The application will open July 18. This is a three-part process with an application to The Graduate School, an application through OTCAS and submission of a video essay to the JMU MOT program to otprogram@jmu.edu. 

Early Decision Deadline: Applicants who have completed or will complete all requirements in the fall semester are eligible for early decison. Early decision applicants must submit completed applications by September 1, at 11:59 pm. 

Regular Decision Deadline: Applicants with up to 3 prerequisite couses remaining in the spring semester must submit completed applications by December 1, at 11:59 pm. Priority consideration will be given to applications completed by the preferred deadline of November 1. 

Positions will be offered on a rolling basis until the class is full.

 Summer (June)

Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions should be uploaded with your electronic application and may be used for departmental admission review purposes. If offered admission, you will be directed and required to submit to the JMU Graduate School an official transcript from any institution other than JMU from which a degree has been awarded to finalize your admission. Transcripts are considered official if they are sent to JMU directly from the issuing institution. The OT Program does not accept transfer credits from another occupational therapy program.

Specific program requirements and prerequisite coursework are outlined on the MOT Admissions Requirement Page. 

The application process has three steps, as outlined below:

Step 1. Application to The Graduate School

• After completing the Graduate School application, download this document and save it as a PDF file.

Step 2. Application through OTCAS

• Complete your application in OTCAS and select the JMU MOT program. In the JMU program-specific “Documents”, upload your Graduate School Application in the “Required” section.

Step 3. Create your video essay and send the link by email to otprogram@jmu.edu. 

Applications are not considered complete and eligible to be reviewed until all three steps have been completed.  

• Application --> Visit the Online Application at this link
• Application fee

International Graduate Information

Details regarding transcripts and credential evaluations from non-US academic institutions can be found on the Transcripts & Credential Evaluation webpage. 

This program meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Please refer to the JMU Professional Licensure Program Status by Jurisdiction Index to determine if this JMU program meets the educational requirements specified by the associated licensing or certification agency in the state or territory in which you are located while enrolled and other states and territories. Requirements vary by state and are subject to change. The information provided is current as of the review date indicated in the table.

The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-6611 and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam. After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.