Entry-level OTD Admissions Requirements
The Baylor University Department of Occupational Therapy takes a holistic approach to admitting qualified applicants to the program.
A holistic approach to admissions means that for students who meet the minimum GPA requirements, we view the entire student application packet before making a decision regarding admission to the program. This process is driven by the University’s mission and vision to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.
Admissions Criteria
Explore admissions criteria and requirements for Baylor's Entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.
Applicants must complete a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or Canada. Admission may be granted pending completion of the degree.
- Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or greater on a 4.00 scale.
- If your GPA is below a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale you may still be eligible if your last 60 semester hours or last 90 quarter hours is above a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
While Baylor's Entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program does require specific pre-requisite courses, it does not require applicants to have completed a particular major. Students from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds have found success in Baylor's occupational therapy program—learn more about their backgrounds and experiences.
Complete pre-requisite courses with a C or above:
- A pre-requisite GPA of 3.0 is required
- "B-" or above in each course is preferred.
- It is strongly recommended that an applicant complete 19 credits of pre-requisite coursework before submitting an application. All pre-requisite coursework must be completed before starting the program.
- If a pre-requisite course is repeated, the credit hours assigned to the course may be counted only once in fulfilling the required number of hours. The pre-requisite GPA will be determined using the highest course grade achieved; however, both grades will be calculated into the cumulative GPA.
- If you have not completed the pre-requisite coursework before the start of classes, you will not be allowed to begin classes.
30 observation hours with an occupational therapy professional are required. 50 hours are recommended. Students will be asked to provide a record of their observation experience.
Provide three references. It is required that one of the references be from a licensed occupational therapy practitioner. References should come directly from the evaluator to OTCAS. Evaluators can send references to OTCAS electronically or by using a paper reference form that can be printed from the OTCAS application.
Provide a writing sample and personal essay based on the prompt provided in the OTCAS system.
An applicant may be invited for a virtual interview based on an evaluation of the submitted application and supporting materials.
Applicants whose first (primary) language is not English, must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following standardized tests. Test results must be less than two (2) years old at the time of application.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
- For exams taken before January 21, 2026: Minimum iBT total score of 80 and a minimum Speaking section score of 20.
- For exams taken after January 21, 2026: Minimum iBT score of 4.5 and minimum Speaking section score of 4.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall band score of 6.5.
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum overall score of 125.
Official score reports must be sent directly to OTD@baylor.edu
Demonstrate the ability to fulfill the Technical Standards for admission. Students must meet the specified technical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation for admission, progression, and graduation in the OTD program
Complete an approved Background Check and Drug Screening before matriculation.
Notes on Admissions Criteria:
- All courses within the professional didactic and clinical curriculum are required for completion of the OTD degree program.
- Baylor does not grant advanced placement credit for experiential learning, or transfer credits from other programs or institutions.
- In consideration of accommodation for COVID 19, Pass/Fail grades will be accepted for the Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 semesters.
Pre-Requisite Course Requirements:
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 credits (3 credits of lecture and 1 credit of lab) |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 credits (3 credits of lecture and 1 credit of lab) |
| Biomechanics | 3 credits (Kinesiology or Physics may be acceptable if the course contains mechanics or biomechanics) |
| Psychology | 6 credits (3 of those credits must be Abnormal Psychology, Neuropathology, or Behavior Disorders) |
| Human Development (lifespan) | 3 credits |
| Social Sciences | 3 credits (These credits may be from Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Public Health, Ethnicity, Gender Studies, Religious Studies, or Philosophy coursework) |
| Statistics | 3 credits |
| Medical Terminology | 1 credit |
*If you have not completed the pre-requisite coursework before the start of classes, you will not be allowed to begin classes.
We do require Anatomy and Physiology coursework to be completed within 5 years of the program start date. Other than these two courses, pre-requisite coursework does not expire.
If you have any questions about the program, application process, or pre-requisites, please contact us today at Robbins_Grad@baylor.edu or 254-710-4400.
If you are a Baylor student check out the resources provided here.
Note: A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. An individual, who has a felony background and is considering entering an occupational therapy program, can have his or her background reviewed prior to applying for the exam by requesting an Early Determination Review.