Psychology (B.S.) Pre-Occupational Therapy / Master of Occupational Therapy (M.O.T.)

Program Overview

Occupational therapy is a growing allied health profession that prepares you to work with patients in a variety of health care settings to help restore abilities needed to perform activities of daily living, recovering from disease/injury or adapting environments to meet individual needs.

Messiah’s five-year accelerated program is designed for academically qualified first-year students who are confident they want to become occupational therapists. The program allows entering first-year students to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees at Messiah University, one of the top private Christian schools in the U.S., in less time than would be required to complete both of these degrees separately. Students who pursue this accelerated program earn both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in psychology) and a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree from Messiah University in five years.

For more information on the requirements for progression to the professional phase, please click https://www.messiah.edu/otap

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Psychology B.S. program can:

1. Identify and explain the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology, developing a sophisticated understanding of individual human behavior.
2. Input and analyze data using appropriate SPSS methods;
3. Design, execute, analyze, and systematically report research results
4. Integrate and interpret multiple test data to make appropriate clinical recommendations.
5. Reflect on experiences (academic/ volunteer/internship/employment) that shaped their current sense of vocation and articulate how those experiences impact future vocational goals.
6. Articulate how faith connects to Psychology and to potential career options in the field of Psychology

Graduates from Messiah’s MOT program can

1. Develop a sound understanding on theoretical knowledge base that is foundational to the practice of occupational therapy
2. Demonstrate the skill of a competent entry-level occupational therapy practitioner
3. Use scholarly inquiry and evidence-based practice while engaged in the art and science of occupational therapy.
4. Demonstrate competent clinical skills practicing according to ethical principles that benefit the client and other stakeholders
5. Articulate the connection between personal faith-commitments and service, leadership and reconciliation within OT practice.
6. Demonstrate respect for culture and diversity in occupation-centered practice while engaging with diverse individuals, groups, and communities.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

Undergraduate Electives Required by MOT (25 credits)

Three credits from the following:

Four credits from the following:

QuEST Requirements

See graduate catalog for listing of graduate courses counted towards undergraduate requirements.