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Co-enrolling in the MS and OTD programs
Advance your career in occupational therapy
As the field of occupational therapy continues to grow, many OTs find themselves needing advanced therapeutic skills and expertise to manage people and programs. They’re looking for new ways to convey their knowledge effectively using educational methods.
Entry-level degrees in occupational therapy (like our MS) focus on developing generalist practitioners. The OTD program focuses on developing advanced practitioners with specialized expertise, advanced knowledge and skills, and the ability to take on leadership and educational roles in the field. We focus on evidence-based practice and research that can be applied to improving your practice and developing new areas of innovative practice.
Our OTD students fall into three categories:
- Currently practicing occupational therapists with a bachelor’s or master’s degree
- Students currently enrolled in our MS program that want to continue on to OTD
- Students who want to co‐enroll in the MS and OTD programs
If you’re not yet an occupational therapist, you can co-apply to our master’s and OTD programs, or apply to the OTD program after beginning the MS program.
Requirements
Before you start, check out our admission criteria on the Before You Apply page to make sure you meet all the requirements.
Simultaneously applying to the MS and OTD programs
- In order to be eligible for consideration to be accepted into the OTD program, you first have to be accepted into the MS program. You can still apply to the OTD prior to notification of the MS admission decision. Once you’re accepted to the MS, the OTD admissions committee will review your OTD application.
Deadline
Fall applications are due March 1.
Checklist
- Complete MS application
- Complete OTD application form
- Curriculum vitae
- Personal statement
- Letter of recommendation
OTD application form
Complete the OTD application form.
Supplemental fees
If accepted into the OTD program, you will need to pay a $70 non-refundable fee with your UIC professional application in the spring semester prior to MS graduation. This is a University requirement to ensure a smooth transition from the MS program into the OTD program.
Curriculum vitae
The CV is a key component of your application package, so make sure to follow the OTD application guidelines for creating yours. Use only the categories that apply to you—we assume that there will be some categories that don’t apply.
Personal statement
Submit a personal statement that is specific to the OTD (in addition to the MS statement. Follow the OTD guidelines for creating yours.
The personal statement is a critical part of the OTD application, and will allow the admissions committee to determine if there’s a good match between your career goals and our program.You can indicate up to two potential faculty to serve as OTD advisors, but it’s not required—you can defer advisor confirmation until your second year of the MS program. The Director of Graduate Studies for the OTD program will serve as advisor until one has been determined.
Letter of recommendation
Submit one additional letter of recommendation that specifically addresses your potential for doctoral study. This should come from someone with a doctoral degree (professional or research doctorate). It can be from one of your three MS recommenders or a fourth recommender. If the letter was already submitted in the MS application, it doesn’t need to be re-submitted into the OTD application.
Where to send materials
OTD application materials can be mailed to the following address or emailed to otdept@uic.edu with the subject line “OTD Application for (your name)”:
OTD Application
Department of Occupational Therapy
University of Illinois at Chicago
1919 W. Taylor St. (M/C 811)
Chicago, IL 60612-7250
Current UIC MS students
If you’re currently enrolled as a master’s student, an OTD offers you the opportunity to enter the field with advanced knowledge and skills.
Deadline
Applications for Spring are due November 1 (domestic applicants only) and applications for Fall are due March 1.
Checklist
- OTD application form
- Curriculum vitae
- Personal statement
- Letter of recommendation
- UIC Professional application form (second year students only)
OTD application
Complete the OTD application form.
Curriculum vitae
The CV is a key component of your application package, so make sure to follow the OTD application guidelines for creating yours. Use only the categories that apply to you—we assume that there will be some categories that don’t apply.
Personal statement
Submit a personal statement that is specific to the OTD. Follow the OTD guidelines for creating yours.
- First year students: You can indicate up to two potential faculty to serve as OTD advisors, but it’s not required—you can defer advisor confirmation until your second year of the MS program.
- Second year students: You must select a faculty advisor and explain how this faculty member and their work correspond to your interests and career goals.
Letter of recommendation
Submit a letter of recommendation that specifically addresses your potential for doctoral study. Follow the OTD application guidelines.
This should come from someone with a doctoral degree (professional or research doctorate). It can be from an UIC OT faculty member with a doctoral degree that knows you well enough to write about your qualifications for the OTD.
UIC Professional application form (second year students only)
Submit your application online via the UIC Website—just follow the instructions listed there. There is a non-refundable application fee of $70 for all applicants. This is a University requirement to ensure a smooth transition from the MS program into the OTD program.
Transcripts with previous coursework will be kept on file and do not need to be re-submitted.
Where to send materials
OTD application materials can be mailed to the following address or emailed to otdept@uic.edu with the subject line “OTD Application for (your name)”:
OTD Application
Department of Occupational Therapy
University of Illinois at Chicago
1919 W. Taylor St. (M/C 811)
Chicago, IL 60612-7250
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