Applications and Admissions

The goal of the Department of Occupational Therapy is to provide information and guidance to support students in their educational planning as they work to achieve career and life goals. If you have questions pertaining to our Master of Science degree or Doctorate program, please contact the appropriate coordinator.

Notice for MSOT re-applicants 2023-2024

Application Information and Resources

MSOT Information and Criteria for Acceptance

Learn more about the MSOT application process and criteria for acceptance.

OTD Information and Criteria for Acceptance

Learn more about the OTD application process and criteria for acceptance.

Forms

Review the Department of Occupational Therapy's Forms. 

Required Prerequisite Courses

The following courses may be completed at any community college, four year college or university at either the graduate or undergraduate level.

FAQ

Have a question? Check out our FAQ page. 

Criminal Background Check

A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination and may preclude attainment of state licensure. Some practicum and fieldwork sites may also perform background checks and refuse internships to students with a felony conviction. Students who have a prior felony conviction are urged to contact the respective MSOT or OTD Coordinator prior to the start of the program to determine their potential to practice as an occupational therapist. While we recognize this to be a privacy issue, it is recommended that the student disclose this information before beginning the MSOT or OTD program.

Admissions Staff

OTD Admissions Coordinators

Name: Dr. Gigi Smith/Dr. Courtney Boitano

Location: CCB 203/220

MSOT Graduate Admissions Coordinator

Name:  Dr. Gigi Smith

Location: CCB 203

MSOT Graduate Admissions Assistant

Name: MSOT email

Location: CCB 220

Undergraduate Pre-OT Advisor

Name:  Dr. Gigi Smith

Location: CCB 203

MSOT and OTD Group Informational Sessions

These advising sessions are for individuals who are interested in applying to the master's and OTD program. During this session we will go over the Occupational Therapy Program at SJSU, discuss the criteria and prerequisites for applying to the program and answer any questions you might have. Please review the content on the website prior to attending the session. You need only come to one advising session. Applicants for this year are also welcome to attend. These sessions provide information about the Master's and Doctorate program, the admissions process, prerequisite courses, and other issues of interest. We hope to see you soon at our upcoming info sessions! OTD Informational Session - November 11, 2024 (6:15-7:15pm) via Zoom; MSOT Informational Session - November 14, 2024 (6:00 - 7:30 pm) via Zoom

Review the MSOT & OTD Program Advising Overview

“Thank you so much for an informative session. I know we had gone over a lot of that info already, but it was great to hear it again, and to hear some of the questions the other potential students had. It's amazing what you forget to ask when you're by yourself. And just being in the classroom with everyone only increased my enthusiasm!” ~ Prospective MS OT applicant

Advising Office Hours (Spring 2022)

OTD Informational Session

November 11, 2024 
Time: 6:15 - 7:15pm (PST)

Zoom Link will be provided after registration. Email us for inquiries about the OTD program.

Fill out the registration form

MSOT Advising Session

November 14, 2024 (via Zoom)
Time: 6:00 - 7:30PM (PST)

All group advising sessions will continue to be held via Zoom virtual sessions.

Individual advising sessions and departmental visits can be scheduled. Contact the Graduate Assistant to request an individual session.

Fill out the registration form

Graduate Admissions Advisor, Dr. Gigi Smith

Central Classroom Building (CCB), Room 204 - By appointment only    

Please direct any questions to the Graduate Assistant.

Contact the Graduate Assistant

Graduate Admissions Assistant

Office Hours:

  • Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (virtual)
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM (virtual)

Make an appointment via Advising Google calendar only and select your 15-minute time slot.

Contact the Graduate Assistant

Neuroanatomy Course Prerequisite

The neuroanatomy course prerequisite can be fulfilled by taking OCTH 190 (Foundations of Neuroscience for Occupational Therapy) at San Jose State University. Neuroanatomy, neurobiology, or neurophysiology courses from other universities may also fulfill this prerequisite. There is a pre-approved list of courses. If the course you wish to substitute is not on the list you may send the course syllabus to the Graduate Assistant as early as possible for review (email, mail or fax at 408.924.3088). If you do not get approval, the course will not be accepted.

Pre-approved list of neuroanatomy courses

Undergraduate Students Interested in Occupational Therapy

The department offers group and individual advising sessions to assist students to plan a program of study that will prepare them to apply to the occupational therapy Master's degree program. It is important for each student to attend advising sessions in order to plan their optimal academic program. Please check this website for dates and times of advising sessions. Please contact the undergraduate admissions coordinator, Dr. Gigi Smith, for more information.

SJSU Advising

For any questions regarding your Graduate Admissions application (i.e. if they have received your transcripts) contact:

Jessica Hernandez 

Phone: (408) 924-2406

Email Jessica Hernandez 

SJSU Writing Support

SJSU has resources to help advance your writing skills. 

Graduate Writing Support Services