Graduate and Adult Learning

MAP: Health

OCCUPATIONAL SCIENCE
MAP: Health

ONLINE OCCUPATIONAL SCIENCE (OS): THE STARTING POINT FOR MUSKINGUM'S MASTER OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (MOT)

Your path to Muskingum University’s Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) begins in Occupational Science (OS). OS is the required first step that helps you complete the prerequisite foundation and build readiness for MOT admission—through either the OTA → MOT Bridge Pathway or the Alternative Pathway. If your goal is a bachelor’s degree, you can also complete OS as a stand-alone program while staying on a clear Pre-MOT track.

Start your path in MOT by applying to Occupational Science (OS) first—a fully online, OT-aligned prerequisite foundation offered through Muskingum’s Adult Program. After OS, you are eligible to enter the MOT Program. 

No matter which MOT pathway you choose—Alternative or OTA-to-MOT Bridge—completed prerequisites help ensure you’re ready for Muskingum University’s rigorous Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) curriculum (online coursework, labs, and fieldwork).

Use the Muskingum MOT Prerequisite Pre-Screening Tool for a quick, unofficial check of what you’ve completed and what you may still need—so you can start early and plan with confidence.

Contact Pre-MOT Advisor Jennifer Baird before applying at jbaird@muskingum.edu.

OTA → MOT BRIDGE PATHWAY

For licensed occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) ready to advance to the occupational therapist role. 

Minimum requirements:

  • Credentialed OTA: NBCOT certification and current state licensure in good standing
  • Prerequisite courses completed with “C” or better (verified by transcripts)
    • Basic prerequisite courses:
      • Abnormal Psychology (3) 
      • Anatomy & Physiology (6) 
      • Human Development (2) 
      • Human Disease (2) 
      • Statistics (3) 
    • Occupational Science prerequisites:
      • OCSC 351 Occupational Science (3) 
      • OCSC 453 Elder Cognitive Health & Wellness (3) 
      • OCSC 455 Sensory Function Across the Lifespan (3) 
      • PSYC 419 Cognitive Neuroscience Prep Course (1)  
  • Minimum 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework 
  • Work experience: 1,500 hours as an OTA within the most recent 60 months
  • GPA expectation: minimum 3.0 (OTA education + prerequisite coursework) 

How to start:
Apply to Occupational Science (OS) first, complete your OS/prerequisite plan with the Pre-MOT Advisor Jennifer Baird before applying, then submit your OTA Pathway MOT application by the published deadline.

ALTERNATIVE PATHWAY

For individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a related/health-related field who want a structured route into Muskingum’s MOT program. 

Minimum requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related/health-related field 
  • Prerequisite courses completed with “C” or better (verified by transcripts) 
    • Basic prerequisite courses:
      • Abnormal Psychology (3) 
      • Anatomy & Physiology (6) 
      • Human Development (2) 
      • Human Disease (2) 
      • Statistics (3) 
    • Occupational Science prerequisites:
      • OCSC 351 Occupational Science (3) 
      • OCSC 453 Elder Cognitive Health & Wellness (3) 
      • OCSC 455 Sensory Function Across the Lifespan (3) 
      • PSYC 419 Cognitive Neuroscience Prep Course (1) 
      • OCSC 415 Introduction to Occupational Therapy (3) 
      • OCSC 425 Occupational Analysis and Clinical Reasoning (3) 
      • OCSC 475 Experiences in Occupational Therapy (3) 
  • Required virtual observation: completion of the 6-module virtual observation experiences(reflection form uploaded with application) 
  • GPA expectation: minimum 3.0 (bachelor’s degree + prerequisite coursework) 

How to start:
Apply to Occupational Science (OS) first, complete your OS/prerequisite plan with the Pre-MOT Advisor Jennifer Baird before applying, then submit your OTA Pathway MOT application by the published deadline.

HOW OCCUPATIONAL SCIENCE LEADS TO MOT

To pursue Muskingum’s MOT, you must start in Occupational Science (OS). Your advisor will review transfer credits, map the prerequisite sequence, and confirm which MOT entry option fits your background.

Choose your MOT entry option:

  • OTA → MOT Bridge Pathway – for licensed Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs)
  • Alternative MOT Pathway – for students with a health-related bachelor’s degree

Next step: Connect Pre-MOT Advisor Jennifer Baird before applying at jbaird@muskingum.edu.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE – BUILT FOR YOUR CAREER AND SCHEDULE

  • Designed for Certified OTAs and Healthcare Professionals — Build upon your prior education to earn your bachelor’s degree.
     
  • 100% Online and Asynchronous — Access coursework 24/7, from anywhere, on your own schedule.
     
  • Fast-Track Completion — Finish your BS degree in as little as 12–18 months, depending on transfer credits.
     
  • Flexible Pacing — Take one course per eight-week term or accelerate your progress.
     
  • No Clinical Requirement — All coursework can be completed fully online.
     
  • Strong Preparation for Graduate Study — Ideal for those planning to pursue an MOT or OTD program.
     
  • Transfer-Friendly Admissions — Enter with an AS degree or 60+ regionally accredited semester hours; prior coursework is evaluated for maximum transfer credit.

CURRICULUM

Courses

Health Core Requirements (12 Credit Hours)

  • HLSC 301 – The American Health Care System (3) 
  • HLSC 304 – Statistics for the Health Sciences (3) 
  • HLSC 495 – Seminar in Health Science (3) 
  • Choose one: HLSC 305 Health Informatics or HLSC 307 Health Communications & Promotion (3) 

Foundational Core Requirements (9 Credit Hours)

  • OCSC 351 – Occupational Science (3) 
  • OCSC 453 – Elder Cognitive Health & Wellness (3) 
  • OCSC 455 – Sensory Function Across the Lifespan (3) 

Occupational Science Electives (9 Credit Hours)

Choose three of the following:

  • BIOL 346 Pathophysiology or BIOL 250 Human Diseases (3) 
  • PSYC 208 Lifespan Development (3) 
  • PSYC 363 Abnormal Psychology (3) 
  • PSYC 409 Topics: Health Psychology (3) 
  • PSYC 430 Psychology of Injury (3) 
  • PHST 312 Social Gerontology (3) 
  • PHST 322 Health Policy (3) 
  • HLSC 330 The Human Body: Structure & Function (3)
  • HLSC 331 Nutrition & Health (3) 

Total Major Credits: 30 semester hours 

For a complete listing of MAP requirements, policies and procedures please refer to the Muskingum Adult Program Guidebook.

WHO SHOULD ENROLL

This program is ideal for:

  • Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) seeking to earn a bachelor’s degree for graduate preparation
  • Individuals with an AS in Health or 60+ college credits pursuing a science-based degree
  • Working professionals planning to advance into Muskingum's MOT program
  • Those looking for a flexible, fully online, self-paced program

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW MANY CREDITS IS THE MAJOR?

The Occupational Science major requires 30 semester hours of major coursework. 

ARE THE OCCUPATIONAL SCIENCE COURSES TAUGHT BY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS?

Yes — three of the major’s core OT content courses are taught by occupational therapists.

Can I use this major to qualify for Muskingum’s MOT Program?

Yes — this major is specifically designed to prepare you for Muskingum’s MOT program via the OTA Bridge or Alternative track. 

IS THE MAJOR FORMAT SUITABLE FOR ADULT LEARNERS?

Yes! Students can enroll in any of our five 8-week sessions, allowing for flexible work/life balance.

Is financial aid available for adult students?

Yes. Eligible students may qualify for federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants. For details, visit the Office of Financial Aid.

REQUEST INFORMATION TODAY
Ready to start your Pre-MOT journey? Contact us today and let’s get you started!
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