How to Apply

The Program in Occupational Therapy is seeking students with a strong academic background and a commitment to promoting the health, productivity, and quality of life of individuals and society through the therapeutic application of occupation. 

The Fall 2025 priority application deadline will be November 1, 2024.  Following the priority deadline, we will accept applications on a rolling basis until the program fills or June 1, whichever comes first.

If you would like more information about the program, connect with us.

View the previous OT Student Profile of applicant and admission data.

Admission Steps

Applicants must complete the following:

OTCAS Application 
This centralized application allows prospective students to use one application to apply to multiple participating OT and OTA programs through a single application process.

Please note: In an effort to streamline the application process and remove barriers for applicants, the OTD program has removed the supplemental application and supplemental fee, incorporating those questions into OTCAS.

Written Statements

• OTCAS Personal Statement
• Several additional writing samples are required as part of your application to the University of Minnesota. The OTCAS application outlines all required and optional writing samples.
• Evaluations (recommendations) are not required for admission to our program; however, OTCAS requires at least 3 evaluations.

*Applicants already holding a degree in Occupational Therapy and who are originally certified by NBCOT should contact the admissions department at [email protected]. Faculty will review applicant transcripts for possible credit toward the OTD degree for previous experiential learning.

Prerequisite Courses

There are nine core prerequisite courses required for admission to the Program in Occupational Therapy. Students must have a prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or above in order to be considered for admission and no core prerequisite course can be successfully completed with a grade lower than a 'C.' Four out of the nine core prerequisites must be completed at the time of application submission, including two of the following three: Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, and Statistics. Complete details regarding prerequisite courses are outlined on our Academic Prerequisite Requirements page.

Practical Experience

Required

• A minimum of 20 observation hours OR completion of an Introduction to Occupational Therapy course when they apply. 

Recommended

• Additional OT observation experience (up to 80 hours)
• Work, volunteer or observation experience in health or education related fields (e.g. physical therapy, special education, speech pathology, long term care, home health, adult/child day care, community health organizations).
• Participation in research

Equal Opportunity and Title IX

The University of Minnesota is committed to adhering to the following Equal Opportunity Statement:

"The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, familial status, disability, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local commission created for the purpose of dealing with discrimination, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression."

As required by Title IX and its regulations, the University does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any of its education programs or activities, including in admissions and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX can be directed to the University's Title IX Coordinator and/or to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights. The Title IX Coordinator on the Twin Cities may be contacted at:

Twin Cities campus
Tina Marisam
Title IX Coordinator and EOT Director, Equal Opportunity & Title IX (EOT)
274 McNamara Alumni Center
200 Oak St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-624-9547 | [email protected]

Rochester campus
Jenny Casper, Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student  Success, Engagement, and Equity
507-258-8242   |   [email protected] 
 

Please see the University's policies for information about: (1) how to report information about or make a complaint of sexual harrassment, sexual assault, and other sex-based discrimination; and (2) the University's informal response and grievance processes.