Occupational Therapy (M.S.) Admission Requirements

This program admits in Fall 2026. 

Application due date: January 15

In addition to the University’s admission requirements:

• BOTH the OTCAS application and the Kean University CAS Graduate Supplemental Application MUST be completed and "verified" by the deadline in order for the application to be fully reviewed. 
• Baccalaureate degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade of "B" or better in each prerequisite course
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended
• Three letters of recommendation; These can be uploaded to the electronic application. Letters must be dated within two years of applying. The three letters must include one personal, one academic, and one professional recommendation. The personal letter should not be from a family member. The professional letter can, but does not need to be, from an occupational therapy practitioner.
• Observation hours are not required.  Applicants should still explore the profession before applying to the OT program to ensure they understand the depth and scope of practice in occupational therapy.
• Current professional résumé/CV
• Personal statement
• A document with a link to a 5-minute (or shorter) public access video of you answering the following questions. 1. What experiences (e.g., observations, coursework, websites, podcasts) helped you explore different OT settings and solidified your decision to pursue OT? Provide specifics on your experiences. What did you learn? 2. How does a sense of belonging help or hinder participation in daily life? Be specific and provide an example. 3. What is one current societal issue OT can address, and how can OT practitioners make an impact?
• Official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo score reports (International Students Only)

• Observation hours are NOT REQUIRED for admission to Kean’s OT programs for the 2025-2026 admission cycle. Though not required, candidates are encouraged to submit proof of observation hours if completed. 

  Communicated through the video submission, Applicants should explore the profession prior to applying to the OT program to ensure they understand the depth and breadth of the scope of practice in occupational therapy. As you explore the profession, ensure that you gain an understanding of various practice settings in which OTs can work, as well as how OTs serve individuals across the lifespan.

Please submit a document describing how you explored the profession of occupational therapy to ensure a strong career fit. These learning activities may include but are not limited to: observation hours, watching YouTube videos, listening to podcasts, participating in blogs and speaking with occupational therapy practitioners.

As you explore the profession, ensure that you gain an understanding of various practice settings in which OT's can work, as well as how OT's serve individuals across the lifespan. Given the unforeseen circumstances impacting the settings and clients in which OT's serve, securing observation hours do not provide any advantage to your application at this time.

Prerequisite Coursework

Each prerequisite course must be completed with a grade of B or better. At the time of application, prospective students may have only three prerequisite courses outstanding/in progress and, if accepted, need to be completed by June 30. However, due to the competitive applicant pool, the Admissions Committee encourages the completion of all prerequisite courses prior to application. For additional questions, please contact ot@kean.edu.

(1) These courses must be taken within ten years of application to the program.

Students may complete the required prerequisite at any accredited institution. If you intend to complete these prerequisites at Kean University, you may apply to the University as an undergraduate second-degree, non-matriculated student.

Note: Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee interview or admission. Interviews will be conducted at the discretion of the Occupational Therapy Department admissions committee.

Kean OT Prerequisite Descriptions

Apply Now Through OTCAS

Complete the Kean Supplemental Application

How-To-Guide For Kean Supplemental Application

BOTH the OTCAS application and the Kean University CAS supplemental application MUST be completed and "verified" by the deadline in order for the application to be fully reviewed. 

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