Program Overview

Department of Occupational Therapy

The Occupational Therapy Department at San Jose State University is dedicated to preparing culturally diverse occupational therapy leaders who promote health and participation in life for individuals, organizations, and populations through engagement in occupation. The SJSU Entry Level OTD program prepares graduates to provide service in a wide variety of settings.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate

The SJSU Occupational Therapy program prides itself on emphasizing authentic practice experience through faculty-run clinics and community partnerships. The newly added OTD program, which was launched in Spring 2023, is designed to develop occupational therapy leaders, advocates, and innovators with a clear focus on community engagement and social justice for underserved populations. It is structured using a cohort model where students are admitted and progress through a sequenced program of study in an organized manner to support completion of the degree within three years of full-time enrollment.

Accreditation

San Jose State University obtained WSCUC approval to offer an Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree as of May 2021. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) granted the SJSU OTD Program "Pe-Accreditation Status" in April 2025. As of August 2025, the Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) granted the SJSU OTD program a Status of Accreditation for a period of 7 years.

Faculty Roster

The Occupational Therapy faculty has a long history of commitment to the profession through research, leadership, and service. They have received national recognition and have been awarded the title of Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association (FAOTA).

Application Deadlines

We accept applications once per year beginning on July 1st. The deadline for submitting applications and application materials is on December 31st of each year. However, we recommend submitting the application as soon as possible as we admit on a rolling basis and can therefore fill the class before November 1st.

Important Requirements

• OTD applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree earned at an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association before starting the program, or the applicant has completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by the appropriate campus authority.
• Applicants must also complete the OTCAS application process.
• Students must also apply to the university via Cal State Apply (separate from the program application).

Program Details

• The curriculum is designed using a variety of instructional methods to enhance content mastery.
• Although the majority of instruction will be face-to-face instruction, classes will include simulations, case presentations, involvement with the on-campus faculty-run clinics, and online instruction.
• The program is approximately 112 units, completed over three years of full-time enrollment.
• Tuition for the OTD program is approximately $9,114 per term (value shown is for Spring '25 semester) for nine terms over the course of three years of matriculation, plus university fees.

Criminal Background Check

A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination and may preclude attainment of state licensure. Some practicum and fieldwork sites may also perform background checks and refuse internships to students with a felony conviction.

Program Resource Links

• Admission Requirements
• University and Program Requirements
• Application Checklist
• Required Prerequisite Courses
• Doctorate Requirements
• Forms
• Frequently Asked Questions
• OTD Roadmap
• OTD Program Learning Outcomes
• Candidacy Requirements
• Graduation Requirements
• Cost of Attendance for OTD

Programs Offered

• Master of Science in OT
• OT Doctorate
• Pre-OT

Department Information

The Department of Occupational Therapy is part of the College of Health and Human Sciences. The college offers various doctoral programs, including the OTD program.