How to Apply

Completion of an entry-level bachelor’s or master’s occupational therapy program with a 3.0 GPA is required, with no grade below a C.

Applicants should submit unofficial transcripts (both undergraduate and graduate) by uploading them within the ‘Academic History’ section of the application. Applicants receiving a degree from a college or university located outside of the United States must also submit a formal course-by-course evaluation of all non-US transcripts from a third-party verification organization such as World Education Services (WES) directly to Sargent College.

If you are admitted to the program and choose to enroll, you will then be asked to submit official copies of all transcripts prior to matriculation.

GRE scores are not required to apply to the program. Any GRE scores received by the program will not be considered by the admissions committee.

For international students whose first language is not English, official TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic scores are required unless you have completed a baccalaureate degree at an institution where the primary language of instruction is English. TOEFL iBT scores should be submitted electronically through ETS to BU using the institutional code 3087. IELTS Academic scores should be requested from IELTS to be released to Boston University Graduate Programs.

Two (2) professional letters of recommendation are required. Letters of recommendation must be submitted through the online application.

The online application requires applicants to upload one document containing answers to following essay prompts. Be sure to answer all parts of each question and clearly label each question/answer:

Essay #1 (approximately 2 pages):

• 1a – Identify the short-coming, gap or specific need in your area of practice that you propose to address in your doctoral project. Please support with appropriate references to the evidence-based literature. Discuss two approaches to address this short-coming, gap or specific need. Specifically describe what outcomes you hope to achieve through your doctoral project.
• 1b – Based on your proposed doctoral project, what expertise/skills do you bring to your doctoral studies that are relevant to doing this work?

Essay #2 (approximately 1 page):

• 2a – Create a Circle of Advisors, listing 3 individuals whom you might consult with to guide and provide feedback and recommendations for completing your doctoral project. Provide rationale for the selection of each advisor (availability of advisors does not need to be confirmed at this point). This Circle of Advisors should not be limited to the occupational therapy community and should not include Boston University occupational therapy faculty.
• 2b – Based on your proposed doctoral project, what expertise/skills do you anticipate that you will need from your Circle of Advisors to support your project goals?

Essay #3 (approximately 1 page):

• What do you plan to do after you have earned your OTD and how will your doctoral project help you achieve these goals?

A non-refundable BU application fee of $95 is required. Applicants will be prompted to pay by credit card prior to submitting the online application.