Doctor of Occupational Therapy Graduation Requirements & Commencement

Graduation Requirements

The OTD program includes 36 months of graduate level courses distributed across 9 semesters and 37 courses at the doctoral level. Students must complete a total of 115 credits (91 didactic units and 24 clinical education/DEC).

  1. Completion of all didactic courses with a cumulative GPA of a 2.75 and no course grades below C (70.0-74.9%).
  2. Successful completion of all Fieldwork courses with a grade of C or higher.
  3. Complete all courses within the maximum timeframe of 150% of the length of the program in years (i.e., 4.5 years).
  4. Students must complete all level II fieldwork and the doctoral capstone within 27 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.
  5. Good standing in character, conduct, and ability as described in the Ethical Conduct and Essential Functions Policy.
  6. Meeting all financial obligations to the University.
  7. Recommended by the faculty for graduation.

Commencement

Program in Occupational Therapy recognition ceremonies take place in May along with the University’s traditional Baccalaureate and Graduate Commencement events. The actual degree is awarded following successful completion of the 14-week Doctoral Experiential Component (DEC). After the student has successfully completed the required experiences and all financial responsibility to the University is fulfilled, the diploma will be issued and mailed.