Faculty / Staff Resources Student Resources
University of Southern California
University of Southern California
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
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Education
Education

Entry-Level Master’s (MA)
of Occupational Therapy

Please note
Current Entry-Level Master’s degree students will complete the master’s program as outlined in the USC Catalogue, and upon completion, have the option to pursue the Post-Professional OTD degree. The entry-level master’s program admitted its last class in June 2021.

New Entry-Level OTD Program
The Chan Division has initiated the ACOTE process to transition the entry-level master’s to an accredited Entry-Level Doctorate (OTD) program. The Entry-Level OTD degree program has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education® (ACOTE®), and we are accepting applicants for the upcoming application cycle (program start in fall of 2023). Updates will be provided on our website throughout the accreditation process as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Please note: The Entry-Level Master’s program admitted its last class in 2021. This webpage is only for informational and retrospective reference.

The Entry-Level Master of Arts program is designed for students with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than occupational therapy. If you are already a certified or board-eligible occupational therapist, please see information about our Post-Professional Master’s degree program.

In your two years of study, you will complete three practice immersions in Adult Physical Rehabilitation, Mental Health, and Pediatrics to graduate as a general practitioner of occupational therapy. In addition, the elective options offered in the second year are taught by leaders in diverse practice areas and provide you with in-depth education in six potential specialty focus areas.

Practice Immersions

Elective Options

Curriculum and Requirements

Course Sequence*

Diversity, Access, and Equity

A Day in the Life of an Entry-Level Master of Arts Student

Contact Us
For more information about becoming an occupational therapist in our Entry-Level Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program, contact the USC Chan Admissions Team.