School of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy

Application Information

  • OTCAS Web-based Application:  USD OT subscribes to Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS), which allows you to apply to multiple OT education programs through a single web-based application
    • Early application deadline is October 1, 2013 to be considered for an early interview on November 15, 2013. Early Application Requirements
    • Regular admission deadline is January 1, 2014 to be considered for an interview either March 6 or March 7, 2014
    • Applications received after January 1, 2014 will be considered subject to space availability in the entering class
  • USD Graduate School Application and Fee
  • Prerequisite coursework:  Required prior to entrance
  • Baccalaureate degree:  Required completion no later than spring semester of the year of admission
    • No preference is given to any specific major
  • GRE:  Required component of the application. Plan to take the GRE well in advance of submitting your application so that the scores are received PRIOR to the application deadline
    • Either the GRE General Test or the GRE Revised General Test will be accepted
    • A minimum combined score of 300 on the Revised General Test (or approximately the same GRE percentile performance on the General Test) and a minimum writing score of 4.0 (on either the General Test or the Revised General Test) are recommended.
    • Report unofficial scores on the OTCAS application; have official scores sent to USD
    • Codes:  USD=6881; USD Occupational Therapy:  0618
    • GRE scores may not be more than five years old
  • Personal Interview
  • Selection Criteria
  • You may be eligible to secure your seat a year in advance
  • Additional Requirements:  Upon provisional acceptance to the USD Occupational Therapy Program, you will be asked to pay a $200 seat deposit, submit and pay for a criminal background check ($100) and attest, in writing, that you are able to perform the tasks outlined in the Essential Functions document
    • A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBOCT Certification Examination or attain state licensure

General questions about your application or application status may be directed to:
Lisa Nielsen (Lisa.Nielsen@usd.edu), 605-677-3938 

For specific questions concerning prerequisite courses or decision processes, please contact:
Dr. Audrey Cross (Audrey.Cross@usd.edu), 605-677-6583