Admissions

OT faculty member with students in caps and gowns

Clinical Participation Requirements

Admission Requirements

Qualified applicants for the Master of Science (MS) in Occupational Therapy program must meet the following admission requirements:

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).
Verification 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., or
- 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.
Interview (personal or virtual) with the MS Program Director and at least one other faculty member from the Department of Occupational Therapy.

Application Requirements

Complete the GradCAS application.
Submit the application fee of $50 (U.S.).
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.
Documented evidence of knowledge of rehabilitation through previous paid work experiences, internships or field experiences, or volunteer work experiences.
Three letters of recommendation, preferably 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.
Transcripts from all higher U.S. institutions attended.
A course-by-course evaluation with GPA conversion for all higher-level institutions attended outside the US. The evaluation may be from World Education Services (WES), Inc. or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), Inc.
Admitted students will be required to provide official transcripts and/or credential evaluations from all higher institutions attended to the SHRS Admissions Office prior to enrolling in classes.

If applicable:

Request official English Language Proficiency test scores be sent to the University of Pittsburgh from one of the following options. Minimum scores accepted and instructions for sending official test scores follow:
- Duolingo English Test: 115. Scores should be sent to “University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.”
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5. Scores should be sent to “University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.”
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 80. Scores should be sent to institution code “2927.”
- Unofficial scores may be provided via GradCAS (in addition to the official scores required).

Admitted students who are citizens of a country whose official language is not English and who score below 120 on the Duolingo English Test, below 100 on the TOEFL iBT, or overall band 7.0 or lower on the IELTS, will be required to take an English Language Proficiency Test to better assess their English Language skills when they arrive at the University of Pittsburgh. The results of this exam may be used to recommend (not require) additional English language instruction that may supplement your education. If you have additional questions about the test, please click here.

Your application will be reviewed once it is complete.