Application Requirements
Application Requirements for the Entry-Level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Program
In order to be eligible for acceptance into East Carolina University (ECU)’s MSOT program, the following requirements must be met.
- A baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional association or evidence that a baccalaureate degree will be conferred before the start of the program in the fall. We welcome a baccalaureate degree from any discipline, as long as the prerequisite courses are completed as required.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from undergraduate work is required, but a 3.5 or above will be competitive for admission consideration.
- Satisfactory scores on the verbal and quantitative test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. *Please use GRE code 1989 for submitting scores to OTCAS.* To be considered a competitive applicant, it is recommended that GRE scores should be at least the 50th percentile on ALL sections of the GRE. Specifically, both Quantitative and Verbal scores should be 151 or above and writing should be 3.5 or above.
- Non-native speakers must submit an acceptable score on one of the language tests approved by the Graduate School or evidence of at least 1 year of college/university study in the United States.
- Applicants may apply before completing all prerequisites; however, at least 4 of the anatomy/physiology credits must be completed prior to the October 15 deadline. It is also recommended 15 of the 25 required prerequisite credits be completed by October 15.
- Prerequisites may be taken at any university or college. ALL prerequisites must be completed before you begin the program.
- Students must receive B- (2.7) or better to be considered passing these prerequisite credits. Competitive students submit applications with prerequisite grades higher than the minimum in most of the courses.
- Due to the circumstances facing universities in the recent semesters as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, pass/fail grading options are being offered at many schools. Applicants to the MSOT program at ECU should opt for letter grading of all pre-requisite courses whenever it is available. A grade of B- or better will continue to be required for pre-requisite courses.
Course Equivalencies
This chart is provided for your convenience. It lists equivalencies between ECU courses and popular universities from which a student may apply. Please note that universities change their course offerings on a regular basis and the courses included here may or may not still be accurate. It is your responsibility to check with your institution to see which equivalent courses are available to you.
The list provided here is not exhaustive. We accept courses taken at community colleges and universities as long as they are accredited. If you cannot take a course at your institution, you may need to seek the equivalent offering at a local community college or explore other options. We accept online prerequisites for all courses but strongly recommend taking anatomy and physiology coursework face-to-face.
All prerequisite courses must be completed with a B- or above prior to beginning the MSOT program. Four credits of anatomy and physiology are required at time of application.
| Prerequisites | Semester Hours | ECU | UNC-CH | NC State | Appalachian State | UNC-W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| *Human Anatomy with Lab | 4 | BIOL 2140 and 2141 | a. BIOL 252 and 252L or b. EXSS 175 and 275L | BIO 240 | ES 2040 | BIO 240 or EXS 216 |
| *Human Physiology with Lab | 4 | BIOL 2150 and 2151 | a. BIOL 253 and 253L or b. EXSS 276 and 376 | BIO 245 | ES 2050 | BIO 241 or EXS 217 |
| *Statistics – must cover both descriptive and inferential statistics This course cannot be fulfilled with AP credit. | 3 | MATH 2228, 2283, BIOS 1500 or PSYC 2101 | PSYC 210 or STOR 151 or STOR 155 | PSY 240 and 241, or ST 305, or 311 | PSY 3100, STT 1810, or 2810 | PSY 225, STT 210, or 215 |
| Developmental Psychology/Lifespan Development – must cover birth-to-death (cannot be a motor development course) | 3 | PSYC 3206 | a. ANTH 318 or PSYC 250 and 502 | PSY 376 | PSY 2210 | PSY 223 |
| *Abnormal Psychology | 3 | PSYC 4375 or 3375 | PSYC 245 | PSY 470 | PSY 2212 | PSY 247 |
| Reasoning course such as logic, ethics, or critical thinking (often comes from a philosophy department) | 3 | PHIL 1500, 1175, 1180, or 2275 | PHIL 101, 105, 134, 140, 160, 163, 165, or 170 | PHI 205, 210, 221, 250, 325, REL 200, or 210 | PHL 1000, 2000, or HCM 4930 | PAR 101, 103, 110, 115, or 215 |
| Introduction to Sociology OR Introduction to Anthropology OR Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3 | SOCI 2110, ANTH 1000, or ANTH 2200 | SOCI 101, 111, 112, ANTH 101, or 102 | ANT 251, 252, SOC 202, or 203 | ANT 1415, 2215, or SOC 1000 | ANT 105, 206, or SOC 105 |
| Medical Terminology or demonstrated proficiency in medical terminology by passing an exam with ECU OT | 1-3 | HIMA 3000 or ATEP 2800 | CLAS 126 | CLA 115 | NUT 4552 or 4553 | ATR 470 |
| TOTAL | 24-26 |
* These courses must be completed within five (5) years prior to beginning the MSOT program.
Application Requirements for the Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program
In order to be eligible for acceptance into the OTD program, the following requirements must be met.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above in the ECU MSOT program
- Grades of B or better in all completed competencies to date in the ECU MSOT program
- Grades of B or better in all completed courses to date in the ECU MSOT program
- Adherence to all ECU Academic Integrity policies during the student’s enrollment in the ECU MSOT program
- Consistent attendance and punctuality in all didactic coursework, community-engaged learning opportunities, and research activities in the ECU MSOT program
- Record of professional communication with faculty and staff in the ECU MSOT program
- Appropriate professional behaviors