Accelerated Master’s to OTD
Course Sequence
Please note: Currently, USC Chan is accepting applications to the entry-master’s program in occupational therapy, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education® (ACOTE®). The Chan Division has also initiated the ACOTE process to transition the entry-master’s to an accredited entry-level doctoral (OTD) program. This transition could occur as early as the 2021 application cycle (program start in 2022). Updates will be provided on our website throughout the accreditation process as they become available.
Fall Start
Most students begin the OTD experience in the Fall and progress through to the Summer of the following year. There are some circumstances which require the coursework to be taken beginning in the Spring semester or for it to be front loaded.
Fall Semester
Fall semester generally begins in late August and continues for 16 weeks.
- OT 620 (4 units): Current Issues in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
- OT 686 (6 units/20 hours): Part-time Residency
- If you are coming from the USC MA program, you are required to pass your NBCOT exam and be fully licensed and registered by the end of this semester.
Spring Semester
Spring semester begins in January and continues for 16 weeks.
- OT 621 (4 units): Occupational Therapy Leadership: Contemporary Issues
- OT 686 (6 units/20 hours): Part-time Residency
- Elective Course(s) (4 units)
Summer Session
Summer session begins in mid-May and continues for 12 weeks.
- OT 686 (12 units/40 hours): Full-time Residency
Spring Start
If you are starting the OTD in the Spring, the order of your courses will look different.
Spring Semester
Spring semester begins in January and continues for 16 weeks.
- OT 620 (4 units): Current Issues in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
- OT 686 (6 units/20 hours): Part-time Residency
- If you are coming from the USC MA program, you are required to pass your NBCOT exam and be fully registered by the end of this semester.
Summer Session
Summer session begins in mid-May and continues for 12 weeks.
- OT 686 (12 units/40 hours): Full-time Residency
Fall Semester
Fall semester generally begins in late August and continues for 16 weeks.
- OT 621 (4 units): Occupational Therapy Leadership: Contemporary Issues
- OT 686 (6 units/20 hours): Part-time Residency
- Elective Course(s) (4 units)
Front Loading
Students with an out-of-area residency placement may need to front-load their coursework. This can be started in either Fall or Spring. Please be sure to discuss this option with program director Dr. Sarah Bream.
Semester 1
- OT 620 (4 units): Current Issues in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
- OT 621 (4 units): Occupational Therapy Leadership: Contemporary Issues
- Elective Course (4 units)
- If you are coming from the USC MA program, you are required to pass your NBCOT exam and be fully registered by the end of this semester.
Semester 2
- OT 686 (12 units/40 hours): Full-time Residency
Semester 3
- OT 686 (12 units/40 hours): Full-time Residency
Completing the OTD on a Part-Time Basis
There are many pathways through the OTD program. The Program Director will work with you to customize an ideal trajectory that aligns with your specific needs and is tailored to your overall life plan.