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Young boy exercising with female physical therapist during therapy session. Child occupational physical therapy. Bilateral coordination.

Occupational Therapy Five-Year Accelerated B.A. to M.S. Program

McDaniel’s five-year accelerated program is designed for academically qualified undergraduate students who are confident they want to become occupational therapists. Entering first-year students have the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in occupational therapy at McDaniel in less time than it would take to complete both degrees separately.

Apply to McDaniel Learn about the M.S. in Occupational Therapy

What is the Five-Year Accelerated Program in Occupational Therapy?

McDaniel College offers a structured five-year accelerated program designed for students pursuing a career in occupational therapy. This program provides students with the opportunity for a seamless transition between their undergraduate and graduate education, culminating in both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (M.S.O.T.) degree from McDaniel College in only five years. Entering first-year or current McDaniel undergraduate students who are admitted to the five-year accelerated program will have guaranteed admission to the M.S. in Occupational Therapy program, pending successful completion of progression requirements. 

Undergraduates eligible for the five-year accelerated program typically major in kinesiology, health sciences, or psychology. However, other majors may also be considered. Current McDaniel undergraduate students should reach out to the occupational therapy program director for information on applying to the five-year accelerated program.

Who is Eligible

  • First-time undergraduate students applying to McDaniel.
  • Currently enrolled McDaniel undergraduate students who apply to the program by the fall of their second year of study.

One Pathway. Two Phases. Two Degrees.

In accordance with ACOTE Standard A.5.2 (2023), the McDaniel College M.S. in Occupational Therapy degree is awarded only after the student has successfully completed all program requirements in no more than six full-time academic years. The Five-Year Accelerated B.A. to M.S. in Occupational Therapy program fulfills this standard through a clearly defined sequence that includes:

  • Pre-professional Phase: Three full-time academic years (six fall/spring semesters) at the undergraduate level.
  • Professional Phase: Two full-time academic years (eight summer/fall/Jan Term/spring semesters over two full years) at the graduate level.

This sequence results in a total of 14 semesters, inclusive of two summer and two January terms, totaling no more than six full-time academic years and encompassing both the pre-professional and the professional phases of the Occupational Therapy program.

Program Director

Cathy Felmlee Shanholtz

cathy.shanholtz@mcdaniel.edu

Request More Info

See Yourself Here

Take your first steps on the Hill! Visiting campus is one of the best ways to determine if McDaniel is right for you. Designed to work with your schedule — join us for an in-person or virtual visit. 

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The McDaniel Advantage

McDaniel has adopted a comprehensive tuition model for the MS in Occupational Therapy program, combining tuition, required fees, technology access, student support services, and other miscellaneous expenses, helping students and families plan with confidence. As an added benefit, the tuition rate is locked in for the full two-year program—ensuring no tuition increases for students within the same cohort.

Estimated Cost of Attendance

Admission Criteria

Both entering first-year students and current McDaniel undergraduate students must meet the following admission criteria:

High school degree with a minimum 3.00 GPA

High school degree with a minimum 3.00 GPA or higher (unweighted) with the following recommended courses. Grade of B or higher is required in all high school science and math courses.

  • Four years of English
  • Three years of math
  • Three years of natural sciences (including a course in biology)
  • Three years of social sciences

The following courses are not required but are highly recommended:

  • Biology
  • Psychology
  • Statistics
  • Anatomy

AP courses are also considered favorably.

Two letters of recommendation

Two letters of recommendation. One from each of the following:

  1. A professor, teacher, counselor, academic advisor, or a person of your choice other than a relative or family friend, who can speak objectively about your strengths, such as a work supervisor or employer.
  2. A person who can speak to your potential as an occupational therapist, such as someone who supervised you during an OT-related experience or worked with you in a setting related to health care of populations related to OT.

Evidence of strong leadership

Evidence of strong leadership and/or strong leadership in school or community activities. Please submit a resume highlighting these activities and any work history.

Personal statement

Personal statement describing your understanding of occupational therapy and reasons for interest in the profession. It is encouraged that all written personal statements be completed without the assistance of an artificial intelligence tool, since the statement should provide information related to the individual’s personal and professional goals and aspirations as an occupational therapist.

  • In your personal essay, explain why you have chosen occupational therapy as your career path and how obtaining this degree aligns with both your short-term and long-term professional goals. Be sure to discuss how your personal experiences, educational background, and professional development have prepared you to achieve these goals. This essay is a critical part of your application, offering an opportunity to express yourself clearly and effectively.

Personal interview

After completion of the application, qualified candidates may be invited for an interview. Please note that this program is competitive and not all qualified applicants are invited for an interview.

Life experience

Participation and leadership in extracurricular activities, work, research, or other pursuits is considered a positive attribute. Submit a resume providing details of work and other related life experience.

Beginning with the fall 2027 application, first-time undergraduate students applying to McDaniel with interest in the five-year accelerated program will provide the additional required supplemental application materials, including two letters of recommendation, a professional resume, and a personal statement.

Current McDaniel undergraduate students should consult with the Occupational Therapy program director about how to apply for the five-year accelerated program, and they must apply by the fall of their third year. All current McDaniel students who are academically qualified will be guaranteed an admission interview.

Progression Criteria

Students admitted to the five-year accelerated program must meet the following progression requirements as an undergraduate student in order to matriculate to the master’s degree program:

  • Maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA and a grade of C or higher in all prerequisite courses.
  • Complete the following prerequisite courses (students may not repeat more than one prerequisite course):
    • Abnormal Psychology
    • Developmental Psychology
    • Anatomy & Physiology (8 credits with lab)
    • Medical Terminology
    • Sociology
    • Statistics
occupational therapist looks on while a patient manipulates an object around a dome shaped bar.

Where to Start Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Specialization

Health Sciences majors can select a specialization in Occupational Therapy to prepare them for future graduate or professional pursuits. Students will learn the skills and gain hands-on experiences they need to excel in the field of occupational therapy. From physiology to psychology, McDaniel’s Occupational Therapy specialization has you covered.

Majors other than the ones listed below may be considered for the five-year accelerated program. Current McDaniel undergraduate students should reach out to the occupational therapy program director for information on applying to the five-year accelerated program.

Program Director

Cathy Felmlee Shanholtz

cathy.shanholtz@mcdaniel.edu

Request More Info

See Yourself Here

Take your first steps on the Hill! Visiting campus is one of the best ways to determine if McDaniel is right for you. Designed to work with your schedule — join us for an in-person or virtual visit. 

Schedule your visit

The McDaniel Advantage

McDaniel has adopted a comprehensive tuition model for the MS in Occupational Therapy program, combining tuition, required fees, technology access, student support services, and other miscellaneous expenses, helping students and families plan with confidence. As an added benefit, the tuition rate is locked in for the full two-year program—ensuring no tuition increases for students within the same cohort.

Estimated Cost of Attendance
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