The mission of the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Missouri is to improve the health and well-being of society by assisting people to optimize their participation in everyday life occupations. We achieve this mission through the integration of our: professional education of clinically innovative occupational therapists prepared to meet the dynamic occupational needs of people and communities across the lifespan; our steadfast commitment to service to our community and our profession; evidence-based practice; and commitment to scholarship, discovery, and clinical research to advance our profession.
Degrees Offered
Doctoral
On Campus
The Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree is an entry level degree option for individuals to prepare to obtain their licensure as an OT. The continued high demand for OT’s and increasing accreditation requirements prompted the American Occupational Therapy Association to vote in support of entry-level education for OT’s at the doctoral level, in addition to the traditional master’s degree. This program is a professional program administered by the School of Health Professions. More information about the entry level Occupational Therapy Doctorate program can be found at this link.
100% Online
The post-professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree is designed exclusively for licensed OT’s who hold a bachelor or master’s degree. Individuals will have the ability to customize their educational plans to meet their unique academic and professional goals, which may include, but are not limited to, advanced clinical practice, leadership and management, research, and occupational therapy education. This 100% online and self-paced program allows for maximum flexibility in completion of your terminal degree in occupational therapy while continuing to work as an Occupational Therapy practitioner.
Admission Criteria
To be eligible to apply to this program, applicants must be:
- An Occupational Therapist. Occupational Therapy Assistants are not eligible.
- A graduate of a World Federation of Occupational Therapists Approved Education Program. Program must be World Federation of Occupational Therapists recognized at time of graduation.
- A bachelor degree or higher degree holder.
Application Deadlines
- Fall deadline: August 1
- Spring deadline: December 15
- Summer deadline: May 15
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Occupational Therapy Program
- Unofficial transcripts of all previous coursework
- Professional references (minimum of one)
- Professional statement of goals
- Resume/CV
- Departmental application fee
- A copy of current OT license in the state where the applicant is employed and/or resides (if available)