Entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree courses

Below is a listing of the courses required in the OTD program. The three-year curriculum is rigorous but there are numerous student supports built into the program to make sure you have the best chance possible to succeed.

View course descriptions here

  • First Year

    Summer II (9 credits)

    • OT 6001 - Foundations in Occupational Therapy (3 credits)
      Introduction to the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF) and guiding principles of practice. Selected theoretical foundations that relate to professional practice will be emphasized.
    • OT 6002 - Art of Occupational Therapy Practice (3 credits)
      Introduction to holistic care in all areas of practice with emphasis on professional behaviors, respect for cultural diversity, therapeutic use of self, ethics, and professional reasoning.
    • OT 6003 - Science of Occupational Therapy (3 credits)
      Exploration of scientific inquiry concepts while developing introductory research skills and an understanding of assessment tool psychometrics. It will include principles of literature review, research questions, ethical research practices, and an introduction to research designs.

    Fall (16 credits)

    • OT 6101 - Occupational Analysis & Evaluation in Childhood (4 credits)
      Considering the person, the occupation, and their environment, students will analyze occupations and learn about screening and evaluation of pediatric clients. Students will learn about a multitude of populations from varying cultural backgrounds with diverse physical and mental health needs.
    • OT 6102 - Occupational Analysis & Evaluation in Adulthood (4 credits)
      Considering the person, the occupation, and their environment, students will analyze occupations and learn about screening and evaluation of adult clients. Students will learn about a multitude of populations from varying cultural backgrounds with diverse physical and mental health needs.
    • OT 6103 - Occupational Analysis & Evaluation in Older Adulthood (4 credits)
      Considering the person, the occupation, and their environment, students will analyze occupations and learn about screening and evaluation of older adult clients. Students will learn about a multitude of populations from varying cultural backgrounds with diverse physical and mental health needs.
    • OT 6110 - Functional Neuroanatomy (3 credits)
      Students will learn about the applied study of human neurologic function with emphasis on the development of normal occupational performance and the conditions that affect occupation.
    • OT 6405 - Research Project Preparation I (1 credit)
      In this course, students will work with a research group under the guidance of a faculty member to identify a research topic, finalize a clear research question, locate and analyze background literature, and create a draft of the literature review.

    Spring (16 credits) 

    • OT 6201 - Occupational Interventions & Outcomes in Childhood (4 credits)
      Examining the person, the occupation, and their environment, students will learn about treatment planning, intervention, outcomes, and discharge planning of pediatric clients. Students will learn about a multitude of populations from varying cultural backgrounds with diverse physical and mental health needs.
    • OT 6202 - Occupational Interventions & Outcomes in Adulthood (4 credits)
      Examining the person, the occupation and their environment, students will learn about treatment planning, intervention, outcomes, and discharge planning of adult clients. Students will learn about a multitude of populations from varying cultural backgrounds with diverse physical and mental health needs. 
    • OT 6203 - Occupational Interventions & Outcomes in Older Adulthood (4 credits)
      Examining the person, the occupation and their environment, students will learn about treatment planning, intervention, outcomes, and discharge planning of older adult clients. Students will learn about a multitude of populations from varying cultural backgrounds with diverse physical and mental health needs.
    • OT 6410 - Quantitative Reasoning (3 credits)
      Students will build the research skills necessary to engage in scholarly scientific inquiry focused on the results and discussion sections of quantitative research. It will include data analysis, basic statistical procedures, critique of research, funding, and basic computer use for statistical analysis.
    • OT 6406 - Research Project Preparation II (1 credit)
      In this course, students will work with a research group under the guidance of a faculty member to determine a research design and begin to plan, develop and draft a research proposal. Some student groups may begin to initiate data collection, depending on the project.

    Summer I (6 credits)

    • OT 6501 - Level I Fieldwork A (2 credits)
      Students will provide occupational therapy evaluation and treatment under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will develop professional behaviors, documentation skills and clinical skills as they participate in the OT process with clients in the community. A group supervision model is used to facilitate peer learning.
    • OT 6420 - Qualitative Reasoning (2 credits)
      Students will build the research skills necessary to engage in scholarly scientific inquiry focused on the methods, results, and discussion sections of qualitative research. It will include data analysis, interpretation of findings, critique of research, and funding.
    • Electives (2 credits)
  • Second Year

    Summer II (5 credits)

    • OT 6502 - Level I Fieldwork B (2 credits)
      Students will provide occupational therapy evaluation and treatment under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will develop professional behaviors, documentation skills and clinical skills as they participate in the OT process with clients in the community. A group supervision model is used to facilitate peer learning.
    • OT 6601 - Leadership, Development & Advocacy (2 credits)
      Students will build leadership capacity and identify avenues to intentionally and mindfully inspire others as a practicing occupational therapist. Explore the purpose of advocacy and engagement in strategic actions that influence others within and outside of the field of occupational therapy.
    • Elective (1 credit)

    Fall (14 Credits)

    • OT 6303 - Advanced Occupational Therapy in Older Adulthood (3 credits)
      Students will apply advanced clinical reasoning to evaluation, intervention, outcomes, and discharge planning older adult clients. Students will learn about a multitude of populations from varying cultural backgrounds with diverse physical and mental health needs. Students will also consider intraprofessional and interprofessional dynamics in various practice settings.
    • OT 6407 - Research Project Preparation III (1 credit)
      In this course, students will work with a research group under the guidance of a faculty member to obtain experience in conducting a research study by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to determine clinical significance of findings. Students will acquire skills needed to effectively report research information.
    • OT 6503 - Level I Fieldwork C (4 credits)
      Students will provide occupational therapy evaluation and treatment under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will develop professional behaviors, documentation skills and clinical skills as they participate in the OT process with clients in the community. A group supervision model is used to facilitate peer learning.
    • OT 6640 - Theory Application through Professional Reasoning (3 credits)
      Students will explore the development of various frames of reference, theories and models of practice and learn how to critique and apply them appropriately. Various opinions in the profession and development of the OT body of knowledge will be examined. An emphasis will be placed on the development of professional identity and critical thinking regarding the core tenets of the profession.
    • OT 6901 - Instructional Design (1 credit)
      This course will train students in the teaching and learning process and instructional design principles to prepare them for future leadership roles and work in an academic setting.
    • OT 6902 - Grant Writing Skills (1 credit)
      This course will train students in the process of locating and securing grants and teach students how grants can serve as a fiscal resource for scholarly activities and program development. Students will learn and apply the skills needed to create quality grant proposals. 
    • OT 7010 - Applications of Therapeutic Modalities (1 credit)
      Students will understand principles and applications of therapeutic modalities including various superficial and deep thermal agents, cryotherapy, electrotherapeutic modalities and mechanical devices. Training will consist of education on precautions, indications, and contraindications of physical agent modalities. Students will receive constructive feedback on administration of modalities through a proficiency to promote skill development.

    Spring (15 Credits)

    • OT 6120 - Therapeutic Use of Technology (3 credits)
      Students will learn foundational concepts relating to technology use within OT practice with a focus on frameworks associated with technology provision, equipment types, documentation skills, and legislation.
    • OT 6301 - Advanced Occupational Therapy in Childhood (3 credits)
      Students will apply advanced clinical reasoning to evaluation, intervention, outcomes, and discharge planning of pediatric clients. Students will learn about a multitude of populations from varying cultural backgrounds with diverse physical and mental health needs. Students will also consider intraprofessional and interprofessional dynamics in various practice settings.
    • OT 6302 - Advanced Occupational Therapy in Adulthood (3 credits)
      Students will apply advanced clinical reasoning to evaluation, intervention, outcomes, and discharge planning of adult clients. Students will learn about a multitude of populations from varying cultural backgrounds with diverse physical and mental health needs. Students will also consider intraprofessional and interprofessional dynamics in various practice settings.
    • OT 6430 - Research Dissemination (1 credit)
      In this course, students will work with a research group under the guidance of a faculty member to create and finalize a scholarly report appropriate for presentation or for publication in a peer-reviewed journal that supports clinical practice.
    • OT 6504 - Level I Fieldwork D (4 credits)
      Students will provide occupational therapy evaluation and treatment under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will develop professional behaviors, documentation skills and clinical skills as they participate in the OT process with clients in the community. A group supervision model is used to facilitate peer learning.
    • OT 7200 - Capstone Preparation I (1 credit)
      Student will initiate a literature review and needs assessment plan to inform the development of initial capstone objectives. Initial capstone preparation activities will align with the curriculum design and course sequence and will be finalized in OT 7201 - Capstone Preparation II.

    Summer I (5 Credits)

    • OT 7201 - Capstone Preparation II (2 credits)
      Student will complete a literature review, needs assessment, establish goals/objectives, develop a supervision plan, and determine an evaluation plan in preparation for their 14-week doctoral capstone experience. Capstone preparation aligns with the curriculum design, course sequence, and is completed prior to the commencement of the capstone experience.
    • OT 7900 - Practice Competency (1 credit)
      Students will prepare for level II fieldwork by participating in experiential learning with opportunities for reflection to enhance professional growth. Students will receive constructive feedback through a proficiency to promote skill development.
    • OT 6602 - OT Practice Management (2 credits)
      Students will build on leadership and advocacy tools to enhance understanding of administration and management including reimbursement systems, supervision of staff, program evaluation, quality management, and development of business plans.
  • Third Year

    Summer II (3 credits)

    • OT 7901- Level IIA Fieldwork (3 credits)
      A 12-week, full-time affiliation at a community fieldwork site providing the student experience in designated areas of the occupational therapy practice.

    Fall (3 credits)

    • OT 7902 - Level IIB Fieldwork (3 credits)
      A 12-week, full-time affiliation at a community fieldwork site providing the student experience in designated areas of the occupational therapy practice. 

    Spring (6 credits)

    • OT 7202 - Capstone Experience (6 credits)
      Under the guidance of the Capstone Coordinator, students will complete an approved 14-week doctoral capstone experience in one of the following tracks: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, or education.