Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What’s the difference between the BS, MA-I, and MA-II programs, and how do I know which program to apply for?

The Bachelors program (BS) is for those students who are seeking to receive their undergraduate degree in occupational therapy. This is for students who have not yet received an undergraduate degree, and this program will save you a year of graduate school (after you complete your BS, you will have only one year to earn your MA).

As for the Master’s programs, we have two. We offer a two-year program for those students who have already received an undergraduate degree in a field other than occupational therapy (ie: psychology, neurology, economics, anthropology, etc). We also have a one-year program, but that is only offered to practicing occupational therapists who received their Bachelor’s in occupational therapy and want to return to school to earn a Master’s. So, if you are getting your undergraduate degree in anything other than occupational therapy, you would apply for the two-year Master’s program (MA-II).

Where can I find the tuition and fees for attending USC?

The Tuition and Fees section of our website has the estimated costs for each of our programs.

Can I work and go to school?

During the professional training year (BS and first year MA-II students) there is little time for work. Some students work on the weekend or in the evenings, as OT Aides, in restaurants, or for other businesses. Advanced graduate students (OTD, and PhD students) have ample time for research and outside work. Many maintain a private practice or work part-time or “on-call” as therapists. Second year MA-II students may have time during the traditional week to work part-time.

How can I find the semester schedule?

See USC’s Academic Calendar for the semester schedule including university holidays. Occupational Therapy course sequence information can be found at Academics by clicking on your program of interest within the drop-down menu.

How can I purchase a parking pass?

Go to USC Transportation and click on Parking Permits.

Do students receive free membership to the on-campus gym?

Yes. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, many students utilize the Lyon Recreation Center, located on University Park Campus, and the HSC Fitness Center, located near the Health Sciences Campus. These newly built and newly renovated facilities are free to students and include features such as the Main Gym: 21,800 sq. ft. gym (basketball, badminton, volleyball), an auxiliary gym (basketball, volleyball, wrestling), as well as conference rooms, sauna and jacuzzi, equipment rental and sales, men’s and women’s locker rooms, weight rooms center, cardiovascular equipment, racquetball and squash courts, outdoor basketball courts, a climbing/bouldering wall, multi-purpose weight and stretching areas, group exercise studio, and outdoor seating for aquatic events. A variety of workout classes are offered including yoga, Pilates, and cycling. Visit USC Recreational Sports for more information.

How can I purchase USC Football Tickets?

All undergraduate, graduate, and visiting students can purchase a Season Ticket for home football games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Spouse/domestic partner season tickets are also available. Visit the USC Ticket Office for more information.

Does USC have a student newspaper?

The USC student newspaper is the Daily Trojan.

How can I find the contact information for a faculty or staff person at USC?

The contact information for Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy faculty can be found in the Faculty Directory. Contact information for Division staff members can be found at Staff Directory. Contact information for other USC faculty and staff can be found in the USC Directory.

Is there on-campus housing for graduate students?

There is student housing available for occupational therapy graduate students at the OT House, located a short 5 minute bike ride or 15 minute walk away from the University Park Campus. There is also a tram stop from which you can take a tram to the Health Sciences Campus, about a 20-30 minute tram ride that is free for USC students and employees. The tram also stops at Union Station, providing a convenient way to travel throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.

Is there public transportation in Los Angeles?

The University provides tram service for students between Union Station, the USC University Park Campus, and the USC Health Sciences Campus, as well as shuttle service to both campuses from the USC Occupational Therapy House. A car is just about essential for convenient mobility in Los Angeles; however, some students arrange car-pools for commutes and/or special activities. Los Angeles does offer limited bus and subway services at a reduced rate for students. Take a look at the USC Tram Schedule.

There are also a multitude of public transportation options in Los Angeles: Metro Rail lines and Bus routes, DASH bus lines, Amtrak trains, FlyAway shuttles from Union Station to LAX airport, and more. Visit Discover Los Angeles or utilize the Public Transport feature of Google Maps when you go to “Get Directions” to learn more.

Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree Program

Can I apply to this program as a freshman?

Yes, freshmen applicants may apply to USC and select occupational therapy as their major. Supplemental application materials may be required and can be submitted to the USC Office of Admissions. All materials should include your full name (and USC ID number, if possible).

Can I apply to the bachelor program as a transfer student?

Yes, transfer students are welcome to apply to the Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s (BS to MA) Occupational Therapy program by applying to USC and selecting occupational therapy as their major.

Master’s Degree Program

What type of degree will I be working toward if I am admitted to the program?

You will be working toward a Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy.

Is volunteer experience required?

Volunteer work is not required for admission; however, we recommend volunteering or shadowing an occupational therapist to gain a better understanding of the profession, the types of settings in which occupational therapists work, and life on the job. A volunteer packet can be mailed to you if you contact the Division.

Is there a limit to how many times I can take the GRE?

No. We accept the highest score from each section of the test regardless of how many times you take the GRE.

How much hands-on experience is available to me while I am in the program?

As part of your coursework, you will complete an experiential, hands-on lab portion in many of your courses. Additional elective course opportunities provide you with the opportunity to gain hands-on exposure in various practice areas, such as a Lifestyle Redesign^® group for patients with multiple sclerosis or Enhancing Motor Control for Occupation, a course designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of remediation of motor control following upper motor neuron lesions. Also, you will participate in 3 semesters of Level I fieldwork—each in a different practice rotation (pediatrics, mental health, or adult rehabilitation). Additionally, you will complete a 2-week externship at a community practice of your choice, including the popular Ghana or Romania experiences as two of the options. Level II fieldwork consists of two summer sessions of full-time fieldwork, which allow you to experience life as a full-time occupational therapist.

How are fieldwork placement sites chosen?

USC has over 750 fieldwork placement sites across the United States and internationally. Students have the opportunity to review available sites and list their 10 preferences based on geographical location and type of clinical setting. Our Academic Fieldwork Coordinator Jaynee Taguchi-Meyer will work with students to meet their preferences, though she will ultimately make the decision regarding fieldwork placement.

If I am an international student whose native language is English or I received a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. College or University, do I have to take the TOEFL?

With the exception of some countries, students whose native language is English and/or students with a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university are exempted from this examination. For more information, refer to http://www.usc.edu/admission/graduate/international/english.html.

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program

Do I need to have a master’s degree in OT in order to apply to the OTD program at USC?

Applicants to the OTD program need to have completed an entry-level Occupational Therapy degree with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 from an accredited college or university, and need to be certified or eligible for certification in Occupational Therapy in the United States, or have graduated from a WFOT-approved program outside the United States. Conditional admission may be possible if either the GPA or the GRE score is slightly below the requirement. Students enrolled in the OT baccalaureate or master’s programs at USC may receive admission contingent upon successful completion of all coursework and fieldwork prior to the start of the OTD program.

Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Science (Ph.D.) Program

What is the minimum requirement for the GRE?

A total combined score of 1100 on the verbal and quantitative sections is the minimum requirement for applying to the Ph.D. in Occupational Science.

What are the current research studies in which the USC Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy is involved?

Please view a listing of our Division’s Active Research Projects.