One of the most frequently asked questions by pre-occupational therapy students is...
What is the best undergrad major for occupational therapy school?
Many undergraduate students wonder about the best undergraduate degree for occupational therapy and which majors will best support their future goals.
I majored in athletic training, which has been surprisingly useful in my professional life. In addition to dealing with injuries and pain, it taught both hands-on and clinical reasoning skills.
But, I didn’t always know I wanted to be an occupational therapist. Thankfully, I was able to finish and graduate undergrad with a major I loved while still pursuing admissions to OT school. Earning a bachelor's degree in a related field can be helpful, but it is not strictly required for entry into occupational therapy programs.
Some people discover occupational therapy later in life and may be considering a career change into the field. Whether you are an undergraduate student or exploring a new professional path, choosing the best undergraduate degree for your interests and goals can help lay the groundwork for a successful transition into occupational therapy.
Is there a "best" undergrad major for occupational therapy?
If you know that OT is the career for you, you may be wondering what the best undergraduate degree for occupational therapy is. Most programs accept a variety of undergraduate majors and degrees, and there is no single required degree for admission. Degrees in a related field, such as biology, psychology, kinesiology, or health sciences, can provide a strong foundation for OT school. Choosing from these undergraduate majors can help you gain essential skills and knowledge for your future studies. While you can apply with many different degrees, undergraduate degrees in fields such as biology, psychology, or health sciences are common choices.
Exercise science or athletic training
As mentioned before, these majors will give you an opportunity to practice your personal and clinical skills before entering occupational therapy school. When you are working with athletes, you begin to understand the psychology of an individual after they experience a minor (or major) injury. Often this alters one’s trajectory in school or academics affecting their mood and mental health. Being able to communicate and empathize with others during their lowest moments will provide you with valuable skills in OT school and your future career. While occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals regain independence in daily activities, physical therapy is more centered on rehabilitation and improving movement after injury.
Exercise science is also a great major for occupational therapy school. While studying basic anatomy and exercises to help clients reach their goals (which is very OT), you are learning skills in biofeedback, communication, and grading activities.
Grading activities is something you will learn much more about once you are in OT school. Essentially, it looks like this. If you prescribed an activity and it is too easy, the client will never reach their goal. If it is too hard, they won’t have the chance to progress. You are looking for the “just right challenge”. You learn this as an exercise science major with basic physical activity and it’s a skill applicable to all occupational therapy settings.
Biology
Some may argue that biology (or chemistry or physics) is the best undergrad major for occupational therapy. These science courses will be some of the most challenging in your college career and will prepare you for the academic rigors of OT school such as anatomy and neuroscience. Health science and health sciences are also common undergraduate majors for OT preparation, providing a strong foundation for advanced studies. It is important to complete prerequisite courses in biology and related subjects before applying to OT programs, as these are often required for admission.
You won’t learn the hands-on skills as the previously mentioned majors. However, you will have a leg up in research courses and statistics by thoroughly understanding the scientific method. Additionally, familiarity with medical terminology is important in both biology and OT education, as it forms a basis for understanding clinical concepts. It might not make sense now, but this is crucial for the future of occupational therapy. We all need to understand the research and evidence-based practice for the good of our clients and the advocacy of our profession.
Students interested in pediatric occupational therapy should also consider coursework in child development to better prepare for working with children.
Psychology
Psychology is a sneaky useful undergrad major for occupational therapy school. Human development and education are also majors great for OT or are minors to help facilitate future OT skills. Additionally, understanding different cultures is essential for effective occupational therapy practice, as it helps practitioners communicate and collaborate with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Let me explain. Occupational therapy and mental health go way back to the beginning of OT. In current times, it is a major focus area in OT education, but very few OTs work in traditional mental health settings. Public health is another relevant area of study for those interested in the broader impact of OT, including topics like epidemiology, health promotion, and healthcare management.
So, while this may be true, psychology is an important major for all of us. Every client no matter what age will have life issues either hindering or facilitating their rehab goals. Understanding this is crucial to the progress of your future clients.
Psychology majors also learn a lot about human development and education. This gives you a leg up in your pediatric and aging classes because you will already understand the pediatric milestones and how humans develop emotionally and socially as we age. And by sprinkling in some education in there, you will now understand teaching and methods of learning (something that we OTs do every day). Occupational therapists may also use special equipment to help clients achieve their goals and perform daily activities more safely and independently.
Pick something interesting as your undergraduate major for occupational therapy
No matter what your passion is, there is always a way to make it relevant to occupational therapy. Use this as your chance to pursue business or performing arts. Not only will this provide you with skills as a therapist, it makes you unique and your application stick out. If you are interested in managing a clinical practice or starting your own OT business, a business degree can be especially valuable, as it provides essential skills in practice management, finance, and entrepreneurship. It is a rare thing to take electives in grad school, so use this as an opportunity to try new things.
I managed to squeeze all my prerequisites in my four-year college career, but I am also thankful for my electives. Taking a theater makeup class and African American literature really opened my eyes. Not only were these courses fun, but they gave me a more well-rounded education. There is no absolute answer for what is the best undergrad major for occupational therapy. You will get out what you put in.
The typical educational pathway involves earning an undergraduate degree, completing prerequisite courses, and applying to an OT program or OT schools. Many students pursue a graduate degree or a master's degree, such as those offered by OT master's programs, to obtain a degree in occupational therapy. Admission to these programs often requires meeting a minimum GPA, and a higher GPA can improve your chances. After completing your education, you must pass the national board exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and obtain state licensure before you can start practicing. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) serves as the accreditation council, ensuring program quality and eligibility for licensure. There are strong job opportunities in occupational therapy, and having a strong desire to help others is essential for success. If you are interested in working with children, pediatric occupational therapy is a rewarding specialty. OT practice focuses on helping clients with everyday activities, sometimes using special equipment, and both clinical practice and OT practice are important aspects of the profession.
Overall, your major is only a very small part of your application. Your OT experience, extracurricular activities, and jobs will all play a role in determining your readiness for graduate school.
Gaining practical experience before occupational therapy school
Before you even set foot in an occupational therapy program, gaining practical experience can make a world of difference for future occupational therapists. Whether you’re volunteering, interning, or completing observation hours with a practicing occupational therapist, these real-world experiences are invaluable—not just for your application, but for your own understanding of the profession.
Many occupational therapy programs, and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), strongly recommend or require observation hours as part of the application process. These hours give you a front-row seat to the daily tasks and responsibilities of occupational therapists, from developing treatment plans to working with patients in various settings. You’ll see firsthand how occupational therapists use their clinical skills and problem solving skills to help people regain independence in their daily lives.
Practical experience can be found in a wide range of environments, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and private clinics. Some students even get involved in research projects or community-based programs, which is a great way to learn about evidence based practice and the importance of cultural competence in occupational therapy. These opportunities help you build a strong foundation in clinical skills and give you a taste of what it’s like to work in multiple settings.
Fieldwork is a cornerstone of occupational therapy education, and most OT programs include hands-on components like Level II fieldwork. This is where you’ll really start to develop treatment plans, interact with patients, and understand the unique role of occupational therapists in different healthcare environments. The experience you gain before OT school will help you hit the ground running when it’s time for your own fieldwork placements.
If you’re not sure where to start, try reaching out to local occupational therapy clinics, hospitals, or organizations to ask about volunteer or internship opportunities. Don’t be afraid to contact practicing occupational therapists directly—they’re often happy to offer advice or let you shadow them for a few hours. Joining occupational therapy-related clubs or organizations on your campus can also open doors to networking, resources, and information about the profession.
Ultimately, gaining practical experience before occupational therapy school will not only strengthen your application, but also give you a deeper appreciation for the field. By observing and working alongside occupational therapists in action, you’ll develop the clinical skills, confidence, and insight needed to succeed in OT school and throughout your occupational therapy career.
