Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for US Occupational Therapists

The length on the program varies based on whether you complete it full-time or part-time. 

If you start the full-time program in the Fall term (August), you will graduate at the end of Spring term (April) the following year if all course requirements are met. Hence, the length of the program is eight months. 

If you start the full-time program in the Spring term (January), you will graduate at the end of Fall term (December) if all course requirements are met. Hence, the length of the program is 12 months. This option spans a Summer term. No required courses are offered during the Summer term; therefore, students often choose not to take any courses in the Summer. If you take courses in the Summer term, the program will cost more. The Fall and Spring term courses are the same whether you begin in August or January. 

The length of the part-time program depends on the number of credits you take each term. Typically, part-time students have completed the program in two years.

Our MS program is not geared exclusively towards research. Students have many opportunities to customize the program according to their goals. Our curriculum provides students with many opportunities to advance their clinical skills. For example, students have the opportunity to complete a two term clinical preceptorship in their area of interest. We also have a course to enhance clinical reasoning skills, which will be beneficial in clinical practice.

The MS program is an advanced practice program for occupational therapists with a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy. The MS program can also serve as a stepping stone to the CScD program. The CScD program is an advanced practice doctoral program for occupational therapists with a master's degree (either in occupational therapy or in another related field) who are seeking a doctoral degree in an area of specialization (Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Neurological Rehabilitation, Clinical Education, or Professional Leadership).

Please refer to Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a concentration in Occupational Therapy Curriculum for course details.

Please refer to Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a concentration in Occupational Therapy Admission Requirements for details.

For information about our program, please contact the Department of Occupational Therapy at OTpitt@shrs.pitt.edu.

We do not require the GRE for the MS program.

The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) only accepts online applications. 

You will upload most of the information online. In addition, you will also be required to submit original transcripts from all postsecondary institutions that you attended. The mailing address is: 

SHRS Admissions Office 
4020 Forbes Tower 
University of Pittsburgh 
Pittsburgh, PA 15260 
USA

For further information go to Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a concentration in Occupational Therapy Admission Requirements.

Three letters of recommendation are required and can be submitted electronically or by mail:

Electronic: In the online application, please enter the name and email address of each person who will be writing a Letter of Recommendation. Each person will receive an email with directions on how to complete the Recommendation Form and submit the Letter of Recommendation online;

          OR

Mail: The online application provides information on downloading the Recommendation Form. Print out and give a copy of the Recommendation Form to each person who chooses to complete a paper version of the Recommendation Form. Ask them to complete the Recommendation Form and attach it to a separate Letter of Recommendation. They will need to mail the Recommendation Form and the Letter of Recommendation to the following address: 

         SHRS Admissions Office 
         4020 Forbes Tower 
         University of Pittsburgh 
         Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Tuition rates are established by the University of Pittsburgh. For current tuition and fee rates, please visit the University of Pittsburgh Tuition & Fees web page.

Please also be advised that students should anticipate costs related to laboratory fees, physical examinations, security clearances, and any drug screens required by their preceptorship sites. These fees vary by program and the assigned clinical site.

Payment is due every term after you register for classes.