Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Studies and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

During the first three preprofessional years of the BS/MSOT program (freshman, sophomore, and junior years), students must complete a minimum of 96 credits.

Grade Point Average

A cumulative GPA of 2.7 with a limitation of 12 credits of D grades. If a student repeats a course, both grades (non-passing and repeat) will be counted in calculating the overall GPA. The highest grade, however, will be considered as the final grade received in the course. No course may be repeated more than once. Cumulative GPA will include Boston University courses only.

Prerequisites

Seven prerequisite courses must be completed. For students entering as freshman Fall 2008 and after:

  • 1. Human Anatomy (CAS BI 106)*
  • 2. Human Physiology (CAS BI 211)*
  • 3. Statistics (CAS PS 211 is preferred; CAS MA 113 is acceptable)**
  • 4. Developmental Psychology (CAS PS 241)**
  • 5. Psychology of Personality (CAS PS 251)**
  • 6. Abnormal Psychology (CAS PS 371 or SAR RC 412)**
  • 7. Gross Anatomy (SAR HS 369)*

*Courses that must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

**Courses that must be completed with a grade of "B-" or better.

Sargent Core Curriculum and OT-prefix courses

Students must obtain a minimum grade of C in the Sargent Core Curriculum and OT-prefix courses:

  • SAR HP 151 Introduction to the Health and Rehabilitation Professions
  • SAR HP 252 Health and Disability Across the Life Span
  • SAR HP 353 Organization and Delivery of Health Care in the U.S.
  • SAR OT 317 Professional Preparation Seminar for OT

The Occupational Therapy program does not require, but does recommend, that students complete the Sargent ethics requirement (CAS PH 251 Medical Ethics, or CAS PH 272 Science, Technology, and Value, or CAS PH 452 Ethics of Health Care). The ethics course may be applied to meet the Human Occupation requirements in the area of Health, Illness, and Disability Studies.

Human Occupation Courses

Students must complete a minimum of 18 credits in courses related to human occupation. Because courses are subject to change across the several years that the student is completing BS requirements, an updated list of courses approved in each area is generated and distributed each year. At least two courses should be taken in each of the three content areas described below.

  • Cultural and evolutionary influences on occupation: Approved courses in this area are typically offered by Anthropology (e.g., CAS AN 101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology), Sociology (e.g., CAS SO 108 Introduction to Sociology: Community), and Psychology (e.g., CAS PS 370 Psychology of the Family).
  • Processes contributing to human activity performance: Approved courses in this area are typically offered by Psychology (e.g., CAS PS 222 Perception and Behavior) and Education (e.g., SED HM 103 Introduction to Human Movement).
  • Health, illness, and disability studies: Approved courses in this area are offered in several different departments and programs,including Philosophy (e.g., CAS PH 251 Medical Ethics), and Occupational Therapy (e.g., SAR OT 151 Occupation and Health: Introduction to Occupational Therapy).

Some courses taken to fulfill human occupation requirements may also fulfill distribution requirements (see “Distribution Requirements”).

English Composition

Two courses in expository composition (CAS WR 100 and CAS WR 150) are required.

Distribution Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 20 credits in courses that expand their knowledge to areas other than their area of study. These courses must be distributed among at least 3 of the following divisions:

  • humanities division
  • social sciences division
  • mathematics division and computer science division
  • modern language division other than literature courses
  • natural sciences division

NOTE: CAS PS 101 (social sciences) and CAS BI 105 (natural sciences) count toward distribution requirements.

Minor Concentrations

Minors in a different discipline must be completed by the end of the junior year.

Electives

Students may select a variety of electives from across the University. A maximum of 3 credits of Physical Education (including CPR and First Aid) will be accepted toward the 96 credits required by the junior year.

Repeating Pre-Professional Courses

Students may not repeat more than two of the following courses or they will be terminated from the program: seven prerequisites and OT 317.