Occupational Therapy, Post-Professional (MS)

Format(s)
On-campus
Degree Type
Master of Science
Duration

Clinical Plan of Study: 9 months
(2 terms)

Research Plan of Study: 9 months
(2 terms)

Research with Scholarly Project Plan of Study: 1 year
(3 terms, including one summer term)

Format(s)
On-campus
Degree Type
Master of Science
Duration

Clinical Plan of Study: 9 months
(2 terms)

Research Plan of Study: 9 months
(2 terms)

Research with Scholarly Project Plan of Study: 1 year
(3 terms, including one summer term)

Admissions

Application

Application Opens

September 15, 2024

Application Closes

May 1, 2025

 

Application System

Apply through the Graduate Centralized Application Service (GradCAS).

The application fee is $50 (U.S.).

Contact an enrollment specialist for an application fee waiver. Availability of waivers is limited.

Prerequisites

  • Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy.
    • For international students, a bachelor’s degree or diploma must be from a school/university approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) in the year that the applicant graduated and/or national governmental institutions that approve/accredit occupational therapy programs to grant a degree in occupational therapy (e.g., Ministry of Health).
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (based on a 4.0).
  • Transcripts from all higher U.S. institutions attended.

Transcripts

Applicants are required to provide transcripts from all U.S. universities, colleges or other higher education institutions attended.

Admitted students will need to submit official transcripts to the SHRS Admissions Office prior to enrolling in classes.

Experience

Documented evidence of knowledge of rehabilitation through previous paid work experiences, internships or field experiences or volunteer work experiences. A resume or CV must be submitted through the GradCAS application.

Personal Statement

Evidence of graduate level writing skills in a self-evaluation essay that discusses goals, strengths, skills and experiences that will contribute to success in the program and in the profession. The essay should include a brief statement discussing interest in the field of study and reasons for applying to the University of Pittsburgh. 

Letters of Recommendation

Two (2) letters of recommendation are required for the application.  

These letters should preferably be from individuals who taught the applicant in an academic setting and/or supervised clinical activities. Letters of recommendation should address academic, professional and personal attributes and potential for successful graduate education.

Application Review Process

  1. Submitted applications will be reviewed, once they are complete, on a rolling basis until the deadline.   
  2. An interview (in-person or virtual) with the program director will be scheduled upon review of each completed application. 
  3. A deposit is required if admission is offered.

Other Requirements

Resume or CV must be submitted through the GradCAS application.

International Student Information

The following requirements are necessary for applicants from outside of the U.S.

For questions about the international student requirements, please reach out to the SHRS Admissions Office.

Academic Credential Evaluations

Students who have completed the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree or higher at an institution outside of the United States are required to provide an academic credential evaluation from Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. or World Education Services (WES), Inc. with their application.

  • A course-by-course evaluation with GPA conversion is required.
  • Evaluations are not required for degrees earned in the United States. If you have attended an English Canadian institution, please contact the SHRS Admissions Office.
  • Individual SHRS programs may have their own specific Academic Credential Evaluation requirements.

Verification of English Language Proficiency

The University of Pittsburgh accepts the official results of the Duolingo English Test, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as a measure of English language proficiency.

Verification is required unless the following apply:

  • The applicant is a citizen of a country whose official language is English.
  • The applicant has completed a degree program at a regionally accredited institution in the U.S.
  • The applicant is not a citizen of a country whose official language is English but has completed a degree program at an institution outside of the U.S. where the language of instruction is English and where the official national language of the country in which the institution is located is English.

Minimum Scores by Program

On-campus Programs — Duolingo: 115 | IELTS: 6.5 | TOFEL: 80

  • Athletic Training (MS)
  • Health Informatics (MS)
    • Health Data Analytics (Certificate)
    • Health Information Cybersecurity (Certificate)
    • Leadership in Health Informatics (Certificate)
    • Revenue Cycle Management (Certificate)
  • Occupational Therapy (Post-Professional MS)
  • Physical Therapy (Post-Professional MS)
  • Prosthetics and Orthotics (MS)
  • Sports Science (MS)

On-campus Programs — Duolingo: 130 | IELTS: 7.0 | TOFEL: 100

  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)
  • Communication Science and Disorders (Post-Baccalaureate)
  • Communication Science (PhD)
  • Dietitian Nutritionist Program (MS)
  • Doctor of Audiology (AuD)
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Physician Assistant Studies (MS)
  • Rehabilitation Science (PhD)
  • Speech Language Pathology (MA/MS)

Hybrid and Online Programs — Duolingo: 130 | IELTS: 7.0 | TOFEL: 100

  • Hybrid
    • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
    • Master of Rehabilitation Technology (MRT)
  • Online
    • Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy (CScD)
    • Advanced Practice Certificate in Implementation of Evidence in Clinical Practice (Certificate)
    • Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)
    • Health Informatics (MS)
    • Health Data Analytics (Certificate)
    • Health Information Cyber Security (Certificate)
    • Leadership in Health Informatics (Certificate)
    • Revenue Cycle Management (Certificate)

How to Submit Scores

  • Duolingo English Test: Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh – School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Scores should be submitted electronically through ETS to institution code “2927”.