Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)

Dominican University of California’s Occupational Therapy Department values a holistic admissions process. When reviewing your application, we consider the extent and quality of your occupational therapy and related experiences, participation in academic or non-academic areas, your understanding of occupational therapy, evidence of interpersonal and communication skills, and other holistic aspects of your application, including additional skills, strengths, and life experiences.

Students admitted to the MSOT program will have completed a Bachelor’s degree in any field of study from an accredited four-year college or university, demonstrate an understanding of the basic tenets of OT, have experience exploring OT as a career, exhibit positive interpersonal skills, and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing excellence as an OT practitioner, leader, advocate, and lifelong learner.

• Completed Application
  Submit an OTCAS application. A Dominican University application is not required.
• Official Transcript(s) 
  Dominican requires official transcripts of all coursework, including all undergraduate, graduate, community college and study abroad (unless University-sponsored). Submit your transcripts on OTCAS as part of your application.
• GPA 
  An overall 3.0 GPA for the past 60 units is recommended. Applicants with a GPA lower than a 3.0 on the last 60 units completed should include a statement describing their academic readiness in the optional response field at time of application.
• Personal Statement
  Please provide a brief essay describing your professional and personal goals, as well as your reasons for pursuing this degree. 
• Interest in Dominican University of California
  a brief essay (300 words or less) describing why you chose to apply to Dominican’s MSOT program. Prior applicants should describe changes or experiences that have readied them since last applying (150–200 words or less).
• Optional Response
  Any other pertinent information for a holistic understanding of you as an applicant (300 words or less).
• Prerequisite Courses
  Minimum 3.0 GPA on prerequisite courses is recommended. Each individual prerequisite course must be completed with a grade of C or better. Up to three incomplete prerequisites are allowed at the time of application submission. Students with a GPA lower than a 3.0 on prerequisite courses should include a statement describing their academic readiness in the optional response field at time of application.
  1. Human Anatomy with lab (completed within the last 5 years)
  2. Human Physiology with lab (completed within the last 5 years)
  3. Lifespan Development (or Developmental Psychology).
  4. Introduction to Psychology
  5. Abnormal Psychology (Psychopathology)
  6. Statistics (math or psychology only, not business)
  7. Medical Terminology (1 unit or more)
• Resume
  Include all relevant work and volunteer experience.
• Two Letters of Recommendation
  We require a minimum of two letters of recommendation to be submitted through the application. The salutation for the letters should be: "Dear Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee." Please do not ask individuals to contact the committee directly on your behalf as these recommendations will not be considered. 
• Observation/Volunteer Experience
  Applicants to the Occupational Therapy program are required to complete a total of 40 hours of observation/volunteering in human services. 20 of those hours must be with an OTR. Document these hours with the Dominican Volunteer Experience Form and Reflection Form.
• Interviews
  Applicants who have been selected to continue on in the application process will receive an invitation to interview.
• Official GRE Score (optional)
  GRE scores are optional. If you do submit scores, please use the Dominican University of California OTCAS (code 4107) when indicating your program as a score recipient. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) will transmit official GRE scores electronically to OTCAS.

• International Applicants
  International candidates must meet additional admissions requirements.

  At Dominican University of California (DUOC), information regarding a student's criminal background and the results of criminal background checks are not considered during the admissions process for the Occupational Therapy program. However, it is important for applicants to understand that a criminal background could affect their ability to take the National Certification Examination for Occupational Therapists, which is overseen by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Additionally, a felony conviction might restrict access to necessary clinical fieldwork experiences, impact eligibility for the NBCOT certification exam, and influence the ability to obtain state licensure. Applicants with concerns about how a criminal background might affect their program participation are encouraged to consult with an OT Academic Advisor at DUOC. They can provide guidance on the requirements for completing the degree and obtaining licensure or certification.

Learn about tuition per unit, additional fees and total tuition.

We'll also show you how a Dominican education is more affordable than you might think with support from financial aid, scholarships and loans. 

Tuition and Aid

The MSOT degree program in occupational therapy at Dominican University of California has been granted full accreditation through 2033 — the maximum accreditation period awarded in the initial accreditation — 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 www.acoteonline.org. 

Graduates of the program 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, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

The national certification examination for eligible candidates is administered by The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT). 

One Bank Street, Suite 300
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
(301) 990-7979

Review our NBCOT report card.

The total number of graduates from the Dominican University of California Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program during the 3-year period of 2023–2025 was 134, with an overall graduation rate of 96%. The graduation rate is calculated based on calendar-year data.

NBCOT Pass Rate: graduates are eligible to sit for the certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Review our NBCOT report card for current pass-rate data.

The following policies have been available to all prospects. 

• University Withdrawal Policy
• Tuition, Financial Aid Refunds and Advances
• Withdrawal and Return of Title IV Funds
• University Technology Requirements

Occupational therapy offers a flexible career with opportunities to work in many settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation programs, schools, mental and behavioral health services, clinics, homes, businesses, and community organizations. Occupational therapists help people recover skills, adapt to activities and environments, manage health conditions, participate in meaningful routines, and prevent disability. As the profession continues to evolve, OT's are also developing roles in areas such as primary care, population health, aging in place, community mental health, assistive technology, program development, and health promotion.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapy employment is projected to grow 14% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 10,200 openings annually. The national median annual wage was $100,330 in May 2025. Dominican’s Class of 2024 reported an average full-time annual salary of $106,017.