Master of Occupational Therapy, Downers Grove Campus

Individuals applying for admission to the College of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Program must submit documentation for the following minimum requirements before the academic year commences for the incoming class:

1. Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale is encouraged. Grades of C or better are required for prerequisite coursework; grades of C- are not acceptable.
3. Completion of the minimum number of prerequisite courses in the prescribed subject areas at regionally accredited colleges or universities. (See Prerequisite Courses section below)
4. Satisfaction of the standards set forth by the Admissions Committee (including documentation of academic and professional promise in prospective students).
5. Completion of the Occupational Therapy Program's interview process. On-campus interviews are by invitation only. Applicants are invited to an interview based on evidence supportive of excellence in:
   1. Academic achievement
   2. Oral and written communication skills
   3. Articulation of the domain and scope of OT practice
   4. Community service
   5. Leadership in extracurricular or other activities
6. Demonstration of a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities.
7. Motivation for and commitment to healthcare as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer work, or other life experiences.
8. Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with clients and colleagues.
9. Commitment to abide by Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.
10. Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check.

Students must complete these courses with a grade of C or better; grades of C- are not acceptable:

¹The Anatomy and Physiology requirements may also be fulfilled by taking Anatomy and Physiology I and Anatomy and Physiology II, as some universities offer combined courses.

²Human Anatomy must be completed successfully within 5 years of admission to the Program. The lab component with cadaver experience is strongly recommended.

In addition, please be aware of the following recommendations and requirements:

• A course in child development, and a course in the sociology or psychology of aging, are highly recommended. Additional courses in the sciences and mathematics are recommended, including chemistry, physiology, physics, and biology. General education electives are also recommended to demonstrate competency in English composition, oral communication, problem-solving behavior, logic, and ethical theories.
• The Midwestern University Occupational Therapy (OT) Program will not accept Advanced Placement credits for fulfilment of prerequisite coursework.
• Upon admission to the Midwestern University OT Program, students must complete all coursework through the OT Program. The Midwestern University OT Program does not allow for transfer of credits, nor does it award credits for experiential learning or previous educational or work experience

To be considered for admission to the Occupational Therapy Program, applicants must submit the following to the Office of Admissions: 

1. OTCAS Application: Applicants are required to submit their applications to OTCAS at https://otcas.cas.myliaison.com/applicant-ux/#/login by May 1, 2027. 
   1. Please refer to the OTCAS application instructions for specific details about completing the application, required documents, and processing time. 
   2. The OTCAS application should be available for applicants beginning in Summer 2026. 
   3. Due to the large number of applications and the limited number of seats available, applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their OTCAS application early in the cycle.
2. Letters of Recommendation: Applicants are required to submit a minimum of two letters of recommendation from professionals to OTCAS (https://otcas.cas.myliaison.com/applicant-ux/#/login). The Office of Admissions will only accept letters of recommendation received directly from OTCAS. 
   1. It is preferred that one of the submitted letters is written by an occupational therapist who has supervised or mentored the applicant or a professional who can speak to the applicant's motivation, experiences in occupational therapy, or readiness for entering the Occupational Therapy Program.
   2. The second letter can be written by either a college professor who actually taught the student or a pre-health advisor who knows the applicant well. 
   3. The applicant should refer to the OTCAS application instructions for specific guidelines and requirements for submitting letters of recommendation.
3. Completed Applications: 
   1. The Office of Admissions will automatically send letters verifying receipt of OTCAS applications with all required materials to all applicants who meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 2.75. 
   2. Exceptions may be made for GPAs below 2.75 depending on circumstances. Applicants with a cumulative GPA below 2.75 should contact the OT Program directly to request consideration. They can email the Admissions Chair at esimps@midwestern.edu. 
   3. The letters will also include instructions on checking the status of the required application materials online. Applicants are responsible for tracking the receipt of their application materials and ensuring the submission of all required documents. Only applicants who submit completed applications with all required application materials will be considered for potential entrance into the Program.
4. Notify the Admissions Office regarding applicant mailing or email address changes: 
   1. Applicants are responsible for notifying the Office of Admissions of any changes in their mailing address or email address. 
5. Withdrawal Requests: 
   1. All application withdrawal requests must be made in writing via e-mail, fax, or letter to:
      Midwestern University 
      Office of Admissions 
      555 31st St. Downers Grove, IL 60515 
      Fax: 630-971-6086 
      admissil@midwestern.edu 

What is the minimum GPA required for admission?

• You are encouraged to have a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Exceptions may be made for GPAs below 2.75 depending on your circumstances. Please contact the program directly to request consideration at esimps@midwestern.edu. Grades of C or better are required for prerequisite coursework; grades of C- are not acceptable. 

Do I need to take the GRE?

• No, GRE scores are not required to apply.

Do I have to complete all of the prerequisite courses before I submit my application?

• You do not have to have your prerequisites completed prior to applying to the program. All of your courses must be complete before matriculation into the program.

Does it matter when I completed my prerequisites or when I obtained my baccalaureate degree?

• It does not matter how recently you earned your degree. In fact, we encourage people to apply who are considering a career change, or may be returning to graduate school after an absence. However, it is required that the Anatomy and Physiology courses have been completed within the previous five years.

What are the undergraduate majors of your students?

• There is no specific major required for our program, as long as all of the prerequisite courses are completed. Our students have baccalaureate degrees in all areas, with the most common being psychology, kinesiology, and exercise science. We encourage students from diverse academic backgrounds to apply; many of our students majored in areas such as business, art, and English. 

What are the most important qualifications that you look for in an applicant?

• We look for applicants who are well-rounded and have a strong history of academic excellence, a commitment to service, and experience in leadership roles. We look for applicants who are person-centered and who are sensitive to individuals or groups who experience disability, social stigma, or limited access to healthcare.

Are there certain settings you prefer my OT observations to be in? How many hours of observations do I need?

• We do not require a certain number or type of OT observations.  We prefer applicants to observe or experience OT in diverse settings to ensure that the applicant understands the variety of settings and practice within OT. We also encourage applicants to consider opportunities to observe in other healthcare and social service fields where they will encounter diverse populations.

Students selected for an interview will be notified of available interview dates and invited by the Office of Admissions to schedule their virtual interview.

During each interview session, the interviewers question the applicant about their academic, personal, and professional aspirations and preparedness for admission to the Occupational Therapy Program, and rate prospective students on a standard evaluation form. These evaluations are included in applicant files provided to the Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee. The Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee meets approximately one to two weeks after the interviews. The Admissions Committee, which includes the Program Director, makes decisions for action with oversight from the Dean of the College of Health Sciences. The Dean, via the Office of Admissions, notifies applicants in writing of the admission action/decision. Applicants are extended acceptance to the program based on the aggregate qualitative and quantitative data gathered from the application, interview process, and the completion of all published admissions requirements.

The Dean of the College of Health Sciences may recommend for an interview applicants who meet the Program’s minimum requirements for which they are applying (e.g., children of alumni, faculty, or staff). These applicants are not guaranteed admission into a Program and will have their application reviewed similarly to other applicants being considered for acceptance. All admissions decisions are made by the program Admissions Committee.

The curriculum for the Master of Occupational Therapy degree is a continuous, full-time program, extending 24 months from matriculation to graduation. The maximum allotted time for completion of this program is 36 months. It is also required that all Level II fieldwork requirements must be fulfilled within 18 months of completion of the didactic portion of the program.

The general education, professional training, experience, and personal character development of occupational therapists uniquely prepare them to respond to and meet the needs of individuals who face challenges participating in their daily lives.

The Master of Occupational Therapy Program is a fully in-person program with all didactic courses occurring on the Downers Grove campus. 

• Experiential learning activities may occur at community sites around the Chicagoland area. 
• Fieldwork courses will occur at any affiliated fieldwork site in Illinois or across the United States.  

The campus is located at 555 31st Street, Downers Grove IL, 60515. Buildings, classrooms, offices, and other spaces on campus are accessible according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Students in the Master of Occupational Therapy Program are formally evaluated at appropriate intervals during the curriculum to assess and document satisfactory progress and achievement of learning objectives and prescribed competencies. These evaluations occur on a regular basis at scheduled times during each course. Depending on the learning and competency outcome objectives, these evaluations are designed to assess the level of knowledge, problem-solving skills, psychomotor and clinical competencies, and behavioral performances of students during each course and/or fieldwork experience. Evaluation methods vary, depending on the course or experiential learning opportunity, and may include formal examinations, written essays, portfolio assignments, design and fabrication projects, psychomotor skill checks, or other methods of determining the extent to which each student has mastered the course content and skill competencies. Student performance in formal examinations is graded on a numerical/alphabetical system using a standard grading scale, which is published in this catalog and the Midwestern University Student Handbook. Students are customarily provided with feedback and grade reports after each examination summarizing their performance on each test item. Students will be required to participate in competency-based evaluations at various intervals throughout their academic tenure.

Evaluations of student performance during the Fieldwork II experiences are formalized using standard evaluation tools established by the American Occupational Therapy Association. In keeping with the Program's mission to exceed national standards, the Occupational Therapy Program reserves the right to augment the performance criteria required to successfully complete the Fieldwork Level II courses.

The academic standing of a student is determined by the student's cumulative grade point average. The student must pass all courses and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher to have achieved satisfactory academic progress. A student must satisfactorily complete all didactic courses and academic requirements from the preceding quarter.

To qualify for the Master of Occupational Therapy degree (M.O.T.), students must:

1. Satisfactorily complete all courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher;
2. Satisfactorily complete the required minimum number of 118 credit hours in the curriculum;
3. Receive a favorable recommendation for master's degree conferral from the Program faculty to the Program Student Academic Review Committee and from this committee to the CHS Student Promotion and Graduation Committee;
4. Receive a favorable recommendation for master's degree conferral from the University Faculty Senate;
5. Settle all financial accounts with the University; and
6. Complete all graduation clearance requirements as instructed by the Office of the Registrar.

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist, administered by the national board for certification in occupational therapy (NBCOT®). After successful completion of this exam, the graduate will be an occupational therapist, registered (OTR). 

In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Tuition and fees for the 2027-2028 school year for this proposed M.O.T. program will be finalized after February 2027. Anticipated annual cost of tuition for the M.O.T. program is $53,165. The total anticipated cost of annual tuition and fees for the M.O.T. program is $54,728. For all 24 months of attendance, the total anticipated cost of tuition and fees for the M.O.T. program is $109,456. For all 24 months of attendance, the total anticipated cost of attendance for the M.O.T. program, which includes tuition, fees, books, food, housing, transportation, and other expenses, ranges from $167,527 (living with parents) to $202,327 (living off campus). 

For detailed information about the anticipated total cost of attendance, please reference the Cost of Attendance for the current M.O.T. program in Glendale, on the Student Financial Services website. The total cost of attendance figures include tuition/fees, estimates for books, supplies, and living expenses, etc.

Midwestern University is committed to providing clear and advance notice of any changes in tuition rates, mandatory fees, course fees, technology fees, or other charges in the Occupational Therapy hybrid program that may affect students enrolled in distance education courses. The University will maintain current cost of attendance budgets on its official website and make them readily accessible to current and prospective students.

Tuition rates are subject to change each academic year for all enrolled students. Visit the Tuition & Fees page for important information regarding tuition.

Visit the Leave of Absence, Withdrawal Notification, and Refund Policy page for the policy and procedure for leave of absence, withdrawal and refund.

For the Student Financial Services contact information, visit the Financial Aid page.

Unique funding opportunity: Midwestern University offers several financing options, including the MWU Loan. This is an excellent alternative or adjunct to Grad PLUS loans through the federal government. Student Financial Services provides information on this and several other loans available to students at Midwestern University.

Explore more details about our program by reviewing the following manuals:

• Occupational Therapy Program Manual
• Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program Fieldwork Manual

Fieldwork educators can find the appendices in the OTD Fieldwork Educator Resources course in Canvas.

Canvas Online Course Platform

Students will use Canvas to access their online courses. Assignments, discussions, syllabi, and all student resources are available through Canvas. The courses are asynchronous, so there is no need to be online at a specific time unless specified by your instructor.  Students will become more familiar with the Canvas navigation after reviewing the videos in the main page of Canvas. Students can access their account through the Midwestern University portal (online.midwestern.edu).

Outlook Student Email

Each Midwestern University student is provided a Microsoft Office365 e-mail account. Students can access their account through the Outlook application on their Midwestern University portal (online.midwestern.edu). Students should check this email frequently to receive important communications from their professors, their college, and the University.

Virtual Meetings and Classroom Lectures

Midwestern University uses multiple online tools to access meetings and classes. Students may be required to use Microsoft Teams, WebEx, Canvas Collaborate, or Zoom depending on the activity. These applications all have downloadable installations that make the use of these services complete and robust. The student will be required to install the proper application to gain the full features of these applications. The student will be prompted to install those applications when they first access WebEx or Zoom. Canvas Collaborate is completely web-based and requires no other installs. MS Teams is a part of your MS 365 license you have as a student. Please login to the Midwestern University portal for additional information and directions on applications (support link in upper right).

Technical Policies and Resources

Network accounts are provided to students for their personal use while enrolled at MWU. Students are responsible for all activity associated with their account. Students must keep their passwords confidential and never share their account information with anyone else. Students must not pretend to be anyone else or attempt to represent the Program, College, or University in any official capacity while communicating with others. Students must follow the Computer Acceptable Use Policy in the student handbook. Students are expected to provide and maintain functional personal computing equipment and Internet access that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements below. Please note that these requirements may change from time to time.

Windows Based 

• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 or later (Windows 11 preferred)
• Memory: 8 GB minimum (16 preferred)
• Processor: Intel Core i7 or greater (or AMD equivalent)
• Hard Disk Drive: 256 GB or greater with 100GB free for applications
• Wireless: 802.11ac
• Accessories: Speakers/Headphones, Microphone, Camera

Mac Based 

• Operating System: OS – Latest MacOS or iOS (stay current within two versions for Apple Update/Security)
• Memory: 8 GB or higher (16GB preferred)
• Processor: Intel Core i7 or M2 or greater
• Hard Disk Drive: 256 GB or greater with 100GB free for applications
• Wireless: 802.11ac (Ethernet wired connection preferred)
• Accessories: Speakers/Headphones, Microphone, Camera

Other Devices

• iPads can be used provided they are able to run Apple’s current operating system.
• Chromebooks are not supported.

Software (Midwestern University portal, click on ‘support’ in the upper right)

• Microsoft Office 365 (Local installation of Office products is available from the University Portal)
• Microsoft Teams for complete online collaboration functionality
• All required “plug-ins” must be installed for all exam security and monitoring
• All additional plug-ins or applications to support online education (WebEx and Zoom)

Anti-Malware Scanners

• You should have anti-malware software installed and running on your computer when connected to the internet. Some of the most popular products include McAfee VirusScan, Norton (Symantec) AntiVirus and Sophos Anti-Virus.

Internet Access

20Mb download and 5 Mb upload broadband (cable or DSL) connection required. Dial-up is not supported.

• Test internet speed at www.speedtest.net
• Disable gaming and video streaming on all other devices using the same broadband network as the devices being used for the exam. Gaming and video streaming while taking an exam may interfere with the exam delivery and proctoring tools.

Support

Please contact the ITS Support Center at 623-232-4357 if you have difficulty accessing or using your Midwestern University portal account. If your computer hardware or software is not functioning properly, please contact the original equipment manufacturer or vendor who sold you the hardware or software or contact a local computer store for assistance.