 
New OT Master's Degree
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Occupational science is a new and developing discipline originated in 1989 at the University of Southern California (USC) under the direction of Elizabeth J. Yerxa, who established USC's doctoral program in occupational science. Including the program at SLU, there are only three baccalaureate degree programs in the country. SLU has the only one in the Midwest.
Preparing students in this field is important because the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports employment opportunities in occupational therapy are expected to increase between 21 and 35 percent through 2008.
"Occupational science is the study of human occupation as a universal phenomenon, particularly in the realm of self-care, self-enhancement and productive occupations," said Claudia Hilton, adjunct assistant professor of occupational therapy. "It looks at the cultural and social influences on occupation and how involvement in occupation contributes to physical, psychological and spiritual well-being. Occupational therapists, on the other hand, evaluate the impact of disability or illness and design interventions to minimize their effect and enable people to care for themselves, perform their everyday activities and engage in occupations that contribute to the quality of life."
The program combines the bachelor's and master's degrees with a central organizing curriculum framework. Students who complete this program will earn a B.S.O.S. at the end of nine semesters (including two summer sessions). Students who go on to complete the professional program will earn a master's in occupational therapy degree at the end of three additional semesters.
"Occupational therapy students are interested in making a difference in the lives of people who are unable to perform daily tasks due to physical, psychosocial, cognitive, socio-cultural or environmental limitations," Hilton said. "Students usually have a strong science background, are 'people persons,' are able to think creatively and demonstrate the ability to be problem-solvers."
The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
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