Programs
Educational Programs at VCU Department of Occupational Therapy
Entry-level Master of Science Program
VCU offers an entry-level Master of Science Program in Occupational Therapy designed for persons who have at least
90 credits toward a bachelor's degree, or an undergraduate degree. This professional program includes academic
courses, a research project, and fieldwork experiences.
Post-Professional Master of Science, Distance Education Program
This program is for occupational therapists who already have a bachelor's degree. It emphasizes advanced clinical
problem solving and abstract reasoning, with pediatric, geriatric, or neurorehabilitation concentrations. The
program is for highly motivated learners interested in developing research skills and in providing theory and
evidence-based practice. The curriculum includes 33 credit hours, including a thesis, and is designed for part-time
students.
Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate, Distance Education Program
The goal of the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program is to prepare B.S. or M.S. occupational therapists for
leadership positions in health, education, and community services. Students will gain advanced knowledge in
occupation and theoretical foundations of occupational therapy, research processes, scientific foundations for
practice, and leadership theories and implementation. This curriculum includes 43-55 credit hours and culminates
in a Capstone Leadership Project.
PhD in Health Related Sciences, Distance Education
Program, School of Allied Health Professions, OT Concentration
The goal of the doctoral program in Health Related Sciences is to provide experienced health professionals with
advanced knowledge and skills so that they may assume positions in teaching, research, and administration upon
graduation. This distance education PhD program combines off-campus and on campus instruction, emphasizing both an
interdisciplinary and multi-media focus. An occupational therapy concentration is available as is possible
dissertation advising by faculty in the nine departments of the School of Allied Health Professions.
