materials received, the Office of Graduate Admissions will only contact you if your application was successfully submitted and is deemed incomplete because of missing required materials. Otherwise, you will hear from us when the admissions committee has made its decision.
Deferral policy: NYU Steinhardt does not allow deferrals. Applicants who wish to be considered for a future semester must reapply by submitting a new application with all supporting materials, including letters of recommendations, by the application deadline.
3. Receive Your Admission Decision
Decision
Applications will be evaluated as they are received. You will be notified about your decision by email within 3 weeks of submitting a complete application.