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 pending space in the desired cohort. Our faculty work with each interested student to evaluate when they should enter and at what point in the program, based upon coursework completed elsewhere. Students wishing to transfer must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and cannot have earned less that a C- in any courses required by the Occupational Therapy Department. 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 or 12100 at Ithaca College, 1 chemistry, 1 philosophy, general psychology, 1 college writing course, human development through the lifespan, 1 sociology or anthropology course, and abnormal psychology. Students currently enrolled at Ithaca College should also take Introduction to Occupational Science, Human Development I and II, and Critical Health Issues.
Students must also have taken courses that align with the Integrated Core Curriculum general education requirements of Ithaca College. Information about the Integrative Core Curriculum can be found at /icc/ As the Occupational Therapy curriculum is very tightly structured from the Junior year through the graduate year it is critical that students have as many general education and prerequisite courses as possible taken prior to arrival. Moving directly into the junior year requires careful 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 or department chair to discuss prerequisite courses.
How can I track my progress toward meeting required prerequisites?
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 a course description from another institution that sounds similar to an Ithaca College course will be deemed an equivalent substitute for an Ithaca College course. 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, MOTR/L, Associate Professor and Chair
207 Smiddy Hall
Ithaca, NY 14850
607.274.3093
e-mail: dlong@ithaca.edu
