Transferring into the Combined BS/MS Program
Transferring to the Combined BS/MS Occupational Therapy Program
The Ithaca College OT program welcomes transfer students into the combined BS/MS program. Our faculty work with each interested student to evaluate when they should enter and what point in the program, based upon coursework completed elsewhere. Please refer to IC Admission FAQ's on transferring.
How can I apply to enter the occupational therapy program at the undergraduate level?
Students may transfer into the occupational therapy program at any time up to the fall of the junior year of study in the program. Students currently at Ithaca College who wish to change majors should follow normal college procedures for changing majors. Students who are currently enrolled at other institutions should follow Ithaca College admissions procedures for transfer students found on the admissions website. It is important to note that changing majors or transferring into the program may mean that you might have to take additional coursework to be on track in the program.
Can I transfer into the program at the master's level only?
Students who have earned a bachelors degree in a field other than occupational therapy who wish to apply to our professional-entry graduate program should contact Dr. Melinda Cozzolino at otgrad@ithaca.edu
What courses should I take if I plan to seek admission into the undergraduate program as a transfer student?
Courses students must complete before the junior year include 1 semester of biology that is equivalent to BIOL 11900 at Ithaca College, 1 chemistry, 1 philosophy, general psychology, computers and information technology, 2 college writing courses (one at the 200 level), human development through the lifespan, and 2 sociology or anthropology courses (or one of each). Students currently enrolled at Ithaca College should also take Occupations and You, Introduction to Occupational Science, and Critical Health Issues.
Students wishing to transfer directly into the junior year from another institution should take the courses listed in the above paragraph and should also consider taking abnormal psychology, research methods, a statistics course for social science research, and 2 semesters of anatomy and physiology. These additional courses are typically taught in the junior year of our program but transfer students need room in the schedule to take pre-requisite courses offered only at Ithaca College. Moving directly into the junior year requires some planning to be sure all requirements have been met. It is strongly recommended that any student who plans to seek admittance as a transfer student contact the curriculum director to discuss pre-requisite courses.
How can I track my progress toward meeting required pre-requisites?
The curriculum worksheet listed in the callout box as a featured document on this webpage can be used by students who are considering applying for transfer to the BS/MS program as a general, unofficial guide to help determine which courses might need to be taken prior to transfer. Note that course names are not sufficient for determining course equivalencies. All students should read the Ithaca College course descriptions carefully and work to match the course content when taking courses at other institutions.
It is very important to note that there is no guarantee that because course descriptions sound similar a course from another institution will be deemed an equivalent substitute for Ithaca College courses. The registrar's office can assist students who wish to determine course equivalencies from other institutions provided the specific course at the other institution has been evaluated by the appropriate academic departments in the past. When a course has not been previously evaluated by the college, the student may ask for assistance from the occupational therapy department. If after reviewing course descriptions and syllabi the Program Director determines that a course taken elsewhere meets a given standard, a Waiver/Substitution form is completed and submitted to the Registrar for approval.
When would I know if courses I've taken elsewhere would transfer as courses equivalent to Ithaca College courses?
Course equivalencies are not officially determined until a prospective student has applied, been accepted, and indicated intent to attend Ithaca College.
Who do I Contact for More Information?
Answers to specific questions about the admissions process and contact information can be found on the admissions department website at Ithaca College at /admission/
If you have questions about transferring into the combined BS/MS program at the freshman, sophomore, or junior level please contact Dr. Diane Long in the Occupational Therapy Department.
Diane Long, Ed.D, Occupational Therapy Curriculum Director
Ithaca College
204 Smiddy Hall
Ithaca, NY 14850
607.274.3093
e-mail: dlong@ithaca.edu
