Post-Professional Master’s (MA)
of Occupational Therapy
Holistic Admission Criteria
Holistic review evaluates applicants based on cognitive and non-cognitive traits, which ensures that more than one factor contributes to admission decisions.
The three criteria that are included in USC Chan’s holistic review are:
- Personal Statement
- Letters of Recommendation
- GPA
How to Apply
Your application for the Post Professional Master’s Program at the University of Southern California must be completed online through the USC Graduate Admissions website at least three weeks before the application deadline to allow adequate processing time. Please look under the “Independent Health Professions” to find the “Occupational Therapy — Postbaccalaureate (MA)” program. All application materials, including official transcripts and test scores must be sent to USC Graduate Admissions in time to meet this deadline.
Application deadline
February 15
Applications received after this date are also welcomed and will be processed on a space-available basis.
Application Requirements
Personal Statement
Submit a personal statement through your USCCAS application. Please upload a double-spaced essay, which does not exceed 400 words, in the supporting documents section.
Address the following prompt in your response:
Describe your professional interests and accomplishments and how a graduate degree will allow you to pursue your professional goals.
Letters of Recommendation
Submit three letters of recommendation (evaluations) from professors, therapists, and/or other professionals familiar with your capabilities and achievements. These individuals should know you well and be able to attest to your skills and abilities as they relate to you as an occupational therapist and/or pursuing graduate studies. Recommendations (evaluations) should be submitted electronically through the USCCAS application.
Note: The Admissions Team will read only the first three letters of recommendation.
GPA
Complete a baccalaureate degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited college or university or WFOT approved program with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. Please note that if your GPA is lower than 3.0, your application will still be considered. GPA is only one component of the holistic admissions process. Please contact the Admissions Team if you have questions about your individual situation.
Other Requirements
Transcripts
English Proficiency
If your bachelor’s degree was earned in a non-English speaking country and you are not a US citizen or permanent resident, you need to submit English proficiency examination scores. Please note that even if you are from an English-speaking country, you may still need to submit scores. We require that you have verification of the following scores within two years of your intended enrollment:
- An Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) score of 90 with no less than 20 on each sub-score; or
- An IELTS total of 6.5 with no less than 6 on each band score; or
- A PTE Academic score of 61 or above, with 53 or above on each band.
If your native language is English and/or you have a bachelor’s degree from a US college or university, you are exempted from this examination. For additional details about English proficiency requirements by country, please review the Graduate Admissions website.
If you have questions about English proficiency requirements, please contact our Admissions Team.
Other English Proficiency Options
It is recommended that you reach the required scores for admission. However, if you do not reach the required scores, there are a few options to obtain admission.
- Retake the exam in question in an attempt to reach the necessary scores. This may be the best option if you are only slightly below the requirement (1–2 points below).
- Be admitted with an English Language hold on your account. This means that you will not be able to register for classes until you take another English proficiency exam upon arrival to USC. This is the International Student English (ISE) Exam. Based on the results of this exam, the University will place you in required English language courses that you must complete in addition to your Master’s coursework. Students have found this to be overwhelming and challenging to accommodate. This is not the preferred option.
- If your English language and/or GRE scores are significantly lower than the required minimums, you may wish to apply to the USC Pre-Master’s program. This program prepares students to meet the English language and GRE requirements for our program, in addition to learning more about US academic culture. Our applicants typically need 1–2 semesters of this program; the length of this program is determined by the Pre-Master’s Admissions office and is based on your English Language scores. If you successfully complete the Pre-Master’s program you are guaranteed admission into the Post-Professional Master’s in Occupational Therapy.
If you are considering any of these options, please contact our Admissions Team.
Additional Resources
Scholarships
There is opportunity to apply for a USC Chan tuition scholarship and/or a student worker position. Please see information on how to apply for USC Chan Scholarships.
Note: Online applications for USC Chan scholarships are open to incoming students from May 1 to May 31.
There are additional scholarships outside of our Division that you can also apply for.
NBCOT
International applicants are responsible for communicating with NBCOT® regarding their eligibility status. This criterion is not required if an applicant does not wish to practice in the United States.
A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT® certification examination or attain state licensure. Please contact NBCOT if you have any further questions.
FAQs
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