Minor in Occupational Science

Dating, working, exercising, socializing—these and thousands of other activities define our lives. As humans, we have a unique drive to remain “occupied” during our waking hours. Studies show that we are most fulfilled and healthy when involved in activities that have purpose and importance.

As a student in the Occupational Science Minor Program, you will join the world’s newest social science in studying the nature, function, and meaning of human activities (occupations). You will:

• Gain new insights into what it means to be human
• Learn ways to enhance health and wellness through occupation
• Develop leading edge skills that will better prepare you for a career in your chosen field

Explore how a minor in OS could support your personal and professional goals by contacting Shannon O’Brien, Assistant Director of Admissions, at (323) 442-2889 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Why Minor in Occupational Science?

A minor in Occupational Science:

• Offers practical strategies for designing a healthy and satisfying personal lifestyle
• Provides cutting edge knowledge on the key elements of healthy living, such as productive social, physical, and creative activities, healthy eating patterns, social support, and exercise
• Prepares you for careers in community service, health care, education, medicine, psychology and social work
• Positions you to apply to a master’s or doctoral program in Occupational Therapy or to a Ph.D. program in Occupational Science

Enhancing Your Major with an OS Minor

A minor in Occupational Science will uniquely compliment and enhance your major. For example, if your major is:

• Anthropology, Sociology or Psychology
  You will explore what it means to be human and how personal identities, cultures and communities are constructed through occupations.
• Theater, Music or Fine Arts
  You will gain insights into human motivation and self-expression.
• Engineering or Architecture
  You will learn how to enhance optimal functioning of individuals and communities in personal and public spaces.
• Gerontology or other Health Sciences
  You will examine how occupations can promote health or facilitate recovery from illness and disability.
• English or Communication
  You will discover how personal narrative and stories guide the choices we make in carrying out our occupations and creating our daily lives.

How to Declare a Minor in Occupational Science

Students wishing to declare a minor in Occupational Science need to contact Shannon O’Brien to schedule an advising appointment.

Shannon O’Brien
Assistant Director of Admissions
Phone: (323) 442-2889
Fax: (323) 442-1540
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Catherine Crowley
Director of the Minor in Occupational Science Program
Phone: (323) 442-2850
Fax: (323) 442-1540
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
University of Southern California
1540 Alcazar Street, CHP-133
Los Angeles CA 90089-9003