Admission Procedures for the Professional Entry-Level Master's Degree of Science in Occupational Therapy
Application Deadline
Applications are submitted to the ECU Graduate School. They are accepted from October 1 to January 31.
Applicants with excellent GRE scores and cumulative GPAs that submit their application between October 1 and November 15 will be considered for early admission. Decisions on these applicants will be made before December 15. If not selected for early admission, the applicant will be reconsidered in early spring.
Application Process
The occupational therapy application is submitted to the graduate school. When it is complete, it is sent to the department of occupational therapy for consideration. A completed application includes: application form, GRE scores, official transcripts, purpose statement, resume, two references, course descriptions of completed prerequisites (only required when courses have not been taken at ECU), and plan of action for prerequisites not completed to date. IMPORTANT: All parts of the application for the OT program including transcripts must be sent directly to Graduate Admissions, 131 Ragsdale, ECU, Greenville, NC, 27858-4353 or attached to the online application. Please do not send transcripts to the department of occupational therapy. Questions regarding the application process for the OT program should be directed to Annette Jones, the admissions coordinator, (jonesanne@ecu.edu).
When the applicant submits an application, email the admissions coordinator for the occupational therapy program, Annette Jones (jonesanne@ecu.edu), to alert the department that you have submitted your application to the graduate school. Include in the email to Annette Jones a copy of your resume and purpose statement.
Application Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional association or provide 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 prerequisites with the application.
- An overall 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. Analytical writing scores may be considered.
- Acceptable TOEFL or TSL scores for non-English speaking foreign students.
- Submission of the graduate school application package including:
-
- Application form - submitted online,
- GRE scores,
- Official Transcripts,
- Two References
- Purpose Statement,
- Resume,
- List of Prerequisites: including course descriptions of completed prerequisites (only required when courses have not been taken at ECU) and plan of action describing when and where you will complete the prerequisites of those not completed to date.
Prerequisite Courses and Plan of Action
Applicants can apply as seniors in undergraduate programs and may apply before completing the prerequisites. If you apply and have prerequisites outstanding, submit a Plan of Action that describes when and where you will complete the prerequisites. In order to begin the program, the prerequisite courses must be completed. All prerequisites must have been completed within 5 years of entering the program.
Although these courses can be taken in any college or university, it is the applicant's responsibility to assure that the content of non-ECU courses is equivalent to those listed below. The applicant must send a list of course descriptions of all the prerequisites that have been completed at a school other than ECU. The Admission's Review Board strongly advises that a grade of B or better be achieved on each prerequisite. In order to be successful in the program, it is imperative that the information from these courses be current and well-understood. Copies of course descriptions MUST be sent with the application if the student is not an ECU graduate. The course descriptions will be used to determine if the prerequisite qualifies.
| 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
|
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.
|
2
|
HIMA 3000 or
ATEP 2800
|
|
TOTAL
|
28
|
|
Purpose Statement
As part of the application package, applicants will complete a "Statement of Purpose". This essay is to be not longer than 1 page, single spaced, typed in a 10 pt font. It should address the applicant's: leadership abilities, teamwork experiences, experiences that influenced his/her attitudes towards people with disabilities, knowledge of the OT profession, knowledge of ECU's OT program, a self assessment of the applicant's fit with OT, and demonstrate good writing skills. Email a copy of your purpose statement to the department (jonesanne@ecu.edu) in addition to including it in your graduate school application packet.
Resume
A resume needs to be included with the application. Make sure that you email a copy of your resume to the department (jonesanne@ecu.edu) in addition to including it in your graduate school application packet.
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 speack to your accomplishments. Frequently, one is from an employer and a second one is from an undergraduate advisor or professor.
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, they will be guaranteed admission into the master’s degree occupational therapy program.
Students who accept a position in this program must maintain certain 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 and 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. Accepted early assurance students must maintain a 3.5 GPA in order to matriculate into the occupational therapy program. 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 MS in OT program?
Go to the following website to access the online application: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/gradschool/applicationinfo.cfm.
What is the application deadline for the program?
Application deadline for the Professional Entry-Level Master's Degree of Science in Occupational Therapy is January 31st. However, applicants are encouraged to apply by November 15th for consideration in our space-limited program. The program begins fall semester.
How many students are accepted into the program?
Currently the Occupational Therapy Department is accepting up to 20 students per academic year in the Professional Entry-Level Master's Degree of Occupational Therapy.
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 a 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 who seek to enhance their education to a Master's level. However, the post-professional track is not accepting students at this time.
How do I apply?
You can access the graduate school admissions packet from the graduate school web site. www.ecu.edu/gradschool. The application should be completed online and the additional material required for the program must be mailed to the Graduate School, 131 Ragsdale, ECU, Greenville, NC, 27858-4353. You must also email a copy of your purpose statement and resume to the occupational therapy department's admissions coordinator, Annette Jones jonesanne@ecu.edu at the same time that you apply to the graduate school. This will alert the department that you are applying to the program.
How many references do I need?
You need two references. There is no requirement as to whom completes the reference, though typically someone who knows you as an employee and/or someone who can speak to your accomplishments as a person are appropriate. Undergraduate advisors in your major are also typical references.
How many volunteer hours are required?
The occupational therapy program does not require volunteer hours; however, it is strongly encouraged. It is important for you to understand the role of an Occupational Therapist, the type of treatment that we provide, and the populations with which we work.
When can I apply? Do you have Early Admissions?
Applications may be submitted beginning October 1st. Early decisions are made on exceptional candidates if they apply BEFORE November 15th. These candidates will be notified of acceptance before the end of the year. However, regular applicants do not receive an acceptance notice until early spring.
Where do I send my application?
Send the application packet to East Carolina University, Graduate School Admissions, 131 Ragsdale, Greenville, NC 27858-4353. When it is complete, the graduate school will send it to the admissions coordinator for occupational therapy. When you apply to the graduate school you must notify the occupational therapy admissions coordinator, Annette Jones at jonesanne@ecu.edu that you have applied and send the department a copy of your purpose statement and resume. Your complete application packet includes the application form, GRE scores, official transcripts, purpose statement, resume, two references, list of prerequisite course descriptions if courses were not taken at ECU, and plan of action.
What happens after the Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee gets my application?
The admissions committee reviews the application and calculates scores on the following: GRE composite, GPA cumulative, purpose statement and resume. The committee reviews these and a recommendation is made to the occupational therapy faculty about admission. You will be notified by the graduate school of the acceptance decision.
When do I find out about the Admission Committee's decision?
Decisions are made at two points, mid December and early March. To have your application reviewed early, it must be submitted before November 15th AND have exceptional GRE and GPA scores. The committee can decide to accept early, in December, or hold the application until early spring. In most cases, the application is held and considered as a group soon after the close of admissions on January 31st.
What do I need to complete my Purpose Statement?
Make sure that you read and follow the directions carefully. Each part needs to be addressed! The parts include the following about the applicant: leadership abilities, teamwork experiences, experiences that influenced his/her attitudes towards people with disabilities, knowledge of the OT profession, knowledge of ECU's OT program, and a self assessment of the applicant's fit with OT. The purpose statement should demonstrate good writing skills, be single-spaced, use a 10-point font, and not exceed a single page.
Are there quotas in your program for in-state students? Out-of-state students?
No, any qualified, interested applicants are considered for admission. However, if two applicants are equal; the in-state applicant will be admitted first.
What type of GPA is required for admission?
The occupational therapy program requires a 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Does the program require applicants to take the GRE and what type of scores are required?
Admission to the graduate school requires applicants to receive a competitive score on the required standardized test. At this time, the verbal and quantitative scores are evaluated; however, the analytical writing score will be recorded. The occupational therapy admissions committee plans to begin including the writing score into the equation in the near future.
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.
What are the required prerequisites?
Courses required for admission include: Human Anatomy and Physiology; Statistics; Medical Terminology; Developmental Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; Sociology OR Anthropology; Philosophy, Logic or a reasoning course; and Exploring Occupational Therapy.
How can I take the Exploring Occupational Therapy (OCCT 3000) course?
If you are currently completing your undergraduate degree at another university, you must apply to the ECU undergraduate program as a visiting student. For more information see http://www.ecu.edu/admissions/Non_degree-Visiting.cfm.
Do the prerequisite courses have to be completed prior to starting the program?
All prerequisite courses are required to be finished prior to starting the program. The Exploring Occupational Therapy class is offered as a face-to-face or distance education course the spring and summer semesters. You can apply to the program while completing the prerequisites.
Do the prerequisite courses have to be completed at East Carolina University?
These courses can be taken at any college or university; however it is the applicant's responsibility to assure that the content is equivalent to the ECU courses.
What if I think a course I have taken meets one of your prerequisites, but I am not sure?
Always send a course description or syllabus for any course that is not taken at ECU. Contact the department of occupational therapy admissions coordinator for advice.
Why do you only offer a master's program and not a bachelor's program as well?
Occupational Therapy as a career is amidst some very exciting changes. New research, technological advancements, and the changes to the healthcare system have provided current occupational therapists with some new challenges. To address these issues, the accrediting body for occupational therapy has mandated that all programs be at a master's degree by the year 2007. Entry-level occupational therapists will not only be prepared for clinical settings, they will also be able to consult, advocate, and engage in research. A master's degree will prepare an OT to take on these evolving roles.
Does the program require any volunteer work?
Volunteer experience in a clinical setting is encouraged, but not required.
Can I work and go to school at the same time?
The curriculum is quite demanding and requires a student to devote a great deal of time to completing course assignments. It is NOT recommended that a student attempt to work while enrolled in the program on a full-time basis. For those who do wish to earn some income while studying, however, graduate assistantship positions are available throughout the university as well as within the occupational therapy department.
How long is the full-time program? Do you have any scholarships available? How do I apply for these?
The Professional Entry-Level Master's Degree of Science in Occupational Therapy is 27 months, including summer. 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, the program only allows for a transfer of undergraduate degrees and prerequisite courses from other universities and/or colleges; it is not established to transfer actively enrolled master's students in other institutions.
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 two experiences. The first is one week (40 hours) in one setting and the second experience is once a week for five weeks. One of the two settings will be a setting with an occupational therapist on site. The other will be a community-based setting that may not have an occupational therapist as a supervisor. In one of the two settings, the student will be expected to lead a group session.
- Level II Fieldwork consists of two 12-week experiences in either a clinical or community setting. The student will be working full time in both of these settings.
Does the program require a thesis to be completed?
No, a student can choose to complete an individual thesis or a group based master's project.
