You may be considered for entry into the Post-Baccalaureate MSOT or OTD program if you've already received a Bachelor's degree in a field other than OT and have satisfied all admission requirements. You can complete the MSOT program in just under 2 years of full-time study, or the OTD program in just 3 years of full-time study.

Our MSOT and OTD programs afford post-baccalaureate students the opportunity to jumpstart their program with prerequisites and foundational courses in the Rangos School of Health Sciences beginning in the Fall.  Students immediately articulate into the occupational therapy program in the Spring. 

Please note, the overwhelming majority of our students enter our program as freshmen; however, we do accept a few transfer and post-baccalaureate students via OTCAS each year as space allows. The post-baccalaureate programs are rolling admission - we accept qualified applicants throughout the year, and until the class is filled. The sooner you apply, the better your chances will be of gaining admission. Only verified applications can be reviewed. Aligned with Duquesne University's holistic admission practice, we seek applicants who have demonstrated strong academic performance, active engagement in their community, and a solid record of servant leadership. To create an inclusive and equitable admission process, NO GRE scores are required.

View the Occupational Therapy Professional Phase Handbook.

For the Department Policy on Program Transfer Credit and Work Policy, please refer to our Department Professional Phase Handbook link above.

It is recommended that you submit your application by our priority deadline of June 30 each year. After that, applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, based upon availability.

Admission Requirements

Prerequisite Courses

  • Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II (with a laboratory component, cadaver dissection preferred) (8 credits)
  • Psychology or Sociology (3 credits)
  • Statistics (3 credits)
  • Human Life Span Development (must be human development and cover the entire life span; developmental psychology course with lifespan perspective is acceptable) (3 credits)
  • Medical Terminology Course or Proof of Completion of a Medical Terminology Proficiency (online courses accepted)
  • OT Overview proficiency (see Department Chair for details)

Please note: A grade of 'C' or better is required for all of the above courses. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is also required for admission.

Shadowing Hours

A minimum of 16 documented in-person shadowing or paid hours in Occupational Therapy under the supervision of a registered/licensed occupational therapist (OTR/L) is required.

Health Requirements & Clearances

All students ADMITTED to our program must complete a variety of health screenings, vaccinations, background clearances, and certifications required by clinical and community education sites. A full list of these clearances are made available after entry to the program.

Technical Standards/Performance Indicators

To assure the health and safety of the Occupational therapy students and patients with whom they work, all applicants and students (freshman, transfer, and graduate) are required to meet the RSHS Technical Standards/Performance Indicators to ensure that they have sufficient abilities to meet the rigorous work expectations of a student studying Occupational Therapy.

Post-Baccalaureate Application Process

Application to Duquesne University's Post-baccalaureate MSOT or OTD degree program is a two-step process:

Step 1 - OTCAS Application

First, prospective students complete the OTCAS application. The following is required to be submitted on the OTCAS portal:

  • ALL college/university transcripts (including, if applicable, current classes)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A personal statement, which addresses the following:
    • Articulate your personal and professional goals and objectives
    • Provide a self-assessment of your potential as a leader and change agent
    • Specify your initial conceptualization of how you would focus your study
    • Identify preliminary project ideas that you may develop in your doctoral studies (OTD applicants only)

Additionally, all fees must be paid to OTCAS before we can review your application.

Step 2 - DU Supplemental Application

Second, prospective students must complete the free Duquesne University supplemental application. Please do not complete the supplemental application until after you have completed the OTCAS application and have paid the required fees to OTCAS. The supplemental application allows us to process the OTCAS application. 

Questions about the OTCAS application can be directed to their customer assistance.

Questions about the Occupational Therapy department at Duquesne can be directed to our%20office.

International Student Applicants

If your undergraduate and/or graduate degrees are from an institution located outside of the United States, you must use a transcript credential evaluation service to obtain a course-by-course report. The official reports must be sent directly to Duquesne University from the organization you order through and will qualify as official transcripts.

Please note that International students must meet all published criteria for English proficiency.