Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration Graduate Certificate
The Sensory Processing/Sensory Integration Graduate Certificate (SP/SI GC) is intended for those students who would like to develop an expertise in identifying sensory processing disorders and using sensory integration treatments to address them. The certificate encompasses five courses with the last one delivered in conjunction with hands-on clinical practice. The SP/SI GC will position the students to translate the latest research on SI and SP into practice. Once the program is completed, graduates will be able to apply the information in clinical practice, research, advocacy and education.
Admissions
Current USC Chan Graduate Students
Applicants for the Graduate Certificate in SP and SI who are currently enrolled in a Chan graduate program at USC and are in good standing with a 3.0 GPA or above need only complete the online application form.
Because Sensory Integration has been taught in different formats and students have had various choices of elective courses, possible scenarios are outlined below to help you navigate the required courses needed to earn the graduate certificate.
USC Chan Alumni
Chan alumni need only complete the required fields on the USC Graduate Admissions application; no personal statements or letters of reference are required. You will find the “Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration Graduate Certificate” under the “USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.” Note: Applicants must register for at least 1 unit during the semester in which they plan to complete the Graduate Certificate.
To apply to the program, you must:
- Submit an application to the University through USC Graduate Admissions.
- Submit your résumé or curriculum vitae.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges you have attended to the USC Office of Admission, as directed in the online application process, at the following address:
- Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Mail:
University of Southern California
USC Office of Graduate Admission
3601 South Flower Street, Room 112
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915
External Applicants
Applicants for the Certificate in Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration who are currently licensed occupational therapists and have not matriculated at USC must submit a formal application on the USC Graduate Admission website. Please apply to the “Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration Graduate Certificate” under the “USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.” Visit the current USC Catalogue for more information.
To apply to the program, you must:
- Complete an undergraduate degree with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 from an accredited college or university. Conditional admission may be possible for you if your GPA is slightly below the requirement. If you have any questions about your specific situation, please feel free to contact our Admissions Team.
- Submit proof of licensure in occupational therapy in the United States or proof of an equivalent credential to practice in your location. You must maintain your respective credentials throughout the duration of the program.
- Submit two letters of recommendation from professors, therapists, and/or other professionals familiar with your capabilities and achievements.
- Submit a personal statement (500 words or less) in response to the prompt:
Why do you want to pursue education in Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration?
- Include relevant personal experience(s) (e.g., can be related to previous work, volunteer, or life experiences) (optional)
- Include future professional plans and how the SP/SI GC will help you to achieve your goals.
- Include a description of your current strengths and areas of growth regarding clinical reasoning skills and ability to apply sensory integration theory and intervention principles to clinical practice.
- To address this prompt please upload a double-spaced essay that does not exceed 500 words.
- Submit your résumé or curriculum vitae.
Submit official transcripts from all colleges you have attended to the USC Office of Admission, as directed in the online application process, at the following address:
- Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
- Mail:
University of Southern California
USC Office of Graduate Admission
3601 South Flower Street, Room 112
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915
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 scores from an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or PTE (Pearson Test of English). 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 of 6.5 with no less than 6 on each band score; or
- A PTE of 61 or above, with 53 or above on each band.
- A Cambridge English score of 185 or above, with 169 or above on each skill.
If your native language is English and/or you have a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university, you are exempted from this examination. If you have questions about division requirements for English proficiency scores, please contact our Admissions Team.
Application Deadlines
Your application will be reviewed once all your materials have been received. Applicants must start the program in the fall semester. To be considered for program admission, please submit your application by June 15. Applications received after this date are also welcome and will be processed on a space-available basis. Please contact our Admissions Team with specific questions regarding the application timeline.
Generative AI Statement
The USC Chan Division is committed to maintaining the integrity of our admissions process. Applicants are expected to take full responsibility for the accuracy and authenticity of all submitted materials, including Personal Statements, Letters of Recommendation, and other required essays or writing samples. The use of generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) in crafting these materials is not permitted. If it is determined that an applicant has used generative AI for these components, their application will not be considered.
Application Procedures
You may apply online at any time through the USC Graduate Admission website. Please apply to the “Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration Graduate Certificate” under the “USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.”.
International Applicants
All international applicants, please note the following:
This certificate program is not approved for I-20 or DS-2019 visa issuance. You may enroll in this program if you already have a visa status that allows you to study in the United States.
Curriculum
USC Chan Graduate Students
A minimum of 12 units are required from the following courses:
- OT 517 (3 units): Foundations of Occupation: Sensory Processing in Daily Life
- OT 569 (2 units): Sensory Integration Theory
- OT 570 (2 units): Evaluation and Clinical Reasoning: Sensory Integration
- OT 610 (4 units): Sensory Integrative Dysfunction
- OT 636* (1-2 units): Fieldwork with Seminar OR
OT 500a* (2 units) Clinical Problems in Occupational Therapy Units: 2, 3, 4 OR
OT 686* (6 or 10 units) Residency
* Must be completed at an approved pediatric site.
USC Chan Post-Professional Students with Prior Course Work who have taken OT 564 and OT 565
A minimum of 12 units are required from the following courses:
- OT 564 (4 units): Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration
- OT 565 (4 units): Sensory Integration Interventions
- OT 610 (4 units): Sensory Integrative Dysfunction
- OT 500a* (2 units) Clinical Problems in Occupational Therapy Units: 2, 3, 4 OR
OT 686* (6 or 10 units) Residency
* Must be completed at an approved pediatric site.
Post-Professional students who have taken OT 564 only
A minimum of 12 units are required from the following courses:
- OT 564 (4 units): Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration
- OT 570 (2 units): Evaluation and Clinical Reasoning: Sensory Integration
- OT 610 (4 units): Sensory Integrative Dysfunction
- OT 500a* (2 units) Clinical Problems in Occupational Therapy Units: 2, 3, 4 OR
OT 686* (6 or 10 units) Residency
* Must be completed at an approved pediatric site.
Program Requirements
The Graduate Certificate program in Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration (SP/SI) is under the jurisdiction of the USC Graduate School. Students should also refer to the Graduate School section of the USC Course Catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degree must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
Requirements include: GPA of 3.0 in all course work attempted and all course work applied to the program.
Additionally, all students must also meet minimum competency criteria for intervention planning and delivery of direct sensory integration services, as assessed by the program director.
Contact Us
For general inquiries about the Graduate Certificate Program in Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration, please contact Dr. Janet Gunter.
