Occupational Therapy, M.S.

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program will begin in Summer 2025.

Mission

The mission of the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program is to equip future occupational therapists with a Christ-centered education focused on theory, practice, and leadership to support their future clients in everyday occupational participation.

Vision

The vision of the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program is to be identified among the world’s foremost Christ-centered Occupational Therapy programs – a community abiding in truth, abounding with grace and compelled by Christ’s love to be a relevant and a redemptive voice in the Allied Health field.

Distinctives

1. A non-traditional course schedule that provides flexibility for students with other responsibilities.
2. Strong theoretical framework: Students will receive rigorous instruction in current, relevant theoretical knowledge in order to develop curious, life-long learners.
3. Excellence in clinical practice: Students will be prepared for impactful clinical work with a variety of diverse populations through clinical experiences and the model of the work and witness of faculty and instructors.
4. Biblical perspective: Students will be taught from a Christian worldview in order to promote the fullest understanding of humankind and the world.
5. Impactful: Students will connect their studies to contexts of life that they might love well those in their sphere of influence locally and globally and effectively engage in issues of our profession through research, publication, and service

Hybrid Immersion MSOT

The hybrid program is intended primarily for the adult learner and non-traditional student. This format allows applicants with other commitments to pursue a graduate education. While classes are offered online asynchronously, students are expected to come to campus once a month per term for 3-4 day lab immersions.

ACOTE Accreditation Status

The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program has applied for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. The program must be granted Candidacy Status, have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, students will be able to:

1. Articulate the core theories and models of practice utilized across different occupational therapy practice settings (ULO 1).
2. Apply quantitative and qualitative methods in assessing, planning, evaluating, and documenting the occupational health and performance of diverse populations across the lifespan (ULO 1).
3. Discuss evidence-based practices in occupational therapy, including assessment, intervention, program development, and health promotion (ULO 2).
4. Integrate biblical principles in health promotion, professional development, and ethical clinical care (as outlined by AOTA Code of Ethics in alignment with Christian values) (ULO 3).

Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.

Admission Requirements

• Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and complete the prerequisite courses for this program in the table below.
• Complete Biola application (application fee may be waived).
• Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Submit the supplemental items.
• The GRE is not required for admission to Biola University's MSOT.
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended.
• Submit three letters of recommendation (one pastoral and two employer, character, or academic).
• Submit current resume.
• Complete 40 hours of documented volunteer experience under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist and proof of volunteer hours. 
• Interview with a member of the MSOT program faculty.

Program Prerequisites

The following prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher within 7 years of planned enrollment. These courses may be in progress at the time of application.

¹

Credit/No Credit accepted.

Graduation Requirements

• MSOT core courses must be passed with a grade of B- or higher.
• Minimum GPA for the graduate program would be 3.0. Students who drop below a 3.0 in any one semester will agree to remediation help as specified by the student handbook for one semester. If their GPA does not improve to at or above 3.0 for the next semester, students may be dismissed from the program. 
• Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 6 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.
• A minimum of 76 credits is required for the Master of Sciences in Occupational Therapy.
• Candidates must meet with a department advisor and graduate academic records and degree specialist in the Office of the Registrar one year prior to graduation to declare intent to graduate. (See Graduate Graduation Check description in the Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements section.)

Curriculum Requirements

Each course must be completed with a grade of B- or higher. Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 6 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.

¹

Must be taken twice.