Post-professional OTD Admissions
Are you ready to take the next step?
Start your application to Baylor University's 16-month Post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program today!
| Starting Term | Summer 2027 |
| Applications Close | March 1, 2027 |
Applicants for the Baylor Post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program (PPOTD) must meet the admission requirements outlined below. All courses within the professional curriculum are required for completion of the PPOTD degree program.
- All applicants must provide a copy of a current and valid license to practice occupational therapy in one of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or US Virgin Islands. This license must be in good standing.
- Complete GoGrad online application.
- Successful completion of an entry-level, accredited occupational therapy program at the master's level;
- Applicants holding a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy AND a master's degree in a related or applicable field will be considered following department chair review.
- Official transcripts from the degree conferring institution are required and must be submitted to the University directly from the issuing institution. Information about submitting transcripts can be found here (see item #5).
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- 2 letters of recommendation and one letter must be from an OT
- Please submit a 1-2 page essay where you address the following prompt. Based on your professional experience as an occupational therapist, describe why you want to pursue a post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree and how this degree will help you achieve your career goals. Discuss the experiences and aspirations that have influenced your decision to pursue doctoral education, how you plan to apply your advanced knowledge and skills in your future career, and why Baylor University's Post-Professional OTD program is the best fit to help you achieve these goals.
Applicants whose first (primary) language is not English, or who have completed a degree and prerequisite coursework outside the United States, 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. Official score reports must be sent directly to OTD@baylor.edu.
- 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.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
Health Insurance
Baylor University requires all domestic graduate students to hold health insurance. For more information regarding health insurance opportunities, visit the Graduate Student Health Insurance website.
Post-professional OTD Frequently Asked Questions
With a distinctive focus on hybrid and online teaching for the health sciences, Baylor’s PPOTD equips graduates to teach, mentor, design learning experiences, support professional development, and lead in contemporary practice and education environments
The curriculum totals 30 credit hours divided into three components:
- Core Courses: 17 credit hours focusing on evidence-based practice and advanced clinical concepts.
- Doctoral Capstone: 7 credit hours centered on experiential learning and a personalized scholarly project.
- Hybrid and Online Teaching: 6 credit hours dedicated to instructional design and pedagogy in health sciences.
Each course runs for 7 weeks. Each week has an assigned online module in Canvas, our learning management system. Within the course modules will be class content, readings, videos, and assignments. Two courses typically run simultaneously in each of the 7 weeks. See the PPOTD Plan of Study.
No. The majority of the course content is asynchronous. Weekly modules with course content are provided and learners can work in a self-directed way to meet assignment due dates. Instructors may request attendance at an initial synchronous session at the start of each course for introductory purposes.
Absolutely. Our program is designed to accommodate busy healthcare professionals who work full-time and may have other personal commitments. Each week of a course has learning content and assignments with specific deadlines, but learners can complete these on their preferred time schedule.
Embedded within the Post-Professional OTD plan of study there are five courses worth 10 credit hours dedicated specifically to hybrid and online instruction. Following graduation, students earn a specialty Certificate in Hybrid and Online Teaching for the Health Sciences alongside their OTD degree.
Yes. The Certificate program can be taken as a stand-alone specialty certificate program. This is available to qualified healthcare professionals, not just occupational therapists, and can be completed in 9 months. See specifics here.
Because of the accelerated format and short duration of our degree, we require a master’s degree to apply. If you hold a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy and a master’s degree in a related field, you may be eligible to apply with departmental chair approval.
A limited number of departmental merit-based scholarships up to $5,000 may be available each year to support eligible students during the capstone phase. Admitted students can apply for this funding upon enrollment.
You can reach out directly to our admissions and enrollment team at OTD@baylor.edu or contact us via call or text at 254-870-1568.
The Post-professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate program at Baylor University blends academic excellence with a Christian commitment to promote personal and professional growth, resulting in a positive impact on clients and communities worldwide.
