The application deadline for fall 2010 has been extended to November 30
Applications should be in our office by November 30
For more information about the MOT program please contact:
Ms. Che L. Abram
Assistant Director of Admission
510.869.8984
cabram@samuelmerritt.edu
General Live Online Chat Sessions!
Live online chats are your chance to have questions answered by an admission counselor. It is available Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (all programs except DPM) and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (DPM only). Click for more information on Virtual drop in counseling.
MOT Specific Live Online Chat Sessions
In addition to our weekly live online sessions (days and times above) with an admission counselor, we have designed a once a month session specifically for students interested in our MOT program. These sessions will be held by Che Abram, MOT admission counselor. The chat room will only hold up to 10 people at a time, so please continue to check in every few mintues if it is full. I hope to see you there!
Monday, November 2, 12p-1p (PST)
Wednesday, November 11th 1p-2p (PST)
Thursday, December 17th 11a-12p (PST)
Log In: http://admissionsmu.universitywebchat.com/chat7767/
Admission Decision Timeline
November 1-30
Application file review by admission office
December 1-31
File reviewed by faculty for interview consideration/interview invitations mailed out
Beginning Janaury 2010-until class is filled
MOT interviews
Beginning January 2010-until class is filled
Admission decisions are sent out
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The MOT is an entry-level master's degree designed for someone who has already earned a baccalaureate with a major in any area. To be considered for an interview for the MOT program, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of a baccalaureate and all prerequisites from an accredited institution
- Suggested minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 for the last 60 semester units
- Suggested minimum science GPA of 2.6
- The need for the TOEFL will be assessed based on information provided by the applicant on the application for admission. If required, a score of 100 (Internet Based Test) must be achieved and official score results must be provided.
- Evidence of 40 to 70 hours (minimum) work or volunteer experience demonstrating an understanding of the occupational therapist's role and maturity in career choice.
- Two letters of reference: one from the Registered Occupational Therapist you volunteer or work with; one from an academic source.
ACADEMIC PREREQUISITES
These prerequisites (semester units) must be completed prior to entry with a grade of "C-" or better:
English Composition/Critical Thinking................6 units
General Psychology...........................................3 units
Abnormal Psychology........................................3 units
Developmental Psychology................................3 units
Statistics...........................................................3 units
Sociology, Anthropology or Ethnic Studies.........6 units
3-Dimensional Skills or Crafts*....................3 units
(examples include: ceramics, beading, mosaics, leather work, knitting, crochet,
quilting, metal work, soap making, candle making, etc.)
General Biology.................................................3 units
Human Anatomy°...............................................3 units
Human Physiology°............................................3 units
Basic or Introductory Physics°...........................3 units
Public Speaking°................................................3 units
* A college level course is preferred, though students may submit a portfolio documenting extensive skill (multiple pieces) and participation in a one craft area. Skills/crafts such as painting, drawing, photography, or playing an instrument are not acceptable.
° Courses are highly recommended but not required.
APPLYING FOR ADMISSION
To be considered for an interview, the following items must be sent in one envelope with your application:
- Copies of all college transcripts (unofficial copies are fine for the initial review of the application; official transcripts will be required at a later date)
- $50 non-refundable fee
- Completed goal statement
- Completed prerequisite worksheet (part of the application)
- Letters of reference: Two letters are required. One must come from an occupational therapist who supervised you as a paid or volunteer worker in an active clinical setting. The other letter must be from someone who can judge your academic skills and character. Forms have been provided for your use.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The application deadline is November 1 . Applications may be accepted after the deadline on a space available basis . We only admit students once per year for the fall term. If you are in question as to whether or not applications are still being considered , please contact the Office of Admission at 510-869-6576.
APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
The application for admission is available for viewing and printing here.
Graduate Application
Please note: you must have Adobe Acrobat installed in order to view and print the application.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: When is the deadline for applying?
A: The application deadline is November 1. Applications may be accepted after the deadline on a space available basis.
Q: How many students do you usually admit each year?
A: 35
Q: How many applications do you typically receive?
A: 100-130
Q: Do you have a wait list and how does it work?
A: We have had a wait list of approximately 20-30 applicants. Faculty ranks each students and assigns them a wait list number. The admission office willl only call students off of the wait list, if we fall below our planned seating of 35 students. Therefore, we will call off of the wait list until classes begin in the fall.
Q: Is the GRE or MAT required?
A: The GRE or MAT are not required.
Q: Do my prerequisite courses need to be completed before I apply to the program?
A: No. Prerequisite courses may be in progress as long as they are completed by the end of the summer term. You may have as many courses in progress as needed. Of course, it is best to have as much completed prior to applying as possible.
Q: 40-70 volunteer hours with a Registered Occupational Therapist is required for the program. Do those hours need to be completed at the time I apply?
A: No. Those hours may be in progress at the time of application and would need to be completed by the end of the summer term.
Q: Is an interview required?
A: The personal interview is an important part of the admission process and is required of all applicants. Phone interviews may be considered for applicants living a distance from campus.
Q: How many times per year do you admit students?
A: We admit student once per year for the fall term.
Q: How long is the program?
A: The full-time program is six consecutive semesters in length (including summers) plus a six-month internship.
Q: Is there a part time program available?
A: Most students attend the program full time, although there is a part time option available. This part time schedule usually consists of taking 3-9 units per term and courses scheduling varies with each student. Completion of the MOT program on a part time basis should take no longer than three years.
Q: Who accredits the program?
A: Samuel Merritt University is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501. 510.748.9001. The Accrediting Commission is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation. The MOT program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The American Occupational Therapy Association may be reached at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220, 301.652.2682.
Q: What does it cost?
A: Tuition information is listed here .
Q: Is there financial aid?
A: Yes is the short answer. The Financial Aid Office will work individually with accepted applicants to arrive at a plan that insures financial aid needs are met in a manageable way. Generally payment on student loans is deferred while you are enrolled in the MOT program. While on the six-month internship students remain eligible for financial aid that does not affect award levels or deferral status of student loans, even for those who receive a stipend. Of note is the College's student loan default rate of <1%, a very low rate compared to national data, indicative of the financially rewarding jobs found by our graduates.
Q: What is the pass rate on the national licensure exam?
A: Our students do exceptionally well on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), with an average 97% pass rate over the past three years.
Q: Can I visit Samuel Merritt University?
A: We hold a Preview Day every fall and spring and those dates are made available on our website. Please also watch the website for additional opportunities to visit the campus and learn more about the MOT program.
A: We would recommend exactly that. Please call 510-869-6576 to schedule an individual appointment. Please be sure to bring copies of all college level transcripts with you.
MOT Statistical Information
| Fall 2007
| Fall 2008
| Fall 2009
| |
| Total Applicants
| 67
| 108
| 128
|
| Total Enrolled
| 35
| 38
| 36
|
| Mean Last 60 GPA
| 3.14
| 3.26
| 3.30
|
| Average Science GPA
| 2.70
| 2.95
| 2.97
|
| In-State Residents
| 35
| 35
| 34
|
| Out-of-State Residents
| 0
| 3
| 2
|
| Total Female
| 29
| 34
| 28
|
| Total Male
| 6
| 4
| 8
|
| Asian/Pacific Island
| 9
| 9
| 12
|
| African-American/Black
| 3
| 0
| 0
|
| Hispanic
| 2
| 2
| 0
|
| Multiethnic
| 2
| 1
| 2
|
| Other
| 1
| 1
| 2
|
| Not Reported
| 7
| 6
| 8
|
| White
| 9
| 19
| 13
|