Bachelor’s to Doctorate Students
Please see the below award opportunities for admitted Bachelor’s to Doctorate students. For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact the Admissions Team
USC Chan Division Merit-Based Support The USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy offers a number of scholarships each year for continuing USC Occupational Therapy undergraduate students. Current USC freshman, sophomores, and juniors with a declared Occupational Therapy major may apply for these scholarships, which are awarded for the following academic year. Incoming students are not eligible for these scholarships, but may apply for them in subsequent years. These scholarships are one-year awards for an amount up to $3,500 per award. Students who maintain a 3.5 GPA during their undergraduate coursework are eligible to apply for these awards during the spring semester on an annual basis. These are awarded on the basis of academic achievement.
Occupational Therapy Student Research Fund (OTSRF) The USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy offers a number of scholarships each year for USC Occupational Therapy undergraduate students interested in participating in various research projects both within and outside of the division. Any current freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior with a declared occupational therapy major who has a minimum 3.5 GPA may apply for a research stipend of up to $5,000 to support time dedicated towards a faculty-based research project of their choosing. Students eligible for this award can apply during the spring semester on an annual basis. These are awarded on the basis of academic achievement and interest in research.
Continuing Entry-Level Master’s Students
Division Tuition Scholarships Second-year tuition scholarships are awarded based upon achievement in the program and determined by a faculty committee. Other Division scholarships and student worker positions are also available to continuing students.
Named Division Tuition Scholarships Named division tuition scholarships are awarded by a faculty committee, based on student achievement in the program, along with evaluation of a personal statement.
Student Worker Positions Graduate students are eligible to apply for a student worker position that will begin in the second year. Student worker positions are based on faculty and staff need/availability and are selected based on interests, leadership and volunteer experiences. Some student worker positions require an interview.
Students are welcome to apply for both a scholarship and a student worker position. Applications will be considered separately for each.
Other USC Chan Division Scholarship Opportunities In addition to the scholarships listed here, students will receive email invitations to apply for several other scholarships that are offered throughout the year.
Other Student Positions
In addition to the student worker positions listed here, there are opportunities to work as a Student Ambassador or in our Global Initiatives office. Applications for these positions are processed separately. For inquiries related to the Student Ambassador positions, please contact our Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment, Kim Kho . For inquires about positions in the Global Initiatives Office please contact our Director of Global Initiatives, Dr. Danny Park .
Which scholarship / position would you like to apply for?
Select
Division Tuition Scholarship
Elizabeth Schiefer Scholarship
Hand Therapy Graduate Scholarship
Lily Thye Scholarship
Richard J. McCauley Graduate Fellowship
Student Worker Position
Post-Professional Master’s Students
Funding opportunities available for admitted post-professional master’s students include Division Tuition Scholarships and Student Worker positions . Students may apply for both and must maintain enrollment in the USC Chan Occupational Therapy graduate program in good standing. For questions, please contact the Admissions Team .
Which scholarship / position would you like to apply for?
Select
Division Tuition Scholarship
Student Worker Position
Incoming Entry-Level OTD Students
How Scholarship Awards are Determined Scholarships for incoming students to our Entry-Level OTD degree program are determined by your holistic admission score.
Please see below for the specific scholarships offered. Students are welcome to apply for multiple scholarships. Applications will be considered separately for each.
Deadline Applications open in July and the deadline for completion is November 1 . (Note: this is the same as the OTCAS application deadline.) You can submit scholarship applications even if you have not yet completed the OTCAS application.
Which scholarship would you like to apply for?
Select
Division Tuition Scholarship
Vision Scholarship
Research Student Worker
Post-Professional OTD Students
Please see the below award opportunities for admitted post-professional OTD students. For more information, and if you have any questions, please contact the Admissions Team .
Division Tuition Scholarships The Division offers a number of scholarship awards for OTD residents based on academic achievement and the overall merits of their application. Students admitted to the OTD program are automatically considered for these merit-based scholarship awards.
Division Internal Residencies The Chan Division offers numerous financial awards in conjunction with internal residency opportunities. These residencies span the Advanced Clinical Practice, Clinical Research, Policy and Administration, and Pedagogy tracks of the OTD. These opportunities are open to students who apply by the October 1st deadline. Applicants to the program will participate in interviews throughout the fall semester.
Residencies External to the Chan Division Residencies outside of the Chan Division may offer a variety of financial packages, including paid positions, monthly stipends, and/or scholarships.
Student Workers The Chan Division offers several OTD student worker positions. For more information, please contact the Director of the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Program, Dr. Sarah Bream .
Additional Opportunities Additional opportunities include Student Ambassador and Global Initiatives student worker positions. These applications are managed separately. For inquiries related to Student Ambassador positions, please contact our Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment, Kim Kho . For inquires about positions in the Global Initiatives office, please contact our Director of Global Initiatives, Dr. Danny Park .
PhD in Occupational Science Students
Students admitted to the PhD program are awarded research assistantships, which cover full tuition, an annual stipend of approximately $40,000, and student health and dental benefits. See more information about the PhD program and benefits .
Dr. Ruth and Dr. Wayne Zemke Occupational Science Fund
Admitted PhD students may additionally apply for this funding, which, due to the generosity of Drs. Ruth and Wayne Zemke, has been established to support one PhD student each year.
Purpose : The purpose of the scholarship is to promote leadership and participation in the study of occupational science. The scholarship provides financial assistance ($5,000) to occupational therapy students pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in occupational science to support membership dues and professional activities related to Society for the Study of Occupation (SSO: USA) and the International Society of Occupational Scientists (ISOS).
Selection Process : Recipients shall be full-time occupational therapy PhD students deemed to have strong academic potential for active roles in the development of occupational science as demonstrated by membership and active participation in the Society for the Study of Occupation (SSO: USA). Examples of active roles in the SSO: USA can include and are not limited to committee work developing leadership for the profession, attendance at SSO: USA Research Conference, submission of a proposal and presentation for the annual SSO Conference, and submission of a paper to Journal of Occupational Science .
Students who are interested in applying for the scholarship will submit a 600-word essay as well as their CV. The essay should address how the student’s vision of their future research will contribute to the study of occupation and how they picture their future role in the development of an occupational science community of scholars. The award will be granted by the donor.
An email will be sent to all current PhD students when it is time to apply for this scholarship.
If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions Team .
Research Student Worker
Research Student Worker
The Division offers Research Student Worker (RSW) positions, which are highly competitive and are determined by your holistic admission score and essay. Applicants should be seeking experience in a research setting.
The RSW position is a two year award offered during the first year of the program. Continuation of the award into the second year is contingent upon good academic standing and performance as a student worker.
If a student applies and does not receive a RSW position, the student will still be considered for any other division awards and scholarships to which they applied. Please note that each award is a separate application and that you will need to apply to each individually in order to be considered.
Eligibility
Graduate students admitted to the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.
Amount
(Generally) 8 units tuition/semester, an hourly wage of $16.50/hour for 10 hours/week per semester for work in an assigned research lab, student health services and student health insurance.
Responsibilities
Research Student Workers complete various activities depending upon their experience and skills, as well as the specific projects of the research lab. Examples include: assisting faculty members with literature searches, data collection, set-up for participants, data entry, preparation of materials for recruitment or presentations, etc. Students who are awarded a RSW will be contacted by the Associate Dean’s office in August to schedule an interview and determine their specific lab placement.
Online applications are open from July 21 to November 1
Student Worker Position (Post-Professional MA)
Student Worker Position
Positions available :
Administration : The administration student worker position primarily consists of supporting faculty who oversee various Chan programs, such as academic programs, continuing education, etc. Duties may include, but are not limited to, literature searches and review, compiling and organizing information, creating spreadsheets for tracking data, creating draft documentations or presentations, etc. This position reports to various Chan faculty.
Events : The events student worker position primarily consists of assisting the Special Events Program Coordinator. Key responsibilities include: assisting with a high number of events ranging from small meetings to conferences, working onsite and offsite events, supporting the Events Coordinator with logistical and administrative support, and assisting with creative decisions. This position reports to Bianca Ojeda .
Global Initiatives : The Global Initiatives student worker will support a wide range of globally-oriented projects including: building collaborative relationships (of all kind) around the world; pro-actively supporting the large international student cohort across all Chan Division programs; advancing the internationally-oriented elements of the Chan Division’s 2019-2023 Strategic Plan; welcoming international researchers, clinicians, and students to the Division; supporting the development of the 2022 Summer Occupational Therapy Immersion program; and envisioning new global projects, which may include the development of new globally-oriented themed courses or the establishment of new partnerships. This position reports to Danny Park .
Recruitment (International Student Ambassador) : The international student ambassador communicates with prospective students coming to USC Chan from other countries via email and other online communication platforms. They assist in the development of additional materials to help support our international student population and attend our bi-weekly meetings with the rest of the student ambassador team. This position supports admissions for our post-professional student inquiries and liaises with Global Initiatives, as needed. The international student ambassador also blogs regularly for the USC Chan website. This position reports to Kimberly Kho .
Research : These assignments to a research lab provide student workers opportunities to support a research team and participate in differing aspects of developing, conducting, and disseminating research. Duties may include, but are not limited to, literature searches and review, compiling and organizing information, creating spreadsheets for tracking data, transcribing or coding data, and assisting in project management. Activities vary across labs and may shift based on experience. Student workers will be assigned to the faculty member who directs the research lab.
Amount
Currently $16/hour for up to 10 hours per week.
Students selected for a student worker position will be notified in September.
Online applications are open from May 1 to June 3
Division Tuition Scholarship (Post-Professional MA)
Division Tuition Scholarship
Tuition scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement.
Amount
Varies.
Online applications are open from May 1 to June 3
Student Worker Position (Continuing Entry-Level Students)
Student Worker Position
Positions available :
Fieldwork : Assist fieldwork team with clerical duties.
Classroom : Assist faculty with course preparation and clerical duties. Classroom assistants do not teach or meet with students.
Office : Perform administrative tasks; may perform receptionist duties.
Eligibility
Applicants may be continuing entry-level master’s students in good standing. Position will begin in the second year of the program.
Amount
Currently $16/hour for up to 10-hour/week commitment.
Online applications are open from April 12 to April 19
Richard J. McCauley Graduate Fellowship
Richard J. McCauley Graduate Fellowship
The Richard J. McCauley Graduate Fellowship is given to a student deemed to have potential for leadership roles in the profession clinically and in professional associations. The donor wishes to support diversity among professional practitioners.
Eligibility
Continuing entry-level master’s students in good standing.
Amount
Varies — historically $5,000.
Online applications are open from April 12 to April 19
Lily Thye Scholarship
Lily Thye Scholarship
The Lily Thye Scholarship is named after a USC occupational therapy alumna who received her degree in the 1950s and was a long-time friend and companion of Elizabeth Schiefer.
Eligibility
Continuing entry-level master’s students in good standing.
Amount
Varies — historically $4000.
Online applications are open from April 12 to April 19
Hand Therapy Graduate Scholarship
Hand Therapy Graduate Scholarship
The Hand Therapy Graduate Scholarship is a tuition scholarship funded by the Hand Therapy Society of Greater Los Angeles (HTSGLA), which promotes professional viability and skills of hand therapists in the delivery of services to the community.
Benefits
A feature on the HTSGLA newsletter and/or website.
Free attendance to an HTSGLA conference.
Guaranteed additional experiences in hand therapy.
Eligibility
Interest in hand and upper extremity injuries. Anticipated enrollment in OTD or second year of the entry-level Master’s program. GPA of 3.0 or higher and in good standing. Applicants should specifically describe their interest in hand therapy in their application statement. Must be a US citizen.
Amount
$1,000.
Responsibilities
Applicants must choose at least one of the following opportunities to extend their knowledge and skills in hand therapy and notify the Director of Admissions of their selection:
Enroll in the Division’s Hands elective/PAMS course: OT 573 (4 Units): Hand Rehabilitation and OT 562 (4 Units): Advanced Practice in Hand Therapy and Physical Agent Modalities.
Complete Level II fieldwork in a hand therapy setting.
Complete an OT 540 externship in hand therapy.
Online applications are open from April 12 to April 19
Elizabeth Schiefer Scholarship
Elizabeth Schiefer Scholarship
The Elizabeth Schiefer Scholarship supports students who are pursuing clinical work with children.
Eligibility
Graduate students with a special interest in pediatrics. Applicants should specifically describe their interest in pediatric occupational therapy in their application statement. Enrollment in full standing.
Amount
Varies — historically $4000.
Online applications are open from April 12 to April 19
Vision Scholarship
Vision Scholarship
The purpose of this award is to provide financial aid to African-American or Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and/or Hispanic/Latinx students who exemplify the ideals and characteristics of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) Vision 2025 , which states “as an inclusive profession, occupational therapy maximizes health, well-being, and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities through effective solutions that facilitate participation in everyday living.”
For example, applicants might hope to take the profession to new areas of practice, to new countries, or to underserved populations; to become advocates for change in healthcare policy; or to promote the profession within the media.
To be competitive for this scholarship, applicants must connect the Vision 2025 pillars to your past experiences and/or occupational therapy goals.
Eligibility
Incoming entry-level OTD student in occupational therapy who identifies as African-American or Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, or Hispanic/Latinx.
Amount
$20,000 tuition scholarship (renewable for second year of program upon good academic standing).
Responsibilities
Participation in faculty mentorship activities for two years of the OTD program, in which the student will be mentored and receive additional guidance on leadership.
Online applications are open from July 21 to November 1
Division Tuition Scholarship (Incoming Entry-Level OTD)
Division Tuition Scholarship
Tuition scholarships are applied to the fall and spring semester tuition fee bill. Tuition scholarship awards are determined one year at a time. First-year tuition scholarship awards are based upon the overall quality of the student’s application as determined by a holistic review process.
Eligibility
Graduate students admitted to the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. Academic merit is determined a holistic admission score.
Amount
Varies.
Online applications are open from July 21 to November 1
Division Tuition Scholarship (Continuing Entry-Level Students)
Division Tuition Scholarship
Tuition scholarships are applied to the fall and spring semester tuition fee bill. Second-year tuition scholarships are awarded based upon achievement in the program and determined by a faculty committee. Student worker positions are also available to students in the second year of the program.
Eligibility
Enrollment in USC Chan Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy graduate program in good standing.
Amount
Varies.
Online applications are open from April 12 to April 19