Admission Procedures for the Professional Entry-Level Master's Degree of Science in Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy Program
The Occupational Therapy Program is located on the west campus, located near the Brody School of Medicine and Pitt County Memorial Hospital. The Program is in the College of Allied Health Sciences that shares a new state-of-the art building with the College of Nursing and Laupus Health Sciences Library. We encourage all individuals who are considering applying to the program to visit our Occupational Therapy Department. For a personal tour and interview, schedule the visit with Annette Jones, the Admission's Coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Program at jonesanne@ecu.edu. We also encourage you to explore our website thoroughly to determine if the program's educational objectives, structured curriculum, and faculty members' research agendas will be a good match for your educational needs and occupational goals.
Application Deadline
Applications are accepted from October 1 to January 31 for the next fall class. The complete application must be sent electronically or postmarked on or before January 31st. The application should be complete by this deadline or the applicant will not be considered for admission.
Application Process
The application for the professional (entry-level) master's degree occupational therapy is submitted online to East Carolina University's Graduate School.
- The link for specific instructions on how to complete the general Graduate School Application: http://www.ecu.edu/gradschool/.
- Reference letters may be submitted through https://onestop.ecu.edu/gaReferenceManagement
- The link for the Supplemental Application to submit your Goal Statement and List of Prerequisites/Plan of Action: https://ecu.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_38n1UfYYIdYjyIc.
A completed application includes:
- Online graduate application
- GRE Scores
- Official transcripts from all schools, colleges, or universities attended,
- Goal statement (see below for instructions on this component)
- Two references letters (available on-line through the Graduate School),
- Supplemental Materials:
-
- Goal statement (see below for instructions on this component)
- Prerequisite Course Descriptions and Plan of Action
IMPORTANT: All parts of the application for the Occupational Therapy Program should be attached to the online application or sent directly to East Carolina University, Graduate School Admissions, 131 Ragsdale, Greenville, NC, 27858-4353. Online reference letters are now available through the Graduate School website. Please do not send transcripts or other materials to the Department of Occupational Therapy, as this will delay your application process.
For questions about the online process, please contact the Graduate School at gradschool@ecu.edu. Specific programmatic questions regarding East Carolina University's Occupational Therapy program should be directed to Annette Jones, the admissions coordinator, at jonesanne@ecu.edu or phone 252-744-6199.
When the application is considered complete by East Carolina's Graduate School, the application is sent to the Department of Occupational Therapy. All applications will be consideration by the Admission's Committee after the deadline of January 31st.
Minimum Requirements for Application
- A baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional association or evidence that a baccalaureate degree will be conferred before the start of the program in the fall.
- Applicants from colleges and universities other than East Carolina must include course descriptions of the required prerequisites.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from undergraduate work.
- Satisfactory scores on the verbal and quantitative test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Scores should equal or exceed 400 on verbal and 400 on quantitative sections. Using the new scale scores should equal or exceed 146 on verbal and 140 on quantitative sections. Analytical writing scores may be considered.
- Acceptable TOEFL or TSL scores for non-English speaking foreign students.
Prerequisites
With the exception of OCCT 3000 Exploring Occupational Therapy, all prerequisites may be taken at any university or college. OCCT 3000 prepares the student for ECU's Occupational Therapy program and may be taken either as a distance education (100% online) course or on campus as a regularly scheduled course. We encourage all applicants to complete this course before applying for the program as it is offered as a distance course every semester including the summer sessions. To register at ECU for this prerequisite or others, apply as a non-degree seeking graduate student; http://www.ecu.edu/gradschool.
All prerequisites must be completed within 5 years of entering the program. Applicants can apply as seniors in undergraduate programs and may apply before completing the all the required prerequisites. However, ALL prerequisites must be completed before you begin the program.
| Prerequisites |
Semester Hours |
Equivalent ECU Course Numbers |
| Human Anatomy with Lab |
4
|
BIOL 2140 and 2141
|
|
Human Physiology with Lab
|
4
|
BIOL 2150 and 2151
|
|
Statistics
|
3
|
MATH 2228 or BIOS 1500 or MATH 2283 or PSYC 2101
|
|
Developmental Psychology or other course with a focus on human development across the lifespan
|
3
|
PSYC 3206
|
| Abnormal Psychology |
3
|
PSYC 4375 |
|
Reasoning course as philosophy, logic, ethics method or research inquiry in a social science
|
3
|
PHIL 1110 or PHIL 1500 or PHIL 1175 or PHIL 1180 or PHIL 2275
|
|
Introduction to Sociology OR Introduction to Anthropology OR Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
|
3
|
SOCI 2110 or ANTH 1000 or ANTH 2200
|
|
Exploring Occupational Therapy
|
3
|
OCCT 3000
|
|
Medical Terminology or demonstrate proficiency in medical terminology by passing an exam.
|
3 or 2
|
HIMA 3000 or
ATEP 2800
|
|
TOTAL
|
28
|
|
Supplemental Application Components
In addition to the online Graduate School application, an applicant must submit a Goal Statement and the Prerequisite Course Description and Plan of Action. Immediately below is a description of both and how to submit these components.
- Goal Statement
As part of the application package, applicants need to complete several essays referred collectively as the Goal Statement. These questions assist the Admission's Committee in determining if the applicant is a good fit for our program, faculty members, and philosophy of occupational therapy. The answers should reflect genuine impressions about you as an individual and future professional. A word limit has been established for each question and spelling and grammar will be considered. Your Goal Statement is to be double spaced using a 12-point font (new times roman preferred).
- Express your reason(s) for pursuing a graduate degree in occupational therapy (250 words Maximum)
- Explain why you believe East Carolina University's occupational therapy program is the right program for you (150 words Maximum).
- Describe your greatest achievement in scholarship, leadership, and/or service (250 words Maximum).
- Reflect on your personal strengths and weaknesses (250 words Maximum).
- Research is a component of our program. Describe what you believe can be your contribution in the program (150 words Maximum).
- Explain what occupational therapy means to you (150 words Maximum).
- Prerequisite Course Descriptions and Plan of Action
The supplemental form provides the admission committee with information on the prerequisite courses that you have taken, are currently taking, and plan to take later but before beginning the program. We need to know how you plan to complete the prerequisites, which is called your Plan of Action.
Course descriptions of all prerequisites not taken at ECU must be included with the application. The actual course descriptions will be used to determine if the prerequisite meets the standards for the needed course content. It is the applicant's responsibility to assure that the content of non-ECU courses is equivalent to those listed below. The most competitive candidates will have a grade of B or better on each prerequisite. In order to be successful in the program, it is imperative that the course content from the prerequisite courses be current, understood, and accessible to the applicant. If you have any questions about prerequisites, contact Ms. Jones, the Admission Coordinator.
To electronically complete the supplemental application, please click HERE:
If you are mailing the supplemental application, click HERE to download the list of Prerequisites/Plan of Action and Goal Statement FORM. Mail this along with your Goal Statement to the Graduate School, 131 Ragsdale Dr., Greenville, NC 27858.
References
The Department of Occupational Therapy requires TWO letters of reference. These should be from someone who knows you as an employee and/or someone who can speak to your accomplishments. Frequently, one is from an employer and a second one is from an undergraduate advisor or professor. These are best submitted electronically through the Graduate School online application process. The Graduate School provides you a link for electronic submission of references once you have a paid application submitted.
Early Assurance Admission Program For Merit Scholars
Apply for an Academic Merit Scholarship
East Carolina University's Merit Scholars who request occupational therapy as his or her major will be interviewed by the occupational therapy department's admission committee at the time of the Merit Scholar interviews. If accepted as an ECU Merit Scholar, the student will be guaranteed admission into the master's degree occupational therapy program.
Students who accept a position in this program must maintain specific academic standards and participate in various activities to remain eligible for their seat in the entering class. These requirements include:
- A minimum GPA (both overall and prerequisite) of 3.5,
- Completion of all prerequisites and general education requirements as well as 90% of courses in their undergraduate major, by the end of the junior year,
- Required enrichment and service learning activities during all 3 years (leadership roles, volunteer work in the community, periodic advising sessions, etc.),
- Exhibit an acceptable level of maturity, personal deportment, and commitment to the profession.
Students who remain eligible and interested will apply to the graduate school and the Department of Occupational Therapy at the end of the fall semester of their junior year. The Merit Scholar will be exempt from the application fee and GRE requirements. Early assurance students who have complied with these requirements will receive a letter of acceptance to enter the program the fall of their senior year. While not legally binding, it is assumed and expected that students receiving an early assurance acceptance will not apply to other occupational therapy programs. Accepted students who fail to meet early admission requirements will be discontinued from the program and not eligible for early assured admission but may apply for regular admission upon completing an undergraduate degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find the Graduate School's application form to apply to the master's program in occupational therapy?
http://www.ecu.edu/gradschool
Why is the application deadline for the program so early?
Application deadline for the Professional Entry-Level Master's Degree of Science in Occupational Therapy is January 31st. All components of the application must be sent electronically or postmarked on or before January 31st. This date gives the Admission Committee time to carefully review applications. It also allows students to plan ahead to start the program as well as give appropriate time for individuals who may be on a waiting list. It is recommended that you begin the application process early. The program begins in fall semester.
How many students are accepted into the program?
Currently the Occupational Therapy Department is accepting up between 20-24 students per academic year in the Professional Entry-Level Master's Degree of Occupational Therapy.
Why is ECU not participating in the centralized admission process? I am already applying on that system.
The Occupational Therapy Department considered joining the centralized system and decided against participation for several reasons. As part of a state university system, the graduate school application system is standardized and would require the applicant to apply to both the centralized system and ECU's graduate school if the department participated. Our admission requirements also would require applicants to use the system and still send information to our program. Therefore, it will be an easier process and less expensive for the applicant to apply to our Graduate School if interested in our occupational therapy program.
What is the difference between the entry-level master's path and a post-professional path in OT?
A Professional Entry-Level Master's Degree Path is for those students with an undergraduate or graduate degree in a field other than occupational therapy. It prepares the student to enter into practice as an occupational therapist following completion of program requirements and the passing of the certification exam. A Post-Professional Master's degree is for current occupational therapists with a baccalaureate degree and want to attain a master's degree in occupational therapy. The programs are not the same and the post-professional track is not accepting students at this time.
What should be in the reference letters?
You need two reference letters and there are no requirements as to the content of the letters. However, it is typical that someone like an employer or an undergraduate advisor be asked to write the letter. Many of these individuals have written letters before. Ask them to speak to your leadership skills, accomplishments, ethical behavior, job performance, interpersonal skills, attitude, knowledge of occupational therapy or health care, experience with research, or any special abilities or knowledge you have.
What kind of volunteer hours are required?
The ECU occupational therapy program does not require volunteer hours although we encourage volunteer experience because it will help you understand if this is a career that is suited to your personality, knowledge, and abilities. Volunteering can be done with any organization or group, but specific visits with occupational therapists will assist you in understanding the various roles of occupational therapists, the types of settings which employ occupational therapists, and the many types of diagnoses which demand occupational therapy services.
Do you admit students before the application deadline? I heard other ECU programs do this.
Applications may be submitted beginning October 1st. We no longer do rolling or early admissions. All applicants are reviewed together. Acceptance notices will be sent in early spring.
What happens after the Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee gets my application?
The admissions committee reviews the completed applications after January 31st, the deadline. The committee reviews the total applicant pool and recommends the best candidates for admission as well as a waiting list in order of recommendation.
When do I find out about the Admission Committee's decision?
Applicants will be notified by the graduate school of the acceptance decision in early spring.
Is the Goal Statement important for my application?
This goal statement is one measure of the application and gives the applicant an opportunity to highlight his or her special abilities, skills, talents, and experiences. The answers should reflect genuine impressions about you as an individual and future professional. The goal statement is a very important component of the application and should be taken seriously by the applicant. Please see the information above to ensure the guidelines of the goal statement are followed.
Are there quotas in your program for in-state students? Out-of-state students?
All qualified, interested applicants are considered for admission, regardless of the state of residence.
What type of GPA is required for admission?
The occupational therapy program requires a 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. The average cumulative GPA for the incoming students for fall 2010 was 3.5.
What GRE scores are required?
Admission requires applicants to receive a competitive score on the required standardized test. At this time, only the verbal and quantitative scores are evaluated with the analytical writing score being only recorded. When the new GRE scores are started, the Admissions Committee will reevaluate what constitutes a competitive score. In 2010, the class's average composite GRE score was over 1150.
What if my GRE scores are lower than 1000?
An applicant can be admitted with GRE scores lower than 1000 with a very high GPA and a strong goal statement. We would encourage those applicants with lower GRE scores to consider taking a preparation course and retake the GRE.
Do I need a bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy to apply to the entry-level master's program?
No, a degree in occupational therapy is NOT required for the Professional Entry-Level Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy.
What type of degree is required for the entry-level master's program?
All applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution. Recommended majors: Health Services Management, Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Child Development and Family Relations, Rehabilitation Studies, Biology, Recreation Therapy, Exercise Science, etc.
How can I take the Exploring Occupational Therapy (OCCT 3000) course?
Applicants are encouraged to take OCCT 3000 to improve their knowledge of the profession of occupational therapy. If you are currently completing your undergraduate degree at another university, you must apply to the ECU undergraduate program as a non-degree seeking student. To register go to http://www.ecu.edu/gradschool.
Do the prerequisite courses have to be completed prior to starting the program?
Yes, absolutely all prerequisite courses must be completed with a passing grade prior to starting the program. The exception is the medical terminology course requirement, which can be completed by passing an exam, but the exam must be completed before the start of the first semester with a passing grade. The Exploring Occupational Therapy class is offered as a distance education course every semester including the summer semesters. You may apply to the program while completing the prerequisites.
What if I think a course I have taken meets one of your prerequisites, but I am not sure?
Email the course description or syllabus for any course that is not taken at ECU to the department of occupational therapy Admission's Coordinator, Annette Jones, for advice at jonesanne@ecu.edu.
Why do you only offer a master's program and not a bachelor's program as well?
All occupational therapy programs converted to master's degree by 2007. There are no longer any programs at the undergraduate level. East Carolina University began transitioned to the master's level in 2002 and since then, has actively evaluated and improved the curriculum to be an effective and exciting degree program.
Can I work and go to school at the same time?
The curriculum is very demanding and requires a student to devote a great deal of time to completing course assignments. It is not recommended that student be employed outside of the university while enrolled in the program. However, some graduate assistantship positions are available throughout the university as well as within the department, which are designed for students who need to earn additional funds. At the end of the curriculum, students will be working full time on a fieldwork assignment for three months and will find it very difficult to maintain employment. We encourage applicants to plan accordingly.
How long is the full-time program?
The Professional Entry-Level Master's Degree of Science in Occupational Therapy is 27 months, including summer. The last 6 months, of the 27 months, is spent in the field completing Fieldwork II.
Do you have any scholarships available? How do I apply for these?
Information on scholarships is available through either the graduate school or through the occupational therapy department.
Can I transfer into your program from another university?
At this time, ECU's MS in OT program does not accept credits from OT students transferring from another school's OT program. These students are encouraged to apply to ECU's OT program with the post baccalaureate applicants. Exception may include OT courses that completed that are used to meet the prerequisites for ECU's application.
Does the program offer specialization in any areas of practice?
The entry-level master's program is designed to prepare graduates for practice in all practice settings. Occupational therapists should anticipate working with a variety of individuals of all ages and should be competent in all types of practice. The program focuses on teaching clinical reasoning skills and evidence based practice a therapist can use when approaching novice experiences. Through the selected master's project or thesis, a student can specialize in a particular area of practice.
What are the types of fieldwork required?
Two fieldwork experiences are required: Level I and Level II. Level I Fieldwork consists of a one week (40 hours) in two different settings. These are completed during the fall and spring of the second year. The Level II Fieldwork experiences are two 12-week full time supervised work experiences in a variety of settings.
Does the program require a thesis to be completed?
No, a student can choose to complete an individual thesis or a research master's project.
Do I have to have an area of research interest?
Research is a part of a good graduate curriculum and also required for completion of an occupational therapy degree program. However, a beginning graduate student may not have any ideas of what they would like to pursue. The faculty members will share their interests and we have developed a process to encourage students to explore interest areas and learn the research process in progressive steps. All students graduate completing a thesis or a project in which they have an expressed interest. These can be viewed on the website at: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/ot/mastersprojects.cfm.
