Occupational Therapy, OTD

The occupational therapy program resides in the Department of Kinesiology and offers two graduate programs options in the OTD: an entry-level doctor of occupational therapy (Entry-Level) and a post-professional doctor of occupational therapy (Post-Professional). Occupational therapists interested in pursuing advanced research training may also apply to the M.S./Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a specialization in Occupational Science. The purpose of the graduate program is to prepare clinicians, researchers, and teachers who possess a solid foundation in both the theoretical and applied aspects of the disciplines of occupational therapy and science.

Students apply to the Occupational Therapy Doctorate through one of the named options:

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

On This Page

Minimum Graduate School Requirements
Major Requirements
Named Options

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements, in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Major Requirements

MODE OF INSTRUCTION

Mode of Instruction
Face to Face	Evening/Weekend	Online	Hybrid	Accelerated
No	No	Yes	No	No

Mode of Instruction Definitions

_{Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students are able to complete a program with minimal disruptions to careers and other commitments.}

_{Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules. Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.}

_{Face-to-Face:}_{Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.}

_{Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats. Contact the program for more specific information.}

_{Online: These programs are offered 100% online. Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.}

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

University General Education Requirements
Requirements	Detail
Minimum Credit Requirement	See Named Options for policy information
Minimum Residence Credit Requirement	32 credits
Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement	Half of degree coursework must be completed graduate-level coursework; courses with the Graduate Level Coursework attribute are identified and searchable in the university's Course Guide (http://my.wisc.edu/CourseGuideRedirect/BrowseByTitle).
Overall Graduate GPA Requirement	3.00 GPA required.
Other Grade Requirements	The Graduate School requires students maintain a graduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) for courses numbered 300 and above (excluding research) to receive a degree. Conditions for probationary status may require higher grades. Grades of Incomplete are considered to be unsatisfactory if they are not removed during the next enrolled semester.
Assessments and Examinations	Capstone project proposal and final product must be reviewed and approved by a dissertation committee of graduate faculty per Graduate School policy.
Language Requirements	No language requirements.
Doctoral Minor/Breadth Requirements	Breadth is provided via interdisciplinary training (minor requirement waived).

Required COURSES

Select a Named Option for courses required.

Named Options

A named option is a formally documented sub-major within an academic major program. Named options appear on the transcript with degree conferral. Students pursuing the Occupational Therapy Doctorate must select one of the following named options:

Graduate School Policies

The Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.

Students should refer to one of the named options for policy information:

Graduate School Resources

Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.

Articulate and apply underlying occupation-based theories, concepts and techniques of occupational therapy intervention for a variety of contexts.
Formulate systems to gather, analyze and interpret data and present to a professional audience.
Demonstrate active involvement in professional development, leadership, and advocacy for the benefit of constituents and the profession.
Synthesize current knowledge, available evidence and responses to interventions to inform new approaches to practice problems.
Demonstrate commitment to healthy long-term professional growth through the creation, implementation, and monitoring of a career development plan including application of wellness and prevention strategies.