The CSU OT Program

Known nationally and internationally for its excellence, the Department of Occupational Therapy is ranked among the top 10 programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and is recognized by Colorado State University as a Program of Research and Scholarly Excellence. The Occupational Therapy Department has also been granted the Program of Excellence designation, the most prestigious academic honor awarded by the state of Colorado.

The Occupational Therapy Department offers graduate-level education to prepare students to successfully address the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century’s changing healthcare environment. The Department offers two programs; one that leads to a Masters of Science degree in Occupational Therapy and another that leads to an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. through the School of Education.

Master of Science Program

The Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) is a two-track graduate program that addresses students’ educational needs whether they have a bachelor’s (B.S.) degree in Occupational Therapy or in another area. Students with a B.S. in an area outside of Occupational Therapy follow a standard program of study. Students with a B.S. in Occupational Therapy create an individualized program of study with their advisers.

The MSOT program focuses on preparation for a broad-based advanced-generalist practice. Its comprehensive nature provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to support people of all ages, who have special needs in addressing daily challenges related to their life roles and to assist them to maximize their independence.

The program is based on a framework that includes experiential learning within individual and teamwork contexts. Learning experiences are focused to develop strong communication skills, respectful interactions, inclusive leadership skills and the ability to characterize and solve open-ended problems from an evidence-based standpoint. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to work in traditional and innovative medical-, community-, and school-based practice environments. Students are also well prepared to matriculate into a doctoral program.

Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program

For occupational therapists interested in expanding their education beyond the master’s degree, the Occupational Therapy Department offers an OT emphasis in the School of Education’s Interdisciplinary Education and Human Resource Studies Ph.D. program. The on-campus degree prepares students for a wide array of employment opportunities ranging from university teaching and research to administration and beyond. Students take courses in the School of Education, Occupational Therapy Department, and other departments throughout the university. OT coursework is individualized, based on each student’s research focus and professional interests.