Occupational Therapy (M.S.) Admission Requirements

This program admits in Fall 2025.

In addition to the University’s admission requirements:

• BOTH the OTCAS application and the Kean University CAS Graduate Supplemental Application MUST be completed and "verified" by the deadline in order for the application to be fully reviewed. 
• Baccalaureate degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade of "B" or better in each prerequisite course
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended
• Three letters of recommendation; one letter must be from an occupational therapist. These can be uploaded to the electronic application.  Letters must be dated within two years of applying.
• Observation hours will be required for the 2024 admissions cycle. Students must document a minimum of 40 hours in two or more practice settings. Please complete the OT Observation Rating Form for each site. If you are unable to obtain observation hours for any reason, please email ot@kean.edu for an alternative option.
• Current professional résumé/CV
• Personal statement
• Respond to a departmental question: "Describe a current event or societal issue and how you feel OT could impact the situation"

• In your electronic application, submit a document with a link to a 5-minute (or less) video of you answering the following questions. Question 1: Tell us a little about yourself, your life experiences, and how you became interested in occupational therapy. Question 2: Share your thoughts on how the feeling of "belonging" can act as a support (helps) or a barrier(hinders) to participation in life activities. Question 3: Finally, what is something you feel sets you aside from other candidates

• Official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo score reports (International Students Only)

• Observation hours are highly recommended for admission to Kean's OT programs for the 2024-2025 admission cycle. Applicants should still explore the profession before applying to the OT program to ensure they understand the depth and scope of practice in occupational therapy.

Please submit a document describing how you explored the profession of occupational therapy to ensure a strong career fit. These learning activities may include but are not limited to: observation hours, watching YouTube videos, listening to podcasts, participating in blogs and speaking with occupational therapy practitioners.

As you explore the profession, ensure that you gain an understanding of various practice settings in which OT's can work, as well as how OT's serve individuals across the lifespan. Given the unforeseen circumstances impacting the settings and clients in which OT's serve, securing observation hours do not provide any advantage to your application at this time.

Prerequisite Coursework

Each prerequisite course must be completed with a grade of B or better. At the time of application, prospective students may have only three prerequisite courses outstanding/in progress and, if accepted, need to be completed by June 30. However, due to the competitive applicant pool, the Admissions Committee encourages the completion of all prerequisite courses prior to application.

(1) These courses must be taken within five years of application to the program.

(2) Must be completed at Kean University.

Students may complete the required prerequisite at any accredited institution. If you intend to complete these prerequisites at Kean University, you may apply to the University as an undergraduate second-degree, non-matriculated student.

Note: Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee interview or admission. Interviews will be conducted at the discretion of the Occupational Therapy Department admissions committee.

Kean OT Prerequisite Descriptions

Apply Now Through OTCAS

Complete the Kean Supplemental Application

How-To-Guide For Kean Supplemental Application

BOTH the OTCAS application and the Kean University CAS supplemental application MUST be completed and "verified" by the deadline in order for the application to be fully reviewed. 

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