Biology and Occupational Therapy, BA/MS

Students complete the BA in Biology as well as the MS in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) in 5.5 years, which saves a full year of tuition. The combined degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills required for an exceptional career in occupational therapy, while also providing them with a BA in Biology. The MSOT courses are only offered in PLV.

Students are encouraged to declare interest in the combined degree program as early as freshman year to ensure proper course sequencing, preferably before the end of their freshman year, but no later than Fall of their Junior (3^rd) year in the BA Biology program  - the year in which they are eligible to apply for admission into the combined degree program.  Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or greater and be granted acceptance into the program by the MSOT admissions committee.  

In their Senior (4^th) year, students begin to take MSOT courses, of which 14-25 credits will be counted both towards the MSOT degree and towards their undergraduate degree, which is how the combined degree accelerates graduation.  In their 5^th and 6^th year, students take the remaining MSOT courses. Summer MSOT courses are required after completion of the 5^th and 6^th years of study.  

Students who do not proceed to complete the MSOT program would still be able to graduate with an undergraduate degree, provided they have taken specific research courses in Biology or OTH, or a combination of undergraduate electives and Masters OTH courses that would satisfy the undergraduate degree requirements in terms of completed electives and the required 120 credits. To receive the undergraduate degree, students are also required to pass a comprehensive examination, the Major Field Tests in Biology, that assesses the ability to integrate and synthesize basic concepts in Biology. To take the required exam, students must also register for BIO493.

Major Completion Summary 

University Core Requirements (44 Credits)

See complete University Core requirements.

Note: Various major-required math and science courses, and courses required for MSOT admission (such as ANT101, SOC102, and PSY112), listed below may fulfill foundation, area of knowledge, and/or core requirements.  Please consult with an academic advisor.

Major Requirements (57-69 Credits)

 Open Electives (1 CREDIT)