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Bachelor of Science (BS) to Advanced Standing MS or OTD Degree

The combined BS/MS or BS/OTD program allows students to complete a bachelor's degree at Â鶹Éç and smoothly transition into an entry-level OT graduate program (Master of Science (MS) or Clinical Doctorate (OTD). To practice as an Occupational Therapist (OT) in the U.S., you need an MS or an OTD from an ACOTE-accredited program. Our BS in OT curriculum provides a strong foundation in the liberal arts, biological, behavioral and health sciences for the first three years. Courses in the final undergraduate year transition students into the OT-specific content, with select courses counting toward Â鶹Éç MS or OTD requirements. This advanced standing structure allows students to save one full year compared to traditional, non-combined programs. The combined BS/MS degree program is completed in five years. The combined BS/OTD degree program is completed in 6 years with two summer terms.

This program is offered in-person at the Durham campus. 

The occupational therapy master's and doctoral programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)  located at 7501 Wisconsin Ave. Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE's telephone number c/o AOTA is Tel. (301)- 652-AOTA and its Website:

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

Degree Requirements

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

Students begin the BS curriculum with preprofessional courses, which include courses in biological and social sciences as well as occupational therapy. In addition to meeting the University Discovery Program requirements, students take the following courses during the first three years of the program.

Details on satisfying these requirements are provided by the student's academic adviser and are outlined in the OT Department Policy and Procedure Manual. All students receive an electronic copy of the manual in their first year, and it is also available on the Occupational Therapy Student Resources site on the University learning platform.

Volunteer or work experience in a health and human service organization is recommended, although not required.

Professional Curriculum

Students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who will apply to enter the Advanced Standing MS or Advanced Standing OTD programs take the following professional level courses during their undergraduate education.

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This course also fulfills the writing intensive in major course.

Students need to declare their choice for Advanced Standing MS or OTD by the end of their sophomore year. At the end of the senior year, students are awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy. However, students must earn a graduate degree (MS or OTD) to become registered occupational therapists. Students apply to the Graduate School for Occupational Therapy: Advanced Standing MS or the OTD Program during their senior year. An overall minimum grade point of 3.0 is required for admission to the MS Program or OTD program, and students must earn a minimum grade of B- in all OT classes at the 700 level, with no more than 8 credits of B- in OT courses at the 700 level, pass Level I Fieldwork, and meet professional behavior expectations. Please refer to the Graduate Catalog for additional information about the Advanced Standing MS and OTD Programs and the graduate portion of the professional occupational therapy curriculum including Fieldwork Level II requirements.

Students are responsible for transportation to off-campus practicum and fieldwork locations.

Curriculum review and revision is undertaken annually. The department works closely with students during academic advising sessions and shares information about any policy and requirement changes during registration periods as well as throughout the academic year. Students also are expected to take an active role in verifying expectations and should check with their academic adviser each September for updated policies and requirements. Program requirements and policies for retention in the major are in the OT Department Policy and Procedure Manual, which is available online.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate biological, psychosocial, and educational theories that influence human behavior and occupational participation.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the value of human occupation in health and wellness.
• Demonstrate critical appraisal of how disease and disability influences health promotion and occupational well-being.
• Recognize the role of culture, socioeconomic status, abilities, and other factors on occupational performance and participation of all members of society.
• Demonstrate an understanding of concepts of occupational deprivation and occupational justice as related to health and well-being for all people.
• Demonstrate competency in information and basic research literacy.
• Demonstrate professional behaviors and skills in written and oral communication.
• Be prepared to apply for graduate study in the field of occupational therapy or other disciplinary area of graduate study.