COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at DePaul University features a comprehensive curriculum of 102 quarter credit hours designed to prepare students for professional practice with children and adults who have developmental, physical, cognitive, or psychological conditions. The curriculum weaves together foundational coursework with progressively advanced clinical skills to support critical thinking, problem solving, and independent practice. Students begin with courses in theoretical foundations, inter‑professional communication, neuro processing, movement and function, and positioning and technology for occupational performance, building a strong base in essential occupational therapy concepts. Courses in disability studies, occupational justice, ethics and advocacy, and thinking in systems deepen students’ understanding of social and ethical dimensions of practice. Specialized coursework includes mental health and well‑being, occupational therapy processes with children, adolescents, and adults, aging and community practice with groups and populations, and management and leadership across settings. In addition to didactic learning, the curriculum includes evidence‑based practice sequences, scholarly inquiry, and preparation for fieldwork, culminating in extensive Level II fieldwork placements that provide hands‑on clinical experience in real settings. Learning experiences are structured to integrate occupation‑centered and community‑engaged practice, with threads of advocacy, cultural relevance, and evidence applied throughout the program. This blend of classroom instruction, practical application, and clinical fieldwork equips students with the knowledge, skills, and professional identity necessary to deliver ethical and effective occupational therapy services, advocate for inclusion and access, and address diverse needs within health, educational, and community environments while fulfilling requirements for national certification and licensure.