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Admissions

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University and SHRS COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements and Information

Admission Requirements and Application Process

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).
  • 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.
  • Unofficial transcripts from all 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, Inc. (ECE).
  • Verification of English Language Proficiency is required unless the following apply:
    • the applicant is a citizen of a country whose official language is English
    • he 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. 
  • All admitted students will be required to provide official transcripts to the SHRS Admissions Office prior to enrolling in classes.

If applicable:

Your application will be reviewed once it is complete.

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.

Application Information

All applicants must:

  • Complete the online GradCAS application 
  • Submit the GradCAS application fee of $50 (U.S)
  • Submit required documents (Admission Requirements) through the GradCAS application portal

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted for enrollment beginning in the Fall term only (August). The GradCAS cycle will open for applications beginning in September and the deadline for submitting the application and all materials is May 1.

For questions about GradCAS, the application process and needed materials please email admissions@shrs.pitt.edu. 

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