You can improve the well-being of people in your community by earning your Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) degree from Roosevelt University.
During your time in the flexible, hybrid MSOT program, you'll become more than a skilled practitioner—you’ll emerge as a compassionate healthcare leader dedicated to building a more efficient and empathetic system of care.
People of all ages rely on occupational therapists to regain independence after injury, adapt to life changes, and develop essential daily skills that increase quality of life. Are you ready to take your place in healthcare and make a real impact in individuals' lives?
For additional information or questions please contact MSOT@roosevelt.edu.
11:00 - 12:00pm
The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program at Roosevelt University prepares diverse and compassionate occupational therapy practitioners who advance health, participation, and occupational justice. Guided by the dynamic interaction between person, occupation and environment, theory-driven learners actively engage in experiential education, the promotion of critical reasoning, collaborative teamwork, and reflection. Through rigorous academic study and evidence-informed practice, graduates are equipped to promote equitable access, dignity, and meaningful engagement in everyday life for people of all backgrounds across varied regions and practice settings.
Roosevelt University’s Master’s in Occupational Therapy program offers a hybrid learning experience that combines online coursework with immersive in‑person sessions in Schaumburg. With minimal on‑campus requirements, small class sizes, and dedicated faculty support, students gain flexibility without sacrificing connection or community.
Roosevelt University’s full‑time, low‑residency MSOT program delivers approximately 70% of its coursework online, with the remaining 30% completed through three, week‑long, in‑person immersive experiences on our Schaumburg campus, along with Level II fieldwork to ensure robust, hands‑on clinical preparation.
With competitive tuition, Roosevelt’s MSOT program offers outstanding value compared to nearby programs. The Schaumburg campus is located minutes from O’Hare International Airport and surrounded by hotels within walking distance, making immersive sessions convenient for out‑of‑town students.
Occupational therapy is a high‑demand healthcare profession with excellent long‑term outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 14% from 2024–2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual salary is $98,340, with opportunities across healthcare, schools, community settings, and emerging practice areas.
Students learn in state‑of‑the‑art occupational therapy labs, benefit from small class sizes, and receive personalized faculty support in a collaborative, student‑centered learning environment. The OT space on campus includes an Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Apartment, Pediatrics & Sensory Lab, Rehabilitation Lab, and Human Movement Lab.
| Cost Category | Year 1 (Fall / Spring / Summer) | Year 2 (Fall / Spring) |
|---|---|---|
| *Tuition ($900 per credit hour) | $34,200 (38 credit hours) | $33,300 (37 credit hours) |
| **Fees | ||
| Student Health Fee | $54 | $54 |
| Student Activity Fee | $50 | $50 |
| Graduate General Fee | $495 | $330 |
| Book Fee | $808 | $309 |
| Distance Program Fee | — | — |
| Regalia Rental Fee | — | $134 |
| Yearly Total | $35,607 | $34,177 |
| Total Direct Cost | $69,784 | |
*Cohort Pricing locks in tuition for the 2-year cycle.
**University fees subject to annual increases. Student Health Fee $27.06/semester, Student Activity fee $25/semester, Graduate General Fee $165/semester (including summer), Book Fee $23.75 per credit hour in Year 1 and Year 2 for 13 credits. Get detailed information on University Tuition and Fees.
Additional costs that students are responsible for include: student loan fees (if applicable), annual membership to AOTA (required while enrolled in program), transportation and hotel (if needed) for required on-campus experiences, and transportation, parking, and housing/lodging (if needed) for Level II fieldwork experiences.
The MSOT program is a low‑residency, hybrid program with approximately 70% of coursework delivered online. Students are required to attend three one‑week immersive, in‑person sessions on the Schaumburg campus, while all other coursework can be completed remotely.
Students complete three Level I fieldwork experiences integrated into coursework and two full‑time Level II fieldwork experiences totaling 24 weeks. Level II fieldwork is completed in person, typically arranged within or near the student’s geographic area, and is required for graduation and NBCOT exam eligibility.
Occupational therapists work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, home health care, skilled nursing facilities, community centers, mental health facilities, and in workplace or ergonomic consulting settings. They can also specialize in areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, and mental health rehabilitation.
Occupational therapy focuses on helping people develop or regain the skills needed for daily living and meaningful activities, while physical therapy primarily addresses improving movement, strength, and physical function. In short, OT emphasizes functional independence, and PT emphasizes physical rehabilitation.
To become an occupational therapist, you’ll first need an undergraduate degree in a related field such as psychology, biology, kinesiology, health sciences, or sociology, which provides the foundational coursework for admission into a graduate program. After that, you must earn a Master’s in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) to practice; a doctorate (OTD) is optional but not required for entry-level positions.
The Occupational Therapy Master's Degree has applied for accreditation by the:
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 652-AOTA
www.acoteonline.org.
The program must be granted Candidacy Status, have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates 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.