--- title: Occupational Therapy | GSAS | Tufts University --- ![gsas-horiz-lockup](https://grad.tufts.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/gsas-horiz-lockup.png?noresize&width=300&height=41&name=gsas-horiz-lockup.png) [Get Program Details](https://grad.tufts.edu/gsas-occupational-therapy#program-form) ![gsas-horiz-lockup-white-1](https://grad.tufts.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/gsas-horiz-lockup-white-1.png?width=300&height=41&name=gsas-horiz-lockup-white-1.png) # For those ready to make a greater impact in OT ## Build skills for your OT future with Tufts’ graduate programs in occupational therapy. - Choose from on-campus and online programs built for every career stage. - Drive innovation across health, education, and community settings. - Benefit from the resources of a top-tier research university. ![OT\_hero](https://grad.tufts.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/OT_hero.png?width=1400&height=926&name=OT_hero.png) ## At a Glance **PROGRAMS** Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (ELOTD)  Online Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (PPOTD)  Post-Professional OT Master’s and Certificate Programs.  **ENTRY TERMS**  ELOTD: Summer | PPOTD, MS and Certificates: Fall and spring **APPLY BY**  **Doctoral and Master’s Degree** Summer: October 15, Priority fall: January 15, Regular fall: April 15, Priority spring: October 1, Regular spring: December 1   **[See Certificate deadlines below](https://grad.tufts.edu/gsas-occupational-therapy#Certificates)**   **REQUIREMENTS**  No GRE required.   **FINANCIAL AID**  Generous scholarships are available. ### Take the next step toward your graduate degree in occupational therapy. Loading... ## Turn Your Passion for Care Into Lasting Clinical Impact **Occupational Therapy graduate programs** at Tufts bridge evidence-based inquiry with compassionate, client-centered practice. ### Options for Every Stage From entry-level doctoral degrees to flexible online post-professional programs and specialized certificates, Tufts offers pathways tailored to your professional goals.  ### Career Preparation Dive into internships, research opportunities, and programming that ground theory in real-world practice. ### Generous Support The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers merit- and need-based tuition scholarships for qualified, full-time applicants to our master’s and doctoral degree programs. ## Picture Yourself as an OT Leader at Tufts Video player - ot-video - Click to play video ## Who Is This Program For? Finding the right educational path is the first step toward advancing your impact as an occupational therapist. ELOTD Online PPOTD Master’s degree Certificates ### Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate Tailored to those with a degree in another field who wish to become licensed occupational therapists through an intensive doctoral curriculum.  - Gain hands-on experience through fieldwork placements. - Engage in cutting-edge research alongside recognized faculty leaders in pediatric, adult, and mental health OT. - Prepare to sit for the NBCOT exam, and step into clinical leadership roles. ### Online Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Built for licensed OTs holding a master’s degree who are seeking advanced leadership, teaching, or clinical research credentials without interrupting their careers.  - Complete 100% online coursework designed for working healthcare professionals. - Execute an applied doctoral project that directly addresses a practice challenge in your current workplace or community. - Connect with a national cohort of practicing therapists and clinical scholars. ### Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Master’s Designed for practicing occupational therapists who hold a bachelor's degree in OT and want to deepen their clinical expertise, leadership, and research capabilities. - Expand your professional scope with interdisciplinary coursework. - Collaborate closely with faculty mentors on advanced research projects. - Choose flexible full-time or part-time scheduling options to balance study with professional practice. ### School- Based Practice Created for licensed OTs looking to specialize in school-system practice and navigate educational policies effectively.  - Master evidence-based strategies for evaluating and supporting students within educational settings. - Learn to collaborate with interdisciplinary school teams, parents, and administrators. - Earn a recognized credential through convenient part-time, online study. ### Assistive Technology Ideal for healthcare, education, and rehabilitation professionals aiming to harness emerging technology to enhance client independence.  - Evaluate, design, and implement high- and low-tech assistive solutions for diverse populations. - Learn from industry experts in accessibility, universal design, and adaptive equipment. - Apply coursework immediately to clinical, educational, or community settings. ### Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Designed for OTs seeking specialized knowledge in upper extremity assessment, intervention, and surgical recovery.  - Master anatomical, biomechanical, and therapeutic principles of hand and upper limb rehabilitation. - Prepare for advanced clinical practice and progress toward Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credentialing. - Complete specialized coursework while maintaining clinical employment.   ## Tufts' Occupational Therapy Graduate Degree Programs Explore your options at Tufts, and discover the next step in your career. All Programs Doctorate (1) Doctoral degrees (1) Master’s degree (1) Certificates (3) ### Filter by Degree Type ### Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate A residential doctoral program preparing individuals with a degree in a field other than OT for initial licensure and clinical excellence. This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).  **Entry term**: Summer  **Apply by**: October 15  ### Online Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate A flexible online doctoral pathway empowering practicing OTs to transform clinical practice through leadership and applied research.  **Entry terms**: Fall  **Apply by**: Priority fall: January 15  Regular fall: April 15  ### Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Master’s Degree A flexible advanced degree for licensed OTs seeking to elevate their clinical leadership and evidence-based practice.  **Entry terms**: Fall, spring  **Apply by**: Priority fall: January 15   Regular fall: April 15   Priority spring: October 1   Regular spring: December 1   ### School-Based Practice Professional Certificate A specialized post-professional certificate focused on evidence-based practice in educational environments.  **Entry terms:** Fall, spring  **Apply by:** Priority fall: May 15 Regular fall: Rolling through August 1   Priority spring: October 1  Regular spring: December 1  ### Assistive Technology Professional Certificate An interdisciplinary certificate program focused on evaluating and implementing adaptive technologies to maximize client independence.  **Entry terms**: Fall, spring  **Apply by:** Priority fall: May 15 Regular fall: rolling through August 1 Priority spring: October 1  Regular spring: December 1     ### Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Professional Certificate An advanced clinical certificate designed to deepen expertise in upper limb anatomy, injury recovery, and rehabilitation techniques.  **Entry terms**: Fall, spring  **Apply by:** Priority fall: May 15 Regular fall: Rolling through August 1 Priority spring: October 1 Regular spring: December 1  ## By the Numbers ### $ 98,340 Average yearly salary for occupational therapists ### 14% Expected growth rate for occupational therapy careers through 2034 ### 130,000+ Number of alumni who will expand your network ## Hear From Our Students ![230928\_10023\_friedman0637@2x](https://grad.tufts.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/230928_10023_friedman0637@2x.png?width=604&height=720&name=230928_10023_friedman0637@2x.png) Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Master's Degree ### Tay Amin-Arsala “Tufts definitely set me up to be a successful leader in occupational therapy. I’m currently the state representative of Massachusetts for occupational therapists—a lot of this came from Tufts and the support of my professors.”  ![131103\_12742\_sailing354@2x](https://grad.tufts.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/131103_12742_sailing354@2x.png?width=604&height=400&name=131103_12742_sailing354@2x.png) Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate ### Kaitlyn Irwin “Having the opportunity to engage in a doctoral experiential component, fieldwork placements, and present at conferences gave me the confidence and knowledge base to start my career off strong and provide the highest level of care I can to children and their families. "  ## What Can You Do With Your Degree? A graduate degree or certificate in occupational therapy opens doors to rewarding careers across hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, and community organizations. ### Clinical Practice and Health Leadership Deliver specialized therapeutic interventions and manage clinical operations.  **Job titles include:**  Clinical Occupational Therapist  Rehabilitation Manager  Hand Therapist  Pediatric OT Specialist  ### School-Based and Pediatric Care Empower children and youth to thrive in school and community environments.  **Job titles include:**  School-Based Occupational Therapist  Early Intervention Specialist  Youth Program Consultant  ### Higher Education and Research Drive systemic improvement, and design cutting-edge assistive technology solutions.  **Job titles include:**  Clinical Assistant Professor  Assistive Technology Specialist  Healthcare Administrator  OT Researcher  ## The Tufts Graduate Student Community ![171218\_ 3968 campusstock077@2x](https://grad.tufts.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/171218_%203968%20campusstock077@2x.png?noresize&width=302&height=200&name=171218_%203968%20campusstock077@2x.png) ### Our Programs Whether you are just starting out in the field or are looking to take your OT career to the next level, our online and on-campus programs are designed to accelerate your career goals.  ![Community\_OurResources\_604x720](https://grad.tufts.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Community_OurResources_604x720.png?noresize&width=302&height=360&name=Community_OurResources_604x720.png) ### Our Resources Benefit from state-of-the-art labs, active research centers, and the wide-ranging academic assets of a top-ranked R1 research university.  ![Community\_OurCulture\_640x400-3 1](https://grad.tufts.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Community_OurCulture_640x400-3%201.png?noresize&width=302&height=200&name=Community_OurCulture_640x400-3%201.png) ### Our Network Make connections, and access a wealth of resources to move your career forward by joining our expansive network of alumni and faculty who are leaders in their fields.  ![260423\_10807\_ani\_gsas800](https://grad.tufts.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/260423_10807_ani_gsas800.jpg?noresize&width=302&height=360&name=260423_10807_ani_gsas800.jpg) ### Our Outcomes Graduate with the clinical confidence needed to make an immediate, lasting impact in client care and health systems. ## Frequently Asked Questions #### [Do I need a background in healthcare to apply to the entry-level OTD?](https://grad.tufts.edu/gsas-occupational-therapy#accordion-main-module-24-panel-1) No. The Entry-Level OTD program welcomes applicants with a bachelor's degree in any discipline, provided prerequisite coursework is completed prior to enrollment.  #### [What research opportunities are available to students?](https://grad.tufts.edu/gsas-occupational-therapy#accordion-main-module-24-panel-2) As a graduate student at a top-tier R1 research university, you’ll have access to collaborative, evidence-based research opportunities across the department and broader university, as well as the ability to present your scholarly work at regional and national conferences. #### [Are financial aid and scholarships available?](https://grad.tufts.edu/gsas-occupational-therapy#accordion-main-module-24-panel-3) Yes. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers merit- and need-based tuition scholarships. Be sure to indicate your interest in financial support within your application.  ![GSAS\_V1](https://grad.tufts.edu/hubfs/lockups/GSAS_V1.svg?noresize) © Tufts University 2026 [Non-Discrimination Statement](https://oeo.tufts.edu/policies-procedures/non-discrimination-statement/) [Privacy](https://www.tufts.edu/about/privacy)