Occupational Therapy (BS) at University of Southern California

The undergraduate curriculum leads to the Bachelor of Science with a major in Occupational Therapy. As of fall 2015, only incoming freshmen may apply to the five-year bachelor’s to master’s program in occupational therapy. Students may not change their major to occupational therapy once admitted to USC. Students majoring in occupational therapy begin professional study during their junior year. Students can earn a USC master’s degree in occupational therapy with just one additional year instead of the traditional two years, substantially reducing their overall cost of education and preparing them sooner for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy® (NBCOT) examination. Successful completion of the Master of Arts degree, including successful completion of a minimum of 24 full-time weeks of clinical fieldwork, are required for eligibility to sit for the NBCOT examination. Certification from the board and state licensure are required to practice as an occupational therapist. (See Occupational Therapy (MA) for a description of the MA degree program.)