Online Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) from Russell Sage College

The online Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program is designed to equip you with a lifespan approach to occupational therapy. You’ll study a range of niche topics including community mental health, pediatrics, intellectual disabilities, and adult development. 

The online program also includes mandatory courses and fieldwork that sets it apart from other occupational therapy programs, including: 

• An emphasis on Level-I and Level-II fieldwork 

• Two types of placements for Level-II fieldwork 

• Physical rehab (with four physical rehab courses)

• A course in upper extremities (shoulders, arms, and hands), which is not typically included in similar programs at other institutions 

• Mental health as integral to all fieldwork experiences

This combination of courses and fieldwork experiences will position you as a marketable occupational therapist who can work in a variety of settings.

• Featured courses

• Fieldwork

• On- campus lab immersions

The estimated total tuition for the online MSOT program as of the 2024–25 academic year is $76,000. A $500 deposit is required upon enrollment. Please note that tuition does not include out-of-pocket expenses such as books, additional course materials, immersions, or other fees. While immersion fees include a majority of associated expenses, learners are still responsible for travel costs, as well as some food and miscellaneous charges throughout the immersion experience. Learners can expect a moderate tuition increase each year.

Financial aid

There are a few resources that may be available to help you finance your online Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree. Funding options include scholarships, employer tuition assistance, veteran benefits, Federal student loans and  private loans.

Applying for Federal Student Aid

Follow these steps to apply for Federal Student Aid:

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ) electronically using your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID.  

• Select the appropriate academic year

• Include the Russell Sage College Federal school code: 002810

Note: The FAFSA must be submitted each academic year in order to remain eligible for Federal Student Aid.

• If you wish to receive the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you must complete Entrance Counseling and electronically sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN) at Studentaid.gov .

• Both the Entrance Counseling and MPN must be completed in order for funds to be disbursed to your student account at Russell Sage College.

• If you have previously borrowed Federal student loans, be sure to update your lender(s) with contact information and enrollment status (for loan deferment purposes). 

• Log in on the Studentaid.gov homepage to review loan history and loan servicer details.

• Evaluate your need for additional funding such as the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan through the Department of Education, or private education loans through various lenders of your choice. 

Note: The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is credit-based. Please visit Studentaid.gov for detailed information regarding PLUS Loan credit requirements.

• Prior to borrowing through the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan program, you may need to review your credit reports for potential issues. Contact any of the following credit bureaus for information: Experian , Equifax , or TransUnion .

• The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan credit decision expires within 180 days from applying. 

• The maximum amount that you can borrow is up to the Cost of Attendance at Russell Sage College.

• The Graduate PLUS Loan is initiated by the school through your financial aid offer letter. The school's financial aid office will provide additional instructions about the process for requesting a Graduate PLUS Loan. Any requests for additional GradPLUS loan funds after the initial loan disbursement must be completed through My Sage Aid under the New Loan Request tab.

• If approved for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, you must complete a separate Direct PLUS Loan MPN for Graduate/Professional students.

• If denied the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, you may re-apply with a co-signer (endorser) or appeal the denial through the Department of Education.

• For more information on financial aid at Russell Sage College, visit the Office of Financial Aid Graduate Student Aid page . Visit Studentaid.gov for more information on Federal Student Aid programs.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (or be currently enrolled in a degree-bearing program) from an accredited college, with an undergraduate GPA of 3.25 (recommended). Applicants also should have completed the following courses:

• Anatomy and Physiology I and II (with labs, and a 3.0 average in both courses)

• Introduction to Psychology (General Psychology)

• Human Development (Lifespan Development)

• Abnormal Psychology

• Statistics

• Sociology or Anthropology (3 credits of either)

• Medical Terminology

• Physics I (recommended, but not required)

GRE or GMAT scores are not required to apply.

Application deadlines

Application requirements

To complete an application, you will need to submit the following materials:

• Application fee

• Personal essay

• Official transcripts

• Résumé or CV

• Letters of recommendation

• English language proficiency