About the Program

The MUSC online Post Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (PPOTD) is for occupational therapists who see a challenge or problem and have innovative ideas for how to fix it. At MUSC, “changing what’s possible” is more than a tagline. It’s our culture.

Our faculty will challenge you to dream, think bigger, push boundaries, and be a change agent in your community. Whether your goal is to grow as a clinician, enhance your teaching abilities, move into a leadership role, or put your innovative idea to address an unmet community need into practice, MUSC can help you achieve it.

Program Format

The PPOTD program was designed with you in mind. Our part-time, 100% online format is ideal for working OTRs who may be juggling family, volunteerism, or other commitments in addition to their jobs. Students and alumni of the program consistently share that the program is not only manageable with a busy schedule but also that our faculty is flexible and accommodating when life happens.

Students complete the 30-credit program in 5 semesters or 1.5 years, taking two online courses each semester. While students complete most of their coursework asynchronously and at their own pace, they still experience collaboration and support from peers.

Through our cohort model, students build relationships with classmates from all over the country, fostering collaboration, support, and encouragement. Students also have the opportunity to meet with classmates in person during optional on-campus visits for orientation and graduation.

Over 3 semesters, students meet weekly with a faculty mentor to plan, propose, and implement an OT doctoral capstone project. With guidance from their mentor, students select a project that fits their passion, goals, and life. Whether you come with a project (or several) in mind or need some inspiration, our faculty will be with you every step of the way to help you develop and complete a project that’s meaningful to you and empowers you to “change what’s possible” in your clinic, community, or career.