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Admissions

We welcome applicants of all abilities/disabilities, religions, marital statuses, familial statuses, sexes, ages, sexual orientations, veteran statuses, national origins, ancestries, races, colors, genetic information, and gender identities and expressions.

University and SHRS COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements and Information

To apply for the certificate program for Fall 2023, click here.

Here's how to apply to the Doctor of Clinical Science (CScD) degree program for Fall 2023. Our application deadline is August 1. If you have questions, reach out to an enrollment specialist today. 

Admission Requirements

  • Applicants who received their occupational therapy training within the United States must have an entry-level master’s degree in occupational therapy (e.g., MOT) from an Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)-accredited program, or a baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program and a master’s degree in occupational therapy or another field of study. 
  • Applicants who received their occupational therapy training outside of the United States must have completed their occupational therapy training from a World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT)-approved program and meet all necessary requirements for admission to the University of Pittsburgh. 
  • U.S. applicants are required to have initial NBCOT certification (or eligibility). International applicants must provide equivalent certification documentation from country of residence. 
  • Interview* 
    • Qualified applicants will be invited to a virtual interview with the CScD in Occupational Therapy program director.  
  • 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.  

Application Requirements

  • Application Deadline: August 1, 2023
  • Complete the GradCAS application.
  • $50 application fee (U.S.)
  • ​Two (2) Professional Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation should attest to your professional abilities and conduct, collegiality, oral and written communication skills and leadership.*
  • ​Essay*
    • ​​Evidence of graduate-level writing skills in an essay that outlines:
      • why you are interested in pursuing the Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy degree or Certificate in Implementation,
      • why you are interested in advancing your education through the University of Pittsburgh,
      • what makes you a good fit for an advanced training education program that is delivered online and,
      • the future professional goals that you hope to achieve as a result of this advanced training.
  • Resume: A professional resume indicating knowledge of rehabilitation through previous paid work experiences, internships or field experiences, or volunteer work experiences.
  • Upload unofficial transcripts from all U.S. institutions attended in the Academic History section of CAS. 
  • Upload a course-by-course evaluation with GPA conversion for all higher institutions you have attended outside the U.S. in the Academic History section of CAS. The evaluation may be from World Education Services (WES), Inc. or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
  • All admitted students will be required to provide official transcripts and, if applicable, credential evaluations to the SHRS Admissions Office prior to enrolling in classes.
  • If applicable, self-report unofficial English Language Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) test scores tin the Academic History section of CAS (for Duolingo, upload an unofficial score report under Documents in Program Materials) and request official test scores be sent to the University of Pittsburgh. Minimum scores accepted and instructions for sending official test scores follow: 

​Your application will be reviewed once it is complete. 

*Note: the essay, professional letters of recommendation and virtual interview are NOT required for Advanced Practice Certificate ONLY applicants.

Application Deadline

August 1, 2023