Doctor of Occupational Therapy at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

A full-time, on-campus, 99-credit entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy ranked #1 in the nation by U.S. News. It includes simulation, Level II fieldwork and a doctoral capstone experience and project at external facilities, and is designated a Program of Merit in Gerontology. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NBCOT certification examination.

Faculty: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences | Department: Occupational Therapy | Duration: 2 years and 8 months (8 terms, including 2 summer terms) | Intake: Fall (August); applications open July 16, 2026; international (F-1) close May 1, 2027, domestic July 7, 2027 | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

Foundations of occupation, body functions and structures (anatomy), therapeutic approaches, principles of assessment, critical appraisal of evidence, human performance analysis, neurobehavioral science, clinical seminars, simulation each term, Level II fieldwork and the doctoral capstone.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00; prerequisites within the past five years with minimum grade B and 3.00 GPA, completed by June 1 (human anatomy and physiology with lab 8 credits, lifespan human development 3, abnormal psychology 3, statistics 3); at least 12 hours of experience (volunteer, shadowing or paid); personal statement; three letters of recommendation (a licensed OT, a college instructor, and one who can attest to skills and professionalism); apply through OTCAS by June 20 for consideration; no interviews; technical standards. International applicants whose native language is not English: TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7.5 or Duolingo 140 (on the new TOEFL scale, 5.0 with all sub-scores of 4.0 or higher).

Domestic applicants: USD 32,140 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Graduate Programs list, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 40,686 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Graduate Programs list, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Intake: Fall (August); applications open July 16, 2026; international (F-1) close May 1, 2027, domestic July

Duration: 2 years and 8 months (8 terms, including 2 summer terms)

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