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Master of Occupational Therapy

MOT Students

Delaware State University’s Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program prepares students to become compassionate, skilled practitioners who promote independence and quality of life for individuals across the lifespan. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning, leadership development, and community-based practice to develop well-rounded professionals ready to address healthcare disparities.

Employers choose our graduates because they are exceptionally prepared, values-driven practitioners equipped to meet the evolving demands of occupational therapy. As an OT student, you’ll receive rigorous academic training grounded in evidence-based practice and cultural responsiveness, with a focus on:

  • Professionalism and Work Ethic: Enter the workforce with the strong communication, time management, and clinical reasoning skills and professionalism needed to thrive in diverse settings.
  • Client-Centered Care: Learn to prioritize respect, inclusion, and compassion, working collaboratively with clients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
  • Innovation and Adaptability: Our curriculum fosters critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability—traits that enable you to navigate complex healthcare environments and develop impactful solutions.
  • Diverse Clinical Experiences: Through robust fieldwork placements and community-based learning, you will be exposed to a wide range of populations, diagnoses, and service delivery models.
  • Service and Equity: As a historically Black university, DSU is committed to social justice, advocacy, and serving underrepresented communities—values that align with many employers’ missions.

MOT Program Certification

The master’s degree in occupational therapy program has received Accreditation Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number, c/o AOTA, is (301) 652-6611, and its web address is acoteonline.org.

Attending an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy program means you will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, you will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR).

In addition, most states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect your ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Why Choose DSU’s Occupational Therapy Program?

We develop leaders and innovators by providing emerging practice programs, interdisciplinary programs, field experiences in diverse clinical and public health settings, and promoting pro bono work.

As the only MOT program in Delaware, our OT master’s program attracts students from Delaware and beyond, including nearby states such as Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia, as well as the Washington, D.C. metro area.

We offer:

  • A full-time MOT degree that can be completed in 2.5 years.
  • Small class sizes that allow for more direct support from faculty and more open, productive classroom lectures and labs.
  • Faculty advising for all students.
  • Exciting and rewarding student life through the Student OT Association (SOTA) and the PTE Honors Fraternity.

“Our MOT program is deeply rooted in community, collaboration, and a passion for service. We’ve built a curriculum that challenges students to think critically, lead with empathy, and meet the diverse needs of the clients and communities they serve. Our faculty are not only educators but dedicated mentors who walk alongside our students from the classroom to clinical practice.”

Dr. Brittney Pride, OTD, OTR/L
Program Director

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Occupational Therapy?

Earning a Master of Occupational Therapy degree opens the door to a meaningful and in-demand career. You’ll work with diverse populations, helping people overcome physical, cognitive, and developmental challenges to live more independent lives. This could mean assisting a child with cerebral palsy to play, aiding a veteran recovering from an injury to regain mobility, or helping an older adult adapt their home for safety.

The job outlook for occupational therapists is strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for occupational therapists is projected to grow 14% from 2024-34, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. As of May 2024, the median annual wage was $98,340.

After successfully passing the national board exam, DSU’s MOT graduates have an incredible job placement rate, with all of them securing positions in their field. You’ll gain the clinical expertise needed to thrive across various settings, including hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, and home healthcare. Your skills will be a valued asset in the ever-growing healthcare industry.

Explore Our MOT Courses

Our occupational therapy courses are designed to make you a job-ready professional from day one. DSU’s OT master’s program blends core professional courses with extensive experiential learning opportunities that distinguish you in the field.

Here’s what makes our MOT curriculum unique:

  • Real-World Experience: Students engage in two Level II fieldwork rotations, totaling 24 weeks, and gain clinical experience through a unique, faculty-led placement at a local veteran’s home.
  • Innovative Practice: You’ll design your own emerging practice project and present it to industry stakeholders, showcasing your ability to innovate within the profession.
  • Research-Driven: Through our Scholarly Inquiry course, you can participate in two on-campus research days and submit proposals to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

There is a total of 52 credits from professional courses and 12 credits of clinical fieldwork.

Occupational Therapy Admission Requirements

In compliance with ACOTE occupational therapy accreditation standards, applications are submitted through the OT Centralized Application Service (OTCAS). Please allow a few weeks for the OTCAS verification process.

All applicants are required to submit/show evidence of the following:

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited university
  • Completion of the following prerequisite courses with a B- or better and a GPA of no less than 3.0:
    • Human Anatomy and Physiology (2 semesters with lab)
    • English
    • Statistics
    • Physics or Human Movement
    • Sociology or Cultural Anthropology
    • General Psychology
    • Abnormal Psychology
    • Developmental Psychology, Life Span Development or Human Development
  • Resume

All prerequisite courses must be completed within 10 years of submitting an application. Admission is to the Fall term only.

Additional Admissions Requirements

  • Documented observation hours with an OTR. Observation of three or more client populations is recommended.
  • Three letters of recommendation, one from an OTR
  • Applicant interview, if determined by the occupational therapy admissions committee

Take the First Step to a Rewarding Career in OT

What makes DSU truly special is the spirit of resilience and purpose that our students carry. They come here with a drive to make a difference, and we give them the tools and support to do exactly that. I am proud of the work we do, and even more proud of the professionals we graduate.”

Dr. Brittney Pride, OTD, OTR/L

Are you ready to make a difference? Our occupational therapy master’s degree will prepare you to improve people’s lives. Discover why our graduates are so highly sought after and how DSU can help you achieve your professional goals. Apply now or join a virtual information session to learn more about our program and meet the faculty.