Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Therapy
As a practicing occupational therapist, you’ve touched the lives of your patients, adapted to changes in the profession and felt the pull to expand and share your knowledge.
Embrace your calling to contribute to evidence-based practice through research, and to shape the next generation of occupational therapists through teaching by earning your Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Therapy degree.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Therapy (PhD) degree prepares occupational therapists for advanced scholarly careers in academia and practice. Our graduates will have demonstrated the ability to contribute new or expanded knowledge, skills and attitudes to the profession of occupational therapy, as evidenced by publications in peer reviewed journals and national presentations at peer reviewed professional conferences.
Our curriculum consists of three components, core coursework, qualifying examination and dissertation. Students typically enroll for 3-6 credit-hours per semester, and complete the degree with in 4-6 years. (Students must complete their degree, including dissertation, within 8 years.) Faculty mentors are located at the Denton, Dallas and Houston campuses. Courses are conducted primarily online with one or two campus visits per semester, rotating between the Dallas and Houston centers.
Program Requirements
The PhD program requires a minimum of 90 semester credit hours of masters/doctoral level coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree — a minimum of 45 semester hours will be completed as a part of the doctoral program curriculum. Curriculum includes:
- Core course work
- Research Tools
- Electives
- Qualifying Examination & Dissertation
See full program requirements in the Graduate Catalog.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy
Program Contact
Dr. Patricia Bowyer
Professor and Coordinator of Post Professional Programs
713-794-2130
pbowyer@twu.edu
Admission Deadlines
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
- Original score report from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) taken within 10 years of application date.
- 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.
How to Apply
The Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy at TWU is based on a mentorship model. Applicants must match research interests and speak directly with a potential faculty mentor from the Ph.D. faculty in occupational therapy before completing the application process. Please contact Patricia Bowyer at pbowyer@twu.edu to begin the faculty mentor match. In addition to having a faculty mentor identified and approved, complete the following steps:
- Apply for admission to the TWU Graduate School.
- Take the GRE General Test and submit your GRE scores to TWU (Code 6826).
- Complete the School of OT PhD Application and Essay (PDF) and submit along with a current resume to pbowyer@twu.edu.
- Three academic or professional references should submit letters of recommendation as PDFs on institutional or organization letterhead to pbowyer@twu.edu. Recommenders should include student name and "Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy" in the subject line.
- Participate in an admissions committee interview.
- Complete a Faculty Mentor Agreement.
Technology Requirements for the Program
The PhD in Occupational Therapy at TWU is based on a mentorship model. Applicants must first match research interests and speak directly with a potential faculty mentor before entry into the program. Candidates must have a current occupational therapy license and are required to meet the general requirements for graduate admission, as well as the School of Occupational Therapy PhD requirements for admission.
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Page last updated 11:42 AM, September 1, 2022