The MOT program is designed for a student who wants to enter the field as an occupational therapist. Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree in any major, completed required prerequisite coursework, and have a strong commitment to pursue a rigorous course of study in Occupational Therapy. Students complete the MOT program in seven consecutive semesters, including summers. This program accepts 35 applicants each year. Visit the Admission Requirements page prior to applying.
If applicable, you must also take the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Applicants whose native or primary language is not English must provide official evidence of having attained a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL. Official TOEFL scores are sent directly to Governors State University from the Educational Testing Service that administers these exams. The TOEFL can be taken online, click here to learn more. Specific questions about the TOEFL exam should be directed to the Office of Admission and Student Recruitment at Governors State University.
Office of Admission Webpage
Application Process
Application to the Master of Occupational Therapy program at Governors State University is made through a centralized application service: OTCAS. To apply to our program, you should access the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service via the OTCAS Applicant Portal Link.
The application cycle is from October 1-February 15.
Admission Process:
The OTCAS application cycle opens on October 1:
- Applications that are “complete” – meaning all prerequisites are met – will be reviewed within 2-3 weeks after it is submitted. Applications that meet the criteria by November 15 will be invited for an interview in late November. You will be notified of acceptance through an early decision letter by December 15.
- Applications will continue to be reviewed until the close of the application cycle on February 15. At that time, applications will be reviewed between 2-3 weeks after the close of the application cycle and applicants will be invited for an interview in late February. You will then be notified of the decision through a letter by mid March.
At that point, you will have to commit to:
- A $750 seat deposit that is due within two weeks of notification of acceptance in the MOT program
- Commit to attending the Campus Day in April
- https://www.govst.edu/MOT/
| January 8, 2025 | 5:30pm | Virtual |
| 2025 Dates will be added | | |
OTCAS
Applicants for the next term must apply online using the OTCAS application:
- Begin the application process by visiting https://otcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login
- Click "Create Account"
Once you have created an account, it is recommended to click on FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) and Instructions prior to completing your application. These links provide you with important information regarding the application process (e.g., transcripts, personal statement/essay, and letters of reference).
The following information must be submitted directly to OTCAS in order to complete your application:
- Official Transcripts-You are required to provide official transcripts from every accredited U.S. institution attended. Your transcripts must include final grades received through the most recent semester or quarter before the application deadline. It is not acceptable to use another school's evaluation of previous credits or another school's grade report as a transcript. All official transcripts MUST be sent to OTCAS.
- References-You are required to submit a minimum of three (3) letters of reference. You should use three qualified recommenders who can attest to your academic and professional abilities. One letter must be from a college professor/academic advisor; a second letter from a health care professional, preferably an occupational therapist; and a third letter may be submitted by a person of your choice, including but not limited to; an employer, college instructor, or another health professional. Recommendation letters from fellow students, personal friends, or family members are not acceptable.
- Letters of Recommendation - Letters of recommendation must be completed using the required reference forms available from OTCAS. If you choose to use the Paper Letter of Recommendation as opposed to the Electronic version, the OTCAS form must be used.
All documents not submitted electronically MUST be sent to OTCAS at the address listed below:
OTCAS Verification Department
P.O. Box 9120
Watertown, MA 02471
The fee schedule is $125 for the first application to a designated OTCAS school and $45 for each additional school. Applicants will pay fees directly to OTCAS.
OTCAS Customer Service Information
Customer Service is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
Phone: 617.612.2860
E-Mail: otcasinfo@otcas.org
Please note: If you are admitted to our graduate program, you will need to submit another official set of transcripts that would include your final transcript showing your degree conferred and any additional transcripts that verify your prerequisite coursework to the address below:
Attention: MOT Admission Committee
College of Health and Human Services
Governors State University
1 University Parkway
University Park, IL 60484
We greatly appreciate your interest in our program. We will give every applicant our fullest consideration.
Further Information
If you have any questions about general requirements and procedures for application to the MOT program, you are strongly encouraged to attend an Information Session. For specific questions, contact Dr. Erin Simpson, MOT Admissions Coordinator. She can be reached via email at esimpson2@govst.edu
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HRSA-Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students Grant
The MOT program was recently awarded a Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students Grant through the Health Resources & Services Administration. The award of $2.688 million will be dispersed over five years, beginning with the incoming Fall 2020 semester. Qualifying students will receive financial awards every semester through the year 2025.
For questions regarding the application process, please contact Dr. Caren Schranz at cschranz@govst.edu