University of Southern California

Redesigning Lives. The Future of Healthcare

Minor in Occupational Science

USC Occupational Science Minor Video
How much do students enjoy
the OS minor? Check out this
video created by OS students
in Professor Kate Crowley’s
OT 320 course.

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 Sarah Kelly, Director of Admissions, at (866) 385-4250 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, 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:

  • Pick up a “Change/Addition of Major, Minor, or Degree Objective” form at the Student Administration Services (SAS) Building.
  • Complete the form and submit it in person, or by fax or mail to a coordinator listed below:

Dr. Jeanne Jackson
Coordinator of the Minor Program in Occupational Science
Phone: (323) 442-2883
FAX: (323) 442-1540
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Sarah Kelly
Director of Admissions
Phone: (866) 385-4250
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