Occupational Therapy [Graduate]

Department of Occupational Therapy
2-64 Corbett Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G4
mscot@ualberta.ca

General Information

The Department of Occupational Therapy offers graduate work leading to a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy (MScOT). The MScOT program is designed to address practice and theoretical issues within a broad range of settings. Upon completion of their degree, students will be able to evaluate programs, participate in research, and critically appraise current assessment and intervention options.

An MScOT postprofessional stream for occupational therapists with a bachelor’s entry level degree in occupational therapy provides clinicians with the research and leadership skills to enhance their abilities in various settings. An MScOT entry-level stream for students who hold an undergraduate degree in a variety of fields other than occupational therapy provides the academic and fieldwork education required for certification by provincial and national professional associations.

An Interprovincial Agreement between the Province of Alberta and the Province of Saskatchewan exists for the Department of Occupational Therapy. Contact the Department for further information.

Entrance Requirements

The deadline for receipt of applications for the entry-level stream is February 1 for September admission. Contact the Department for application deadline information on the postprofessional stream. Minimum requirements include a four-year baccalaureate degree (see Note) or equivalent from a recognized academic institution with a grade point average of at least 3.0 in the most recent ★60. Activity courses in Physical Education, studio courses in Fine Arts, and practicum courses are not considered part of the required ★60 admission requirements and are not included in the calculation of the admission GPA. One Statistics course (★3) and one human anatomy course (★3) are required prerequisites. Students may find it to their advantage to have taken a human physiology course prior to entering the program. Where applicable, applicants should refer to the English language requirement of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (English Language Requirement of the University Calendar). Applicants who use the TOEFL examination to fulfill the English language proficiency requirement of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research must present a minimum score of 600 (paper-based) or 100 with a score of at least 25 on each of the individual skill areas (Internet-based). The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requirements are a minimum overall band score of 6.5, with at least 5.5 on each band (Academic). The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) requirements are an overall minimum score of 59.

Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae in a pre-set format (available for download with the Online Application for Graduate Admission), two letters of recommendation, and a description/evidence of suitability for this program and profession. In addition, applicants are required to complete an online situational judgement test as part of the application package.

The selection process is competitive and will be based on the GPA in the most recent ★60 taken prior to January of the admission year. Applicants are initially rank ordered according to their Admission GPA. Applicants who have completed ★30 over two consecutive terms will be ranked above those who have taken fewer than ★30.

All components of the application package will be considered in the admission decision. Outstanding applicants will be recommended for early acceptance. The remaining applicants will be advised of their status by June 30 of the admission year.

Aboriginal Applicants

Two positions in the occupational therapy program are available to applicants of aboriginal identity as defined in the Constitution Act, 1982, Part II, Section 35(2). Applicants must meet all entrance requirements as specified below. If suitable Aboriginal applicants cannot be found, these positions will be filled by applicants from the general pool.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance may be available in the form of teaching or research assistantships. Other sources of funding may be sought as described at www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca, from provincial bursaries, professional associations, private foundations, etc.

Graduate Program Requirements

The Degree of MSc

Graduate Courses

Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings , under the following subject headings:

Occupational Therapy (OCCTH)
Rehabilitation Medicine (REHAB)