Admissions
When will the OTCAS application open for the next cohort?
The OTCAS application opens each July. Due to rolling admission, students are encouraged to complete the application process as soon as possible.
When is the ACU application deadline? What if my OTCAS application is not verified by the deadline?
The deadline to apply is December 12 and does include the OTCAS verification process. Please click here to find helpful application timeline tips from OTCAS.
Do I need to submit documents to ACU, in addition to OTCAS? Is there a supplemental ACU application fee?
Upon submitting your OTCAS application, you’ll find instructions for paying the $65 ACU application fee. All other documents are reviewed through OTCAS.
How many applicants are accepted each year?
We accept 45 students each year.
What is the minimum GPA required to apply?
An overall GPA of 3.0 is required to apply.
If I retake a course, is the original grade still included in the GPA calculation?
Yes, all grades earned for repeated courses are factored into your OTCAS GPA.
What is the minimum number of observation hours needed to apply?
A minimum of 40 hours of observation is required prior to the application deadline. Preferably in more than one occupational therapy setting.
Can I include non-OT observation hours on the form, such as observing a PT?
No, all hours entered into the OTCAS observation section must have been spent observing a licensed occupational therapist.
How do I document my observation hours?
Applicants will enter observation information directly into their OTCAS portal. Please click here for observation hour tracking information and instructions. ACU does not require additional forms or signatures.
What are the prerequisite courses for the program?
Prerequisites include:
- Anatomy and Physiology I (or Anatomy)
- Anatomy and Physiology II (or Physiology)
- Statistics
- Abnormal Psychology
- Medical Terminology
- Life Span Development
Do all of my prerequisite courses need to be completed before the application deadline?
A maximum of 6 credit hours of prerequisites can be pending at the time of application.
How old can my prerequisite courses be when I apply?
All prerequisite coursework must be completed within seven years prior to enrollment.
Is there a minimum grade for a prerequisite course?
Yes, all prerequisite coursework must be successfully completed with a grade no lower than C. Credit/no Credit designations are not acceptable for prerequisite courses.
Can I take some of the prerequisites during the first semester of the MSOT program?
No, an official, degree awarding transcript showing all prereq final grades must be submitted before beginning the ACU MSOT program.
How do I know if my class satisfies the prerequisite requirement?
If the name of your course does not match the name of the prerequisite, you can request a prerequisite review to confirm that it will satisfy the requirement. To request a prerequisite review, please email msot@acu.edu. Please include the following information in the email:
- ACU prerequisite course name
- Course name, course number, and catalog description for the corresponding course in question
- University or college providing the course
- Year and semester during which the course was taken
Does ACU have a preference for prerequisite course completion at a 2-2 year versus a 4-year institution? Online or residential?
The ACU MSOT does not have a preference, as long as the college or university is accredited.
Is the GRE required for admission?
No, the GRE is not required. If provided in OTCAS, your GRE score will not be reviewed by the ACU MSOT admissions committee.
Can I transfer credits to ACU's MSOT from another program?
No, the ACU MSOT program does not accept transfer credits from another university.
When will I be notified of my admission status?
Our OT department makes admissions decisions on a rolling basis. The committee meets monthly to evaluate verified applications. Students can expect an admissions decision within 6 weeks of OTCAS verification.
If I am waitlisted, when will I be notified if I am accepted?
Waitlisted applicants are notified as soon as there is an opening in the cohort. This could occur as late as August in some cases.
Program
Is the program accredited?
Yes. The entry level occupational therapy master’s degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is 301-652-6611, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
What are the ACU NBCOT exam pass rates?
Please click here to see pass rates for each cohort.
How many entry terms are offered each year?
One entry term is offered each fall; new students begin in late August.
What is the length of the program?
Students complete the program in 2 years (graduating in August).
Can I enroll part time?
There are no part time options.
What are the fieldwork expectations?
Fieldwork consists of two phases:
- Fieldwork Level 1 is scheduled at the completion of the first semester, can be performed in many different occupational therapy settings, and generally allows the students “real world” experiences under the direction of a licensed OT. The student is required to successfully complete three Level 1 Fieldwork experiences.
- Fieldwork Level 2 generally consist of two 12-week assignments at various occupational therapy settings under the direct supervision of an occupational therapist. Students work closely with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator to determine the best location and OT environment for the student.
What is the cost of tuition? Are scholarships offered?
For cost information, please visit the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and review the “Degree Details” section. Scholarships are offered on a competitive basis.
Can I attend an MSOT Open House?
Absolutely! Please click here to learn more about upcoming Open Houses or to schedule a campus visit.
What is Abilene like?
Please click here to learn more about Abilene, TX!