Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Therapy
Embrace your calling to contribute to evidence-based practice through research, and to shape the next generation of occupational therapists through teaching by earning your Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Therapy degree.
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The Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Therapy (PhD) degree prepares occupational therapists for advanced scholarly careers in academia and practice.
Our OT PhD graduates will have demonstrated the ability to contribute new or expanded knowledge, skills and attitudes to the profession of occupational therapy, as evidenced by publications in peer reviewed journals and national presentations at peer reviewed professional conferences.
The PhD in Occupational Therapy curriculum consists of three components, core coursework, qualifying examination and dissertation. Students typically enroll for 3-6 credit-hours per semester and complete the degree with in 4-6 years. (Students must complete their degree, including dissertation, within 8 years.)
Faculty mentors are located at the Denton, Dallas and Houston campuses. Courses are conducted primarily online with one or two campus visits per semester, rotating between the Dallas and Houston centers.
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²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ provided me the kind of mentorship that fosters growth and transformation. I was guided by faculty who are not only leaders in our profession but who are deeply committed to shaping clinicians and scholars who drive meaningful change. At ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ, I learned that research can be a catalyst for justice, innovation, and equity.
PhD Information Sessions
Upcoming sessions
- Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 6 p.m., central time –
- Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 12 p.m., central time –
- Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 6 p.m., central time –
- Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 12 p.m., central time –
- Monday, June 15, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., central time –
- Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 12 p.m., central time –
OT PhD Program Requirements
The OT PhD program requires a minimum of 90 semester credit hours of masters/doctoral level coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree — a minimum of 45 semester hours will be completed as a part of the doctoral program curriculum. Curriculum includes:
- Core course work
- Research Tools
- Electives
- Qualifying Examination & Dissertation
See full program requirements in the .
Next Steps
To apply for the PhD in Occupational Therapy at ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ, applicants must hold a current occupational therapy license and meet all graduate admission requirements. The program is based on a mentorship model: while you can complete your application at any time, you must secure a faculty mentor prior to admission.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy
Applications are accepted at any time, but best consideration will be given to those received by April 15 prior to the desired Summer or Fall start date. Admissions to our graduate programs are competitive. Applicants must complete all steps in order to be considered for admission.
Admission Requirements
- Initial certification as an occupational therapist by National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Graduates from non-U.S. baccalaureate programs, recognized by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists who otherwise meet admission requirements, need not be certified by the NBCOT to pursue the Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy.
- Graduate-level degree.
- 3.2 minimum GPA in graduate-level work
- Satisfactory English language proficiency score (if applicable).
Graduates from non-U.S. baccalaureate programs, recognized by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists who otherwise meet admission requirements, need not be certified by the NBCOT to pursue the Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy.
- The Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy at ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ is based on a mentorship model. Applicants will be matched with a faculty mentor prior to beginning the program. Complete the following steps:
- Complete the School of OT PhD Application, Essay and Goals (PDF) and upload into application under Department Specific Application.
- Current resume.
- Email addresses for three academic or professional individuals familiar with your academic capabilities, who can provide letters of recommendation to be requested through and submitted into the application.
- Verification of certification as an Occupational Therapist (via NBCOT or WFOT)
- Participate in an admissions committee interview.
- Complete a Faculty Mentor Agreement.
Technology Requirements for the Program
Graduate Admission
Begin by reviewing your program's website to see if there are additional admission requirements and application deadlines prior to applying.
- Apply online.
Apply to Graduate Programs via the ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ following instructions below. - Submit transcripts to ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ.
- Domestic Applicants must submit official transcripts for each college or university attended, both undergraduate and graduate. See the Information on Transcripts website for more details. Original transcripts for each college/university attended must be submitted, even if referred to on another schools transcripts.
- International Applicants are now required to provide an evaluation prepared by a or member evaluation service. International transcripts should not be sent directly to ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ. See the International Admissions website for more details.
- Submit Recommendation Requests
If your program requires you to submit names for recommendations you will need to do it in the application. List of programs-majors. - Pay the application fee.
The $50 fee ($75 fee for International applicants), which applies to all new and returning applicants, can be paid by:- Credit card - Pay Online through the application as the last step before submitting the application. The second portion of the application will not be available until the application fee has been received.
- Fee Waivers - Graduate applicants who are certified McNair Scholars are eligible for a McNair Scholar Application Fee Waiver. ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ Alumni may be eligible for the Alumni Advantage Fee Waiver. Check your eligibility here: /alumni-advantage/. If eligible submit the request using the Application Fee Waiver Submission
- Following fee payment return to the application dashboard where supplemental application documents can be uploaded. The online application will list which documents are needed to fulfill the program admission requirements. You can also check the program's website.
- Submit Program supplemental documents
- Review the specific requirements for your intended program to identify any supplemental materials needed for your application.
Watch for emails from your new program/department that may come to your ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ email address.
For more information or assistance with the application or graduate admissions, visit the Graduate Admissions website.
Students who wish to apply for a must meet the .
More Information
Are you a licensed occupational therapist wanting to advance your career? Explore our PhD program by completing this form. This program is designed for OTs who hold a master's degree or an entry-level OTD.
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BSWIR OT Fellowship in Physical Rehabilitation
AOTA Fellows at Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation are eligible to enroll in PhD courses as non-degree seeking students.
Explore Scholarship Opportunities at Texas Woman’s University
²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ offers more than $21.6 million in scholarships each year. Scholarships are available for undergraduate, graduate and transfer students in all academic areas.
Learn more including how to submit a single application to be considered for all available scholarships.
Page last updated 9:19 AM, March 25, 2026