Didactic Coursework

All didactic coursework in the MSOT program is delivered asynchronously through Canvas, Biola’s Learning Management System. This format allows students to engage with course materials, lectures, assignments, and learning activities online.

To participate successfully in the program, students are expected to have access to the following:

• Reliable computer or laptop
• Stable internet connection
• Webcam and microphone
• Canvas
• Zoom
• Biola email account
• Any required course-specific software, platforms, or digital resources

In-Person Weekend Labs

Students are required to attend in-person weekend labs on Biola’s campus once per month. These lab weekends typically take place Thursday through Saturday and provide hands-on learning experiences that support clinical skill development and application of didactic coursework.

The in-person lab schedule is generally structured as follows:

• Summer semester: Weeks 3, 7, 11, and 15
• Fall and Spring semesters: Weeks 4, 8, 12, and 15

Biola’s campus is ADA compliant, and accessibility accommodations are available to support students’ participation in required in-person learning experiences.

What will I study as an occupational therapy student?

Biola's M.S. in Occupational Therapy program spans six continuous trimesters of classes, labs and fieldwork designed to broaden your knowledge in the OT field and give you valuable field experience working with licensed occupational therapists. Course topics and learning highlights include:

• Advocacy and leadership in occupational therapy
• Occupational therapy preventative care and wellness
• Pediatric, adult-geriatric and mental health occupational therapy courses
• Faith integration and introduction to occupational therapy practice framework
• Patient care foundations
• Theology of disability
• Quantitative and qualitative research methods

The first four trimesters are focused on online coursework with monthly on-campus labs with the final two trimesters dedicated primarily to in-person fieldwork at placement sites. For the in-person fieldwork segment, please note the following:

• Students do not need to be California residents
• Fieldwork does not need to be completed within California
• Fieldwork placements are coordinated by the occupational therapy academic fieldwork coordinator
• Students may need to relocate for each placement (one in trimester 5 and one in trimester 6)
• Students are responsible for living expenses during fieldwork placement

Graduation Rates

Certification

Upon completion of the program, graduates will qualify to sit for the National Certification Examination for Occupational Therapists, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®). Upon successful completion of this exam, graduates will earn the title of Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). Additionally, licensure is required in all states to practice occupational therapy. Typically, state licenses are granted based on the results of the NBCOT® certification examination. It's important to note that felony convictions may impact a graduate's eligibility to sit for the NBCOT® certification examination or obtain state licensure.

For information on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) results, visit the NBCOT website for program data.

Felony Conviction and Eligibility for Certification and Licensure

Graduates of the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program at Biola University must meet the requirements established by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®) to be eligible to sit for the national certification examination. Certification is required for professional practice and state licensure in most jurisdictions.

Applicants should be aware that a felony conviction may affect an individual’s ability to obtain NBCOT certification and/or state licensure. NBCOT conducts a character review process, and state licensing boards may also consider criminal history when determining eligibility for licensure. Therefore, a felony conviction could impact a graduate’s ability to become credentialed and practice as an occupational therapist.

Prospective and current students with questions about how a criminal background may affect certification or licensure are encouraged to review NBCOT’s Early Determination Review process and contact NBCOT or the appropriate state licensing board directly for guidance.

ACOTE Accreditation Status

The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program has applied for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. The program must be granted Candidacy Status, have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT® Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT® certification examination or attain state licensure. In addition, students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 18 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.

ACOTE Accreditation Timeline:

• Current status: Candidacy
• Full accreditation: Awarded after ACOTE on-site evaluation in November 2026 (achieved before first cohort graduates)

As a Christian institution, Biola seeks to admit applicants whose backgrounds clearly demonstrate scholarly aptitude, a commitment to the historic Christian faith, personal character and integrity, and a positive service-oriented motivation toward their field of study. Biola does not discriminate on the basis of the applicant's race, color, sex, socio-economic status, disability, or national or ethnic origin.

1. Complete and submit the online application

2. Submit a non-refundable $65 application fee

3. Submit supplemental application materials through your online application portal:

Official Transcripts

• Submit all official transcripts from previous academic institutions.
• Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. In addition, transcripts with prerequisites, leveling courses, advanced standing, and any other courses relevant to your desired program should be submitted.
• If enrolled at the time the application is filed, be sure to request transcripts of work finished to date and final transcripts upon completion of your course of study.
• Transcripts will be considered official only when a) mailed directly from the institution to Biola, b) sent electronically through an approved vendor or c) physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution. Final approval for admission is contingent on receiving an official transcript.
  
• Mail transcripts to:
  Biola University Office of Graduate Admissions
  13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639
  
  
• International Transcripts: All international transcripts should be evaluated by a credential evaluation agency like The Evaluation Company, World Education Services (WES) or Foundation for International Services (FIS). Be sure to choose "course by course report" and have the evaluation agency send them directly to Biola University via online portal or post (13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada, CA 90639) in order to be considered official.

Two Reference Letters

• Spiritual mentor or leader recommendation
• Academic, character or employer recommendation

Resume or CV

• A copy of your resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

English Proficiency (required for non-native English speakers)

• Evidence of English proficiency is required for all students to support student success. Proficiency must be shown through one of the methods described below:
  • Minimum test score on a qualifying standardized test
    • TOEFL: minimum score of 100 iBT
    • IELTS: minimum score of 7.5
    • Duolingo: minimum score of 125
  • A degree (bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral) issued by an institution where English is the medium of instruction.
    • Official written communication from the institution (Registrar, Controller of Examinations Office, or Undergraduate College)
    • Official degree statements or transcripts may be accepted given English is stated as the medium of instruction
    • Official catalog verification
    • Note: For universities from non-Anglophone countries, further language assessment may be required.

4. Interview with a faculty member

• After your application and supplemental application requirements are submitted and approved, a select number of qualified applicants will be scheduled to have an interview with a faculty member.

 

Things to Note

• Track your application status at any time. You do not have to complete the application in one sitting. You can complete a portion and finish at a later time. Your information will be saved. When you apply, to guarantee confidentiality, you will be asked to create a user name and a password, and will receive a personalized identification number. Track your application status by logging in to the online application.
• Official documents presented for admission or evaluation become part of the student’s academic file and normally cannot be returned or copied for distribution.

Biola is committed to help make your studies affordable — each school offers different scholarship, grant and loan opportunities to help finance your education. Note that the tuition is subject to change.