About the Department of Occupational Therapy
How does a child’s physical environment encourage or discourage active play? How can older adults modify their daily routines as their vision declines? How does obesity affect a person’s ability to adapt to obstacles in the environment? The Boston University Department of Occupational Therapy explores questions like these, focusing on biological and psychological processes that influence people’s daily activities. And with a focus on evidence-based, client-centered professional education, you’ll be involved in leadership, scholarship, and cutting-edge research that are shaping the profession.
Ranked #1 in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report!
We offer undergraduate, graduate professional, and graduate research programs in OT. We also have distance education programs online for practicing professionals and an interdisciplinary doctoral program in rehabilitation sciences.
And we’re proud that Boston University ranks among the world’s most esteemed educators of the next generation of leaders in occupational therapy. In fact, U.S. News & World Report’s latest graduate school rankings named Boston University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program #1 (tied) out of 263 accredited programs in the United States.
Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism
The Department of Occupational Therapy is committed to building and sustaining a vibrant community of scholars, students, and staff. We value diversity in our community, including diversity in individuals’ race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, nationality, heritage, language, immigration status and aspects of ability. Read our full statement and action plan with our commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
Spotlights
Headlines
See allOccupational Therapy Chair
Program Directors
![](/sargent/files/2013/05/Simone_Gill_2crop.jpg)
Simone V. Gill, PhD, OT, OTR, FAOTA
- 617-353-7513
- simvgill@bu.edu
![Karen Jacobs](/sargent/files/2013/05/photo.jpg)
Karen Jacobs, OT, EdD, OTR, CPE, FAOTA
- 617-353-7516
- kjacobs@bu.edu
![Jen Kaldenberg](/sargent/files/2013/05/13-6861-SARFACULTY-122-424x636.jpg)
Jennifer Kaldenberg, OT, DrPH, MSA, OTR, SCLV, FAOTA
- Office 617-353-2728; Cell 857-225-5975; FW Fax 617-358-3475
- jenmk@bu.edu
![](/sargent/files/2014/06/cropped_-Robin_Newman_0050-636x636.jpg)
Robin Newman, OTD, OTR, CLT, FAOTA
- 617-353-8947
- newmanro@bu.edu
Centers and Labs
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Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Dori Stauss Hutchinson, ScD -
Approach Motivation & Participation (AMP) Lab
Daniel Fulford, PhD -
Development, Experience, and Motor Recovery Lab
Claudio Ferre, PhD -
Families & Autism Research Lab
Gael Orsmond, PhD -
Motor Development Lab
Simone V. Gill, PhD, OT, OTR, FAOTA -
Violence Prevention Research Lab
Emily Rothman, ScD