The University of Delaware and Thomas Jefferson University

Combined BS/MS degree in Health Studies & Occupational Therapy

Introduction

This program is the result of a cooperative agreement between University of Delaware and Jefferson College of Health Professions of Thomas Jefferson University (TJU). Students can earn both the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and the Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in five and a half years. The component of the program supported by Delaware consists of the first three years (91/92 credits) of the Bachelor of Science in Health Studies, and is referred to as the Health Studies Pre-Professional Track in Occupational Therapy (HSOT). After completing the first three years at University of Delaware, students will proceed to the Jefferson College of Health Professions for the final two and a half years where they will complete their remaining undergraduate credits and graduate coursework leading to the Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. The B.S. in Health Studies from University of Delaware will be awarded after successful completion of the first year at Jefferson College of Health Professions. The 91/92 credits at UD will meet the University/College’s FYE, DLE, multicultural, writing, and breadth requirements. The undergraduate courses taken at TJU during the fourth year will replace the courses students would normally take during their senior year in the Health Studies program. Furthermore, the curriculum was designed so that students who choose not to continue into the OT component of the degree can complete the Health Studies requirements in four years.

Students who complete the articulated University of Delaware curriculum, have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0, and have earned at least a ‘C’ in all prerequisite coursework, may transfer into the graduate portion of the program at Thomas Jefferson University.

The M.S. in Occupational Therapy degree from Thomas Jefferson University will be awarded after successful completion of the final year at Jefferson College of Health Professions.

Requirements for Admission

There are two paths for admission: students who enter the program as freshmen, and current UD students in other majors who enter the program at the end of their freshman year.

Admission process for freshmen applicants:

Admissions decisions are made by the University of Delaware-Thomas Jefferson University Joint Admissions Committee. An average of five candidates will be selected for admission per year. Students interested in applying to the joint HSOT degree program should:

• Designate the BS/MS Occupational Therapy option as the choice of major.
• Make sure that their essay or personal statement discusses their interest in occupational therapy.

The University of Delaware Office of Admissions will pre-screen applications, and for those students who are selected, interviews with the joint Admissions Committee will take place around February 15th. Following the interview process, the Joint Admissions Committee will identify successful applicants. All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their admission into the HSOT program on March 1 st.

Admission process for current University of Delaware students:

Matriculated students must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply to the HSOT degree program:

• Total earned credits hours (not including AP credits) of 30 or less by the end of the first year at UD (those with more than 30 credits may be evaluated on an individual basis)
• Cumulative grade point average of 3.3 or higher
• A grade of ‘C’ or better in all prerequisite courses for the programs at TJU

Students meeting the eligibility requirements must submit a Jefferson College of Health Professions application for admission with an endorsement/letter of recommendation from a designated University of Delaware representative.

Combined Health Studies-Occupational Therapy Curriculum
Coursework at University of Delaware

Combined Health Studies-Occupational Therapy Curriculum
Coursework at Thomas Jefferson University