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School of Health and Medical Sciences

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

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Advance your healthcare career as a licensed occupational therapist. Seton Hall’s Master of Occupational Therapy (M.S.O.T.) is the highest-ranking program of its kind in New Jersey, according to U.S News & World Report. Our program blends dynamic classroom learning with immersive clinical experiences, preparing graduates to excel in diverse occupational therapy roles.

This two-year, 64 credit M.S.O.T. degree provides a direct path to a rewarding career in the thriving field of occupational therapy. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty and an extensive clinical network in the New York Metro region. As a fully accredited program, we offer comprehensive professional preparation — both in the classroom and through hands-on experience in schools, hospitals and other healthcare settings. 

We equip graduates to become ethical and skilled professionals dedicated to helping individuals of all ages regain or improve their activities of daily living. Our alumni are in-demand practitioners, serving children with developmental disabilities, assisting stroke survivors in relearning essential tasks and supporting individuals with physical and mental disabilities in achieving greater independence.

Accreditation & Awards

US News and World Report Award
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AOTA Logo
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Meryl Picard, Ph.D., MSW, OTR

"We provide a dynamic fusion of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, empowering students to become ethical, highly skilled occupational therapists ready to thrive in diverse and impactful roles."

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Admissions Requirements

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (M.S.O.T.) program welcomes your application and questions on the admissions process. All applications must be submitted through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).

Admission to the M.S.O.T. program requires the following; additional details and prerequisites are in the link:

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum overall GPA of 3.2;
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and a grade of “C” or better in each course; 
  • Three letters of recommendation, one from a registered occupational therapist (OTR);
  • Fifty (50) observation hours with an OTR.

Deadlines

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International Students Welcome!

Seton Hall welcomes applications from international students for admission into full-time graduate degree programs.

Curriculum Overview

We offer a dynamic and challenging academic and experiential program that prepares students for entry-level practice. In keeping with the University's mission, our values-centered curriculum develops compassionate, innovative and evidence-informed leaders equipped to care for the needs of individuals, communities and populations.

This is a two-year, 64-credit Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree program with Level II fieldwork rotations in Year Two. Students also have opportunities to design, implement and lead group-based experiences promoting health and wellness in local communities, and to participate in Seton Hall’s Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA).
 
Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®). After successful completion of the exam, the graduate will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR).

  • #1

    M.S.O.T. Program in NJ - U.S. News

  • 64

    Credits for Degree

  • 96.6%

    Board Certification Pass Rate

Career Opportunities

M.S.O.T. graduates are in-demand. Occupational therapy jobs are projected to grow by 11% over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Seton Hall's network of over 300 clinical sites in the New York City metro area provide diverse and challenging fieldwork opportunities. Our students are professionally prepared for or a wide array of rewarding occupational therapy roles, and many receive job offers prior to graduation. Alumni practice in diverse settings, including:

  • Schools
  • Private clinics
  • Community health centers
  • Home health care
  • Nursing homes
  • Hospitals
  • Rehabilitation centers

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150,500

Occupational Therapy Jobs, 2023

11%

Projected Growth of OT Employment, 2023-2033

9,800

Projected OT job openings each year, 2023-2033 (BLS)

Our alumni work at the best places around the world.

The ARC of Essex County Logo
The United States Air Force Logo
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The Kessler Logo
The RWJBarnabas Logo
An image of former SHU student Katalyna Lorick

"I enjoy every minute of my career as a pediatric occupational therapist, and I owe so much to Seton Hall. I really connected with my professors; they treated me like a future colleague."

Our Faculty and Students

Top U.S. News Rankings for Seton Hall Graduate Programs in Health Professions

Seton Hall University’s M.S.O.T. program rose 26 places in national rankings—and maintained its position as the highest-ranking, fully accredited M.S.O.T. program in New Jersey.

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Scholarships & Financial Aid

Seton Hall University is committed to providing students with the most current information on how to finance their graduate degree. A graduate degree is within your reach – a variety of options can help you finance your degree including scholarships, federal aid, graduate assistantships, and more.

  • 50%

    Amount Scholarships Can Reduce Cost of Degree

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to your program?

All graduate applications must be made through the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).

Do you have rolling admissions?

No, all applications will be reviewed after the January 15 deadline.

Can I apply with prerequisite courses in progress?

Yes, you can apply with courses in progress if you have a plan to complete them by the intended start of the program.

Can I apply with observation hours in progress?

Yes, but hours should be completed before the intended start of the program.

Am I required to find my own clinical placements?  

No, students work with the Director of Clinical Education who places students at sites affiliated with the University. 

What differentiates this program from others?

Seton Hall University’s M.S.O.T. program stands apart in that:

  • Our classroom, lab work and research opportunities offer best-in-class instruction by distinguished faculty providing close mentoring and career support.
  • Our state-of-the-art facilities, including our award-winning simulation center, provide a dynamic learning environment.
  • Our program has clinical affiliations with more than 225 organizations across a diversity of settings, from school systems and rehabilitation centers to hospitals, private clinics and nursing homes.
  • Our M.S.O.T. graduates consistently receive job offers after graduation and their 96.6% Board of Certification first-time pass rate is well above the national average.

Additional Resources

Accreditation and Outcomes

M.S.O.T. Success Story

Request More Information

Office of Graduate Affairs

(973) 275-2892

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About Seton Hall

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One of the country's leading Catholic Universities, Seton Hall University has been developing students in mind, heart and spirit since 1856.

Home to over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 90 undergraduate programs and over 130 graduate programs, Seton Hall's academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek.

Seton Hall's 58-acre campus in the quaint town of South Orange, New Jersey, is only 14 miles from New York City — offering students a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The University’s nationally recognized School of Law is located in nearby Newark, New Jersey. The Interpro­fessional Health Sciences (IHS) campus in the owns of Clifton and Nutley, New Jersey, houses the University’s College of Nursing and School of Health and Medical Sciences.

  • 1856

    Founded by James Roosevelt Bayley

  • 14

    Miles from New York City

  • 90+

    Career-Building Graduate Programs

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