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Doctor of Philosophy
Occupational Therapy

NYU Steinhardt’s Doctor of Philosophy in Research in Occupational Therapy provides occupational therapists with the knowledge and skills to work in the profession as researchers, scholars, and educators. As a student, you will take courses in advanced occupational therapy and other disciplines across NYU. Founded in 1973, the degree was the first PhD of its kind in the world.

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Degree Details

Official Degree Title

Doctor of Philosophy Research in Occupational Therapy

Format
Full-time or Part-time
Credits
52
Start Date
Fall
Application Deadline

The Department of Occupational Therapy PhD develops outstanding, ethical practitioners and scholars who are prepared to respond to society's ever-changing needs and improve the quality of occupational therapy practice and research. 

By completing the degree, you will gain the skills to:

  1.  Develop and conduct outcome studies of prevention and intervention in occupational therapy

  2. Assess the reliability and validity of assessment tools used by occupational therapists

  3. Advance both your practice and technological innovation in the field

The degree combines rigorous research experience, intensive course work, and collaboration with faculty mentors who are pushing the boundaries of occupational therapy research.

Completing a dissertation is a significant component of the PhD. You will develop, write, and defend a dissertation proposal and ultimately your full dissertation with the guidance of a faculty mentor. 

Current doctoral students are pursuing a wide range of dissertation topics based on their specific interest areas, including intervention efforts for children with developmental disorders, adults with dementia, and individuals with visual-perception deficits.

The PhD is a traditional doctoral degree for the master's-prepared clinician with research and academic career goals. The degree will provide you with the knowledge and skills to work in the profession as a researcher, scholar, and educator in the US or abroad.

Funding for Full-Time PhD Study

All full-time PhD students are eligible for a multi-year funding package that supports tuition and living expenses. Learn more about funding for full-time PhD students.

A student touching their wrist based on a diagram in a binder in front of them.
DEPARTMENT OF

Occupational Therapy

Pless Hall, 82 Washington Square East, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-998-5825
Email: occupational.therapy@nyu.edu

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