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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 Tuition

$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

Curriculum & Admission

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

Informational Application Instructions Video

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.

Photo of Gabby Thurman

Gabriella Thurman

College Enrollment Counselor


gabrielle.thurman@eku.edu

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

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News & Updates

EKU’s Occupational Therapy and Manufacturing Engineering Programs Announce Collaborative Partnership with Local Manufacturer

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) announced a collaborative workplace improvement project between its top-ranked Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program and new Manufacturing Engineering program alongside Toyota on Thursday. The collaboration creates opportunities for safer and more efficient workspaces by applying principles of ergonomics and universal design. “Innovation, one of our strategic priorities at EKU, is […]

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 advanced 10 spots, among other program rankings.  “EKU is making a name for itself on the national stage,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Our rankings […]

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 in Best Occupational Therapy Programs for 2024 Best Health Schools by U.S. News & World Report, moving up from a previous No. 29 position. The […]

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Contact Information

Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

Dizney Building
Room 103

4377 Kit Carson Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-3300
ot@eku.edu

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