Admission to the University of Minnesota Master's in Occupational Therapy Program (MOT)
Promoting the health, productivity, and quality of life of individuals and society through the therapeutic application of occupation.
The UMN MOT program offers hybrid learning across two performance sites - Rochester and the Twin Cities. In-person select days every other week; online coursework.
Apply via OTCAS Connect with Admissions
Application to MOT Program
- Required Materials Checklist:
- All official transcripts (U.S. or WES foreign evaluation).
- OTCAS Personal Statement + UMN Short-Answer Essay prompts.
- Documented work/volunteer/observation experience.
- 3 Letters of Recommendation (Evaluations).
- Application Tip: Request an OTCAS coupon code to help offset financial costs.
Read Detailed OTCAS Application and Verification Information.
Pathway to Admission
Step 1: Requirements for Entry
Before applying, ensure you meet core academic and foundational prerequisites.
Degree: Bachelor's degree (any major) from an accredited institution prior to the first day of class.
Prerequisites: Complete 7 core prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better. Note: At least 4 of 7 (including 2 of: Anatomy, Physiology, Statistics) must be completed at the time of application. See full list of prerequisites.
Observation hours: Complete a minimum of 20 hours of OT observation OR completion of an Introduction to Occupational Therapy class. We recommend that you complete more than the minimum, up to 80 hours.
Additional experience: Document work or volunteer experience in health or education-related fields (physical therapy, special education, speech pathology, long-term care, home healthcare, adult/child day care, community health organizations, etc.) Up to 400 hours are counted.
Research: List any research participation.
Step 2: Application to Program
All applicants submit materials through the centralized OTCAS application portal.
Required Materials Checklist:
- All official transcripts (U.S. or WES foreign evaluations)
- OTCAS personal statement and UMN short answer essay prompts.
- Work/ volunteer/ observation hours.
- 3 Evaluations (Recommendations).
- Apply early and request an OTCAS application coupon code to help offset financial costs.
Step 3: Selection Criteria and Review Process
Our Admissions Committee utilizes a Holistic Review framework and practices Rolling Admission.
Holistic Review: We evaluate your application in its entirety by reviewing:
- Academic progress (cumulative and prerequisite GPA)
- Short-answer written prompt responses (avoid surface-level writing; use concrete examples)
- Quality of observation hours, work, volunteer, and research experiences
- Demonstrated leadership and transferable skills
- Review full selection criteria and tips on becoming a strong applicant
What is Rolling Admission? Applications verified after November 1 are reviewed monthly beginning in late January. Early application is encouraged as later in the cycle, our cohorts may fill.
Step 4: Post-Review: What to Expect
Timeline: Applicants will be notified throughout the application process as files are reviewed. One of three decisions is possible:
- we are holding a seat
- we need more information (such as a grade or observation hours) or
we are unable to offer you a seat
What does it mean if I am told a seat is being held? The UMN MOT program is seeking candidacy status (the first step in accreditation) and can officially admit students in April, once notified of our candidacy status.
Accepting Your Offer: No deposit is required until we send official admission notices in April. A non-refundable $500 tuition deposit is due within 2 weeks of receiving your admission offer.