MS in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)

Empower Others to Thrive Independently

Sacred Heart University’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) prepares compassionate health care professionals to help individuals regain independence and live meaningful lives.

Through value-based coursework, clinical experience, and community engagement, students develop the skills to help patients overcome physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges across the lifespan.

Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) exam. Successful completion of the exam qualifies MSOT grads for the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) credential. View the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) program data results.

Why Study Occupational Therapy at Sacred Heart?

Occupational therapy is one of the fastest-growing health care professions, focusing on helping people regain the ability to participate in everyday life, work, school, family, and their communities. Sacred Heart’s MSOT program combines scientific knowledge, clinical reasoning and human-centered care to prepare students for impactful careers in health care.

Students benefit from:

• Small classes that are problem-based learning led by expert faculty
• Simulation labs and facilities
• Opportunities to serve real patients through University partnerships and clinics
• Student-centered, innovative and transformative learning practices
• Strong support through low faculty-student ratios, regular student advisement, mentored small group work, and a highly accessible faculty

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Sacred Heart University is committed to making graduate education accessible and affordable. MSOT students may qualify for a range of financial support options, including:

• Graduate grant in aid
• Veteran benefits
• Graduate assistantships
• Hall director positions

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SHU Graduates MSOT Career Paths

Our graduates have gone on to pursue leadership roles at organizations including:

Lifetime Career Support

MSOT students benefit from a dedicated career team with industry experience and employer partnerships that connect SHU graduates to leading health care companies. Students and alumni enjoy lifetime access to the Center for Career & Professional Development, where expert coaches provide personalized support with résumés, interviews, and job placement. 

Hands-On Experience

• Study in modern learning laboratories such as an occupational therapy sensory integration and pediatric laboratory, a human cadaver laboratory, simulation laboratories replicating hospital and ambulatory care settings, a fully equipped home suite with a room-to-room lift tracking system, and a Drive Safety driving simulator
• Participate in interprofessional education activities and collaborate with SHU’s other College of Health Professions programs such as physical therapy, speech-language pathology, athletic training, and exercise & sport science
• Participate in supervised fieldwork education and global service learning trips that provide real-world experience and interprofessional collaboration
• Combine active learning with clinical application through a problem-based OT curriculum that bridges coursework with practice through small-group, faculty-led clinical reasoning tutorials

External applicants apply by April 15 through OTCAS. Internal applicants (SHU students) apply through SHU application by September 15 for 3+2 students (following sophomore year) and September 15 for 4+2 students (following junior year).

Degree Options for Incoming Students and Current SHU Undergraduates

Incoming Freshmen: Bachelor’s-Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Dual Degree Program

Incoming freshmen can apply directly to both the undergraduate and graduate programs for a streamlined experience leading to a master’s degree in occupational therapy. Students applying for the Bachelor’s-MSOT dual degree program progress on a defined pathway of study to move seamlessly from their undergraduate degree to a graduate degree. Students may pursue one of two pathways:

• Accelerated 3+2 Bachelor’s-MSOT
  Complete three years of undergraduate coursework and two years of graduate coursework, earning both a bachelor’s degree and an MSOT degree within five years
• 4+2 Bachelor’s-MSOT
  Complete the bachelor’s degree in four years and complete two years of graduate study in the MSOT program, earning both the bachelor’s degree and an MSOT degree within six years

Current SHU Undergraduates: 4+2 Combined Degree Program

Sacred Heart undergraduates can fast-track their future by earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in just six years. Work with your adviser to develop your 4+2 plan.

Accreditation

Sacred Heart University’s Graduate Occupational Therapy Program, leading to the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT), is accredited through 2026/2027. Accreditation is under “The Standards for an Accredited Educational Therapy Program for the Occupational Therapist - 2018” by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. (ACOTE telephone c/o AOTA is 301-652-6611; ACOTE website)

Visit our accreditation page for more information.

Graduates Are Prepared to Help People Thrive

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the field of occupational therapy will grow much faster than average until at least 2033. The median salary is $98,340.

As an occupational therapist, you’ll help people return to an independent lifestyle, performing the tasks or activities that are most meaningful to them. Visit Career Opportunities for more information.

MSOT Tuition & Fees | 2025-2026

*Mandatory

See graduate tuition & fees on the student accounts website. Fees are subject to change.

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