Transform the health and quality of life of individuals from diverse and global communities.

Since 1943, the UIC Department of Occupational Therapy has been integrating research, education and clinical practice in service to one vision: Creating Tomorrow’s Practice. We prepare students to be culturally responsive, client-centered and occupation-focused occupational therapists who become leaders and advocates in the profession.

We enact our mission in the context of a research-intensive university located in a world-class city that embraces diversity, social justice and community engagement. Faculty and students thrive in this rich environment that draws scholars committed to creating tomorrow’s practice.

We’re shaping the profession through our engagement in our Scholarship of Practice (SOP) model. Our SOP philosophy emphasizes a strong, reciprocal relationship between practice, evidence and stakeholders in the communities we interact with. Those stakeholders include individuals in community-based, non-medical practice settings and schools, as well as traditional, medically-oriented (clinical) practice settings. Applied to the E-OTD program, this philosophy underscores the importance of embedding learning in situations that link practice, evidence, and community.

Occupational therapy enables people of all ages to participate in daily living. With strong knowledge of a person’s psychological, physical, emotional, and social makeup, in addition to contextual influences, occupational therapists use a holistic perspective to evaluate how a condition (or risk for one) affects a client’s body and mind and collaborate with the client toward meaningful outcomes. Occupational therapy intervention uses everyday life activities (occupations) to promote health, well-being, and clients’ ability to participate in the important activities in their life. Occupational therapists are skilled health care professionals who use research and scientific evidence to ensure the effectiveness of their interventions.
Program Description Fall Spring Apply
Entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate For individuals who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in another subject and want to become occupational therapists Dec. 1 Apply
Post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy For registered occupational therapists that want to become advanced practitioners, educators, leaders or managers Mar. 1 Nov. 1 Apply

Tuition

Tuition is determined by the University of Illinois Chicago and may change from time to time. You can always find the most up-to-date information on tuition and fees on our college’s tuition and financial aid webpage.

Financial aid

Loans, grants, scholarships and student employment can make college more affordable and accessible. Familiarize yourself with the options available to you, and contact us when you need help.

Scholarship and awards

We offer scholarships and awards for academic achievement and financial need to students who enroll in our programs. We do not offer scholarships or awards to applicants. View our list of college-, department- and program-specific scholarships and awards.

Maria Larson-Juat headshot

Questions?

Understanding the financial process can be overwhelming, but we’re here for you. Reach out and we’ll help you find the answers you need.

You can contact Maria Larson-Juat at:
Email otdept@uic.edu
Phone 312.413.0124
Address 1919 W. Taylor St.
344 AHSB, MC 811
Chicago, IL 60612

Jul 17 2026

In-Person Entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (E-OTD) Information Session

Friday, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm
Aug 3 2026

Virtual Entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (E-OTD) Information Session

Monday, 5:30 pm–6:30 pm CST
Zoom
Apply now
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