Applications and Admissions
The goal of the Department of Occupational Therapy is to provide information and guidance to support students in their educational planning as they work to achieve career and life goals. If you have questions pertaining to our Master of Science degree or Doctorate program, please contact the appropriate coordinator.
Application Information and Resources
Criminal Background Check
A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination and may preclude attainment of state licensure. Some practicum and fieldwork sites may also perform background checks and refuse internships to students with a felony conviction. Students who have a prior felony conviction are urged to contact the respective MSOT or OTD Coordinator prior to the start of the program to determine their potential to practice as an occupational therapist. While we recognize this to be a privacy issue, it is recommended that the student disclose this information before beginning the MSOT or OTD program.
Admissions Staff
MSOT and OTD Group Informational Sessions
These advising sessions are for individuals who are interested in applying to the master's and OTD program. During this session we will go over the Occupational Therapy Program at SJSU, discuss the criteria and prerequisites for applying to the program and answer any questions you might have. Please review the content on the website prior to attending the session. You need only come to one advising session. Applicants for this year are also welcome to attend. These sessions provide information about the Master's and Doctorate program, the admissions process, prerequisite courses, and other issues of interest. We hope to see you soon at our upcoming info sessions! OTD Informational Session - October 24, 2024 (6:15-7:15pm) via Zoom; MSOT Informational Session - November 14, 2024 (6:00 - 7:30 pm) via Zoom
Advising Office Hours (Spring 2022)
Neuroanatomy Course Prerequisite
The neuroanatomy course prerequisite can be fulfilled by taking OCTH 190 (Foundations of Neuroscience for Occupational Therapy) at San Jose State University. Neuroanatomy, neurobiology, or neurophysiology courses from other universities may also fulfill this prerequisite. There is a pre-approved list of courses. If the course you wish to substitute is not on the list you may send the course syllabus to the Graduate Assistant as early as possible for review (email, mail or fax at 408.924.3088). If you do not get approval, the course will not be accepted.
Undergraduate Students Interested in Occupational Therapy
The department offers group and individual advising sessions to assist students to plan a program of study that will prepare them to apply to the occupational therapy Master's degree program. It is important for each student to attend advising sessions in order to plan their optimal academic program. Please check this website for dates and times of advising sessions. Please contact the undergraduate admissions coordinator, Dr. Gigi Smith, for more information.
