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Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science

Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

College of Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science

Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

College of Health Sciences

On-Campus

Program

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tutition

$5,010 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

Fulfill Your Passion for Helping Others in a Rewarding Field

Be prepared to enter a high-demand profession that allows you to make a positive impact on individual’s lives. EKU’s B.S. in Occupational Science program provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to begin a rewarding career. The B.S. in in Occupational Science must be completed to advance to the Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. A combined degree decreases time to graduation and tuition costs.

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Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 16 percent from now until to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Occupational therapy jobs are available in a variety of areas including schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient service providers, home health, early intervention, and academia.

Employers Include:

  • University of Findlay
  • Occupational Therapy Consultants, Inc.
  • Providence St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula, MT
  • Encompass Health
  • Commonwealth Hand and Physical Therapy
  • Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine Program in OT
  • South Arkansas Community College

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Quality courses from respected and engaged faculty
  • Graduates of the combined program are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) national certification exam and apply for licensure in all states, which is required to practice

Minors & Certificates

Students may combine the study of human occupation with other areas of interest through electives or a minor. Suggested minors for this program include:

  • Psychology
  • Child & Family Studies
  • Biology
  • Community Health
  • Gerontology
  • Business

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree.

Curriculum & Enrollment

EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through topics such as occupation in diverse contexts, OT in healthcare systems, designing occupations, and leadership in human services.

How does the combined BS in Occupational Science/OTD work?
Watch this informational video to learn more.

A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate with a BS in Occupational Science.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students transferring from other institutions or who already have a baccalaureate degree in another discipline are encouraged to apply.

Select pre-occupational science as your major when applying.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallApril 15August

To Apply

Students seeking admission to the Occupational Science program must meet the following requirements by May in the semester preceding the start of the program:

  • Completion of 60 hours of coursework, including prerequisites courses
  • Overall GPA of 3.0 or above
  • A minimum of 4 “B”s and 1 “C” in the following prerequisite courses or their equivalents (BIO 307, BIO 308, STA 215 or STA 270, PSY 200, HCA 200)
  • Completion of the Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT). Applicants should only take the HSRT one time during the semester in which they apply; additional test scores will not be counted.
  • Three completed recommendation forms
  • Application with personal statement and resume

Application to the Occupational Science Program does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

The OTD professional program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). For more information visit ACOTE online. Graduates of both programs 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). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order 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.

ACOTE Contact Information:

7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (301) 652-6611

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Health Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment counselor today.

Person outline image when no photo is available

Gabriella Thurman

College Enrollment Counselor


gabrielle.thurman@eku.edu

CHS Advising Information for Current Students

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

Photo of Ava Meyer

Ava Meyer

EKU Occupational Science Student
With the BSOS/OTD pathway, I am in my undergraduate degree learning material that applies to my future job. The most surprising aspect of the program is how fast-paced yet thoroughly taught it is. In 6 years, students can earn a bachelor’s in Occupational Science and then transition into the 2 year Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
photo of Chelsea Moore

Chelsea Moore

EKU Occupational Science/Occupational Therapy Student
Having the opportunity to obtain an OTD degree from EKU has given me a chance to set myself up for success at a young age with minimal financial strain. Due to dual credit opportunities through my public high school, I am set to confer my doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy by the age of 22. This opportunity was not accessible to me through other OTD programs.
EKU OTD graduate Emma McClellan smiles for a professional photo.

Emma McClellan

EKU Occupational Therapy Doctorate Graduate
I work with physicians and FNPs. Having a doctoral degree gives me a place at the table. It says that I have reached the gold standard in my profession. It’s the equivalent of labeling all my passion for OT, my desire to help my patients, and the work I’ve done professionally and academically.

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Residence Halls Open for the Spring 2025 semester. Front desks begin normal operating hours.

Check-In Deadline

Check-in deadline for all returning and new students for spring 2025. For late return/check-in, contact our office at 859-622-1515.
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News & Updates

EKU Climbs the Ranks for Best Public Affairs Program

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has climbed the ranks in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Graduate School rankings, particularly in the category of Best Public Affairs Programs,  where it […]

EKU Ranks for Best Occupational Therapy Programs

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is home to one of the top Occupational Therapy (OT) programs in the nation, boasting a 99% graduation rate since 2020. Recently, EKU ranked No. 22 […]

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Contact Information

Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

521 Lancaster Avenue
Dizney Building, Room 103
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-3300
ot@eku.edu

Department Directory