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 Department’s minimum admission requirements are a four-year baccalaureate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
The selection process is competitive and will be based on the GPA in the most recent 60 units taken prior to January of the admission year. Applicants are initially rank ordered according to their admission GPA. Applicants with the same GPA who have completed 30 units over two consecutive terms will be ranked above those who have taken fewer than 30 units.
Activity courses in Physical Education, studio/performance courses in Fine Arts, practicum courses, pass/fail courses and seminar/research/thesis/ individual studies courses are not considered part of the required 60 units of admission requirements and are not included in the calculation of the admission GPA.
One Statistics course (3 units) and one human anatomy course (3 units), completed within the last ten years, by June 30th of the admission year 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 must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to English Language Requirement ). Any one of the following is acceptable:
- a minimum TOEFL score of 100 with a score of at least 25 on each of the individual skill areas (Internet-based), or equivalent;
- a minimum Academic IELTS overall score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 on each band;
- a minimum PTE Academic overall score of 61.
All applicants are also required to submit the following:
- a curriculum vitae in a pre-set format (available for download with the Online Application for Graduate Admission),
- two letters of recommendation,
- 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 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.
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
Academic Standing Requirement
Students are required to pass all courses and to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 throughout the course of the program.
The first failure of an MScOT academic or fieldwork course, or failure to maintain the required cumulative GPA may result in a recommendation by the Graduate Coordinator to FGSR that the student be placed on academic probation or required to withdraw.
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 Courses
Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings , under the following subject headings:
Occupational Therapy (OCCTH)
Rehabilitation Medicine (REHAB)
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