Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Therapy

Applications are accepted at any time, but best consideration will be given to those received by April 15 prior to the desired Summer or Fall start date.  Admissions to our graduate programs are competitive.  Applicants must complete all steps in order to be considered for admission.

Admission Requirements

• Initial certification as an occupational therapist by National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).  Graduates from non-U.S. baccalaureate programs, recognized by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists who otherwise meet admission requirements, need not be certified by the NBCOT to pursue the Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy.
• Graduate-level degree.
• 3.2 minimum GPA in graduate-level work
• Satisfactory English language proficiency score (if applicable).

Graduates from non-U.S. baccalaureate programs, recognized by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists who otherwise meet admission requirements, need not be certified by the NBCOT to pursue the Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy.

• The Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy at TWU is based on a mentorship model. Applicants will be matched with a faculty mentor prior to beginning the program. Complete the following steps:
  
  • Complete the School of OT PhD Application, Essay and Goals (PDF) and upload into application under Department Specific Application.
  • Current resume.
  • Email addresses for three academic or professional individuals familiar with your academic capabilities, who can provide letters of recommendation to be requested through and submitted into the application. 
  • Verification of certification as an Occupational Therapist (via NBCOT or WFOT)
  • Participate in an admissions committee interview.
  • Complete a Faculty Mentor Agreement.

Technology Requirements for the Program 

• Guide to Online Learning
• Recommended Specs for Personal Laptops

Begin by reviewing your program's website to see if there are additional admission requirements and application deadlines prior to applying.  

1. Apply online.
   Apply to Graduate Programs  via the TWU Online Graduate Application Portal following instructions below.  
2. Submit transcripts to TWU.
   • Domestic Applicants must submit official transcripts for each college or university attended, both undergraduate and graduate. See the Information on Transcripts website for more details. Original transcripts for each college/university attended must be submitted, even if referred to on another schools transcripts.
   • International Applicants are now required to provide an evaluation prepared by a NACES or AICE member evaluation service. International transcripts should not be sent directly to TWU. See the International Admissions website for more details.
3. Submit Recommendation Requests
   If your program requires you to submit names for recommendations you will need to do it in the application. List of programs-majors.  
4. Pay the application fee.
   The $50 fee ($75 fee for International applicants), which applies to all new and returning applicants, can be paid by:
   1. Credit card - Pay Online through the application as the last step before submitting the application. The second portion of the application will not be available until the application fee has been received.
   2. Fee Waivers - Graduate applicants who are certified McNair Scholars are eligible for a McNair Scholar Application Fee Waiver. TWU Alumni may be eligible for the Alumni Advantage Fee Waiver. Check your eligibility here: https://twu.edu/alumni-advantage/. If eligible submit the request using the Application Fee Waiver Submission
   3. Following fee payment return to the application dashboard where supplemental application documents can be uploaded. The online application will list which documents are needed to fulfill the program admission requirements. You can also check the program's website.
5. Submit Program supplemental documents
   1. Submit all program requests for Resume, Statement of Purpose, Artist or Research Statement, Scholarly Writing Sample, Custom Essay, Portfolio Document, Video Submission, Licensure, Department Specific Application, Teaching Service Record, Teaching Certificate, etc. following submission of your application fee.

Watch for emails from your new program/department that may come to your TWU email address.

For more information or assistance with the application or graduate admissions, visit the Graduate Admissions website.

Students who wish to apply for a Graduate Assistantship must meet the General Criteria for Appointment of Graduate Assistants.