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.
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
Please see below for the specific scholarships offered. You are welcome and encouraged to apply for multiple scholarships. Applications will be considered separately for each.
Scholarship and award opportunities are open to all Entry-Level OTD students who are in good standing and meet all of the eligibility requirements for the scholarship. Consistent with USC’s Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement, we welcome all applicants.
Application Deadlines
Division Tuition Scholarship No deadline; accepted on a rolling basis
Vision Scholarship November 1
Research Student Worker Award (includes tuition scholarship) November 1
Applications open on July 26 . You can submit scholarship applications even if you have not yet completed your OTCAS application. However, please note that your OTCAS application must be Verified by the Early Action Deadline (November 1) for your Research Student Worker or Vision Scholarship award application to be considered. Division Tuition Scholarship applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
All scholarships are awarded upon admission.
Which scholarship would you like to apply for?
Select
Division Tuition Scholarship
Vision Scholarship
Research Student Worker Award (includes scholarship)
Continuing Entry-Level OTD Students
Division Tuition Scholarships Second-year tuition scholarship awards are distributed based on student financial need, which is information provided by the USC Financial Aid Office. Other named 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 evaluation of a personal statement submitted with the student's application.
Student Worker Positions Entry-Level OTD 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 relevant 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 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 .
If a student has previously received a Graduate Assistantship award and/or internal USC Chan residency connected to a financial award for the Post-Professional OTD program, they are not eligible to apply.
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. All students admitted to the OTD program are encouraged to apply 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.
Additional Opportunities Additional opportunities include Student Ambassador 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 .
Which scholarship would you like to apply for?
Select
Division Tuition Scholarship
Sandy Carter Fellowship
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 .
Sandy Carter Fellowship
Sandy Carter Fellowship
The Sandy Carter Fellowship is a one-time award in the amount of $25,000, made by the Sandy Carter Foundation in honor of Sandra Carter, USC Occupational Therapy Alum (BS 1981). Sandy’s career was dedicated to serving children with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. The purpose of this award is to support a doctoral student who is committed to the specialty area of pediatrics in occupational therapy, enrolled in their final year at the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy doctorate program, and completing a residency or capstone experience in the specialty area of pediatrics, including clinical practice or research (or both). The fellowship shall provide support to students for whom affordability may be an obstacle, and will also consider the merit of the students.
The selected student will demonstrate a commitment to pediatrics in occupational therapy, including an emphasis on clinical practice or research or both, and is committed to pursuing a career path in this area.
Students who have received Graduate Assistantship and Student Worker awards are not eligible to apply. Eligible students are welcome to apply to both the Sandy Carter Fellowship and Division Tuition scholarship, and will be awarded one of the two. Students will be eligible to be awarded more than one named scholarship.
Application Process
Applicants will submit the following:
A 300-word statement that addresses their desired work in the specialty area of pediatrics in occupational therapy.
A 100-word justification of financial need.
A résumé or CV highlighting their experiences (e.g., academic, employment, clinical, research, leadership, volunteer service and/or other relevant experience, particularly with the population of interest).
Awardee Obligations
Recipient of the award will successfully complete a residency/capstone experience in the specialty area of pediatrics, in particular clinical practice or research (or both). The recipient will write a formal thank you note to the Sandy Carter Charitable Foundation, which funded the scholarship, and they may also have an opportunity to meet with the family members (via videoconference or other format) to personally thank them and discuss the recipient’s work in further detail.
Online applications will be open from February 15 to March 15, 2024
Division Tuition Scholarship (Post-Professional OTD)
Division Tuition Scholarship
A number of tuition scholarships in the amount of 12 total units will be awarded to Post-Professional OTD Residents. These scholarships will be distributed equally across three semesters (4 units per semester). The Division Tuition Scholarship awards are based upon the overall quality of the applicant’s written scholarship submission. All submissions will be reviewed and rated by a committee of faculty. Awardees will be notified by the Admissions Team in the spring semester.
Eligibility
Graduate students admitted to the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Post-Professional Doctorate Program. Admitted students who have received either the Graduate Assistantship or Student Worker awards are not eligible to apply.
Amount
12 Units
Online applications will be open from February 15 to March 15, 2024
Student Worker Position (Continuing Entry-Level OTD)
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
First-year (continuing) Entry-Level OTD students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the academic program. Position will begin in the second year of the program.
Amount
Currently $16.50/hour for up to 10-hour/week commitment.
Online applications will be open from February 1 to February 28, 2024
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
First-year (continuing) Entry-Level OTD students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the academic program.
Amount
Varies — historically $5,000.
Online applications will be open from February 1 to February 28, 2024
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
First-year (continuing) Entry-Level OTD students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the academic program.
Amount
Varies — historically $4000.
Online applications will be open from February 1 to February 28, 2024
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 Criteria
Eligible applicants must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a hand therapy specialization. They must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good standing with the academic program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be a US citizen.
Amount
$1,000.
Responsibilities
USC will notify HTSGLA Board and provide a brief biography of the award recipient.
Online applications will be open from February 1 to February 28, 2024
Elizabeth Schiefer Scholarship
Elizabeth Schiefer Scholarship
The Elizabeth Schiefer Scholarship supports students who are pursuing clinical work with children.
Eligibility
First-year (continuing) Entry-Level OTD students with a special interest in pediatrics. Applicants should specifically describe their interest in pediatric occupational therapy in their application statement. They must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the academic program.
Amount
Varies — historically $4000.
Online applications will be open from February 1 to February 28, 2024
Division Tuition Scholarship (Continuing Entry-Level OTD)
Division Tuition Scholarship
Tuition scholarships are applied to the fall and spring semester tuition fee bill. Second-year tuition scholarship awards are distributed based on student financial need, which is information provided by the USC Financial Aid Office. 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.
Amount
Varies.
Online applications will be open from February 1 to February 28, 2024
Research Student Worker Award (includes scholarship)
Research Student Worker Award (includes scholarship)
The Division Research Student Worker (RSW) awards are highly competitive and determined by your holistic admission review and your RSW application essay. The RSW awards include a paid student worker position in a Chan research lab and a tuition scholarship. Applicants should be seeking experience in a research setting; however, previous research experience is not required . Any practical skills or experiences that are useful in a professional setting are valuable (data entry, customer service, literature search, bilingual skills, etc.). Lived experiences such as military service, disability status, underrepresented or marginalized identity, are also applicable to the research lab setting.
The RSW award is a two-year award offered upon admission to 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
Incoming Entry-Level OTD students admitted to the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.
Research Student Worker Awards are open to all Entry-Level OTD students who are in good standing and meet all of the eligibility requirements for the scholarship. Consistent with USC’s Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement, we welcome all applicants.
Award Amount
32-unit tuition award across two academic years (18 units in year one, 14 units in year two). Tuition awards are applied to the fall, spring, and summer semesters’ tuition fee bill.
An hourly wage of $16.78/hour for 11.5 hours/week each semester (fall, spring, summer) for work in an assigned research lab.
Student health services.
Student dental insurance.
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 position will be contacted by the Associate Dean’s office in July to schedule an interview and determine their specific lab placement.
Online applications are open until 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 will be open from May 1 to May 31, 2024
Division Tuition Scholarship (Post-Professional MA)
Division Tuition Scholarship
Tuition scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement.
Amount
Varies.
Online applications will be open from May 1 to May 31, 2024
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 will be open from April 12 to April 19, 2024
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 will be open from April 12 to April 19, 2024
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 will be open from April 12 to April 19, 2024
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 will be open from April 12 to April 19, 2024
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 will be open from April 12 to April 19, 2024
Vision Scholarship
Vision Scholarship
The purpose of this award is to support diverse students who a) are experienced with and dedicated to working in under-resourced communities or communities with diverse racial and ethnic groups (e.g., Black/African-American, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian/Alaska Native), and b) 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, as an applicant you might hope to take the profession to new areas of practice, to new countries, or to underserved populations; to become an advocate for change in healthcare policy; or to promote the profession within the media.
To be competitive for this scholarship, you must connect the Vision 2025 pillars to your past experiences and occupational therapy goals.
Eligibility
Incoming Entry-Level OTD students admitted to the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy who have experience with and are dedicated to working in under-resourced communities or communities with diverse racial and ethnic groups (e.g., Black/African-American, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian/Alaska Native) and exemplify the ideals and characteristics of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) Vision 2025 .
Vision Scholarships are open to all Entry-Level OTD students who are in good standing and meet all of the eligibility requirements for the scholarship. Consistent with USC’s Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement, we welcome all applicants.
Amount
$20,000 tuition scholarship (renewable for second and third year of program upon good academic standing).
Responsibilities
Participation in faculty mentorship activities for three years of the OTD program, in which the student will be mentored and receive additional guidance on leadership.
Online applications are open until November 1
Division Tuition Scholarship (Incoming Entry-Level OTD)
Division Tuition Scholarship
Division Tuition Scholarships are determined by holistic review and awarded upon admission for the first two years of the Entry-Level OTD program.
First year awards are applied to the fall, spring, and summer semesters’ tuition fee bill; second year awards are applied to the fall and spring semesters’ tuition fee bill. Continuation of the award into the second year is contingent upon good academic standing in the program.
Eligibility
Entry-Level OTD students admitted to the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.
Division Tuition Scholarships are open to all Entry-Level OTD students who are in good standing and meet all of the eligibility requirements for the scholarship. Consistent with USC’s Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement, we welcome all applicants.
Amount
Varies
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 will be open from April 12 to April 19, 2024