Does the undergraduate major matter?

[southerngirl100]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I have noticed that the majority of prospective OT students on this forum have majors that are somewhat, if not directly, related to OT. I was just wondering if it counts against someone to apply to OT programs with a major that is completely unrelated to OT. My major is totally unrelated, but I have completed a significant number of science courses. Would this put me at a disadvantage when compared to other students who have majors such as exercise science, or does it even matter at all as long as I complete all of the OT prerequisites? Would it be to my advantage to take additional science courses or to even complete a second major that is related to OT?

 

[Sunny324]

I can't speak for all schools, but for the ones I've applied to, applicants are scored on a points system. Things like GPA, prerequisite GPA, volunteer work, research experience, work history, interview, and letters of recommendation are given a point value. Applicants with the highest number of points are admitted to the program. Things like where you went to school, your major, or the nature of non-prerequisite classes are not of concern.

My advice to you would be to focus on getting good grades in your prerequisites (especially anatomy and physiology), doing well on the GRE, and volunteering in a variety of OT settings.

 

[KayD]

Your major shouldn't matter too much as long as you meet the pre-req requirements, including any specific volunteer work it entails. But your degree in itself shouldn't make a difference as long as your GPA matches up with what is required.

 

[OT2015]

All of the above are true. I was a French major with none of the required classes done prior to hearing about OT. It truly depends on the school, but getting good pre-req grades, well-rounded observations, and really solid rec letters made me more confident when sending applications. Plus, several people told me that programs are looking for diverse candidates with a range of experiences-- not only bio/kinesiology majors.

I hope that helps! I was freaked out that my lack of rehab/therapy background would keep me out of the running, but I got into 2 schools with a VERY liberal arts background.

 

[BMB9290]

Once your in the process of applying it shouldn't matter too much, if at all. Pre-reqs are definitely what matter most and provide schools with a reference to your background knowledge. Don't worry!

However, if you're confident that you want to pursue OT as a graduate program, while still being able to determine an undergrad major, I'd definitely recommend choosing something that will provide you with opportunities for healthcare-related field placements/service learning. In my case, I ended up with 200+ OT observation hours and 350+ hours at other health/rehab settings which I was given college credit for.

 

[c2902]

I think it depends on the program. I just found out I was accepted to an MSOT program, and I have a BFA and MA in subjects that are not science/health related at all. The point is to convince the admissions committee that those fields ARE related, along with applicable work experience, lots of observation hours in several settings to show you are committed, and a regular volunteer commitment, plus good references (use one of your prereq professors, especially if you did well in something like Anatomy or Abnormal Psych and developed a good rapport with them), and a great essay. You can build a really good case for yourself if you are smart about it! Some programs really like diverse backgrounds in their students.

 

[theblueterren]

mm

 

[Johann00]

If anything, I think most programs actively promote having a well-rounded and diverse class (including gender, race, age, and major). We've got everything from psych to kinesiology, art history, and business majors in my program.