Occupational Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Occupational science, an evolving social science, is the study of human occupation. Occupational scientists study why and how we occupy our time through activity, organize ourselves through activity patterns and habits, respond to the context in which occupations occur, and create meaning through occupations.

Students may combine the study of human occupation with other areas of interest through electives or a minor, including but not limited to Psychology, Child and Family Studies, Biology, Community Health, Gerontology, and Business. Students who apply for the Baccalaureate Degree in Occupational Science are expected to progress to the Occupational Therapy Doctorate, professional concentration. However, some may choose other graduate education options or seek employment in non-credentialed health care, education or community positions. These careers may include case manager, independent living skills coordinator, activity coordinator, medical sales representative, senior citizen program coordinator, mental health associate, and job coach for persons with developmental disabilities.

The five themes of the occupational science curriculum are occupation, communication, critical thinking, leadership, and practice. Interwoven are the curriculum elements of concepts and knowledge, active community learning experiences, and authentic assessment. A value inherent in the curriculum model is that learning is optimal when educators guide student immersion in personally meaningful challenges that are processed in a supportive environment.

Graduates of the Occupational Science program meet the following outcomes:

1. Identify occupational needs, and apply occupational science and occupational therapy concepts to self and others to promote participation in occupation.
2. Utilize professional written, oral, and non-verbal communication to express the language and ideas of occupational science and occupational therapy.
3. Critically read to analyze scholarly literature to understand the impact on healthcare, occupational science, and occupational therapy.
4. Demonstrate professional behavior in the roles of student and advocate to begin to develop the identity of a doctorally prepared occupational therapist.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of occupational science concepts and therapeutic use of self to engage in the occupational therapy process for individuals, groups, and populations.
6. Explain concepts and roles in healthcare delivery models.

Admission and Progression Requirements

All students who are accepted by EKU’s Admission office and declare their major as Occupational Science are admitted to the University as pre-Occupational Science majors; however, admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the Occupational Science program. Admission is competitive and based on a review of the applicants’ academic history by the department’s Admission, Progression and Retention Committee. Students seeking consideration for admission to the Occupational Science program must meet the following requirements by May in the semester preceding the Fall semester start of the program:

1. Completion of 60 hours of coursework, including prerequisites courses
2. Overall GPA of 3.0 or above
3. A minimum of 4 “B”s and 1 “C” in the following prerequisite courses or their equivalents

   Course List

   Code	Title	Hours
   BIO 208	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	3
   BIO 208L	Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab	1
   BIO 308	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	3
   BIO 308L	Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab	1
   HCA 200	Medical Terminology	3
   STA 215	Introduction to Statistical Reasoning	3
   or STA 270	Applied Statistics
   PSY 200	Introduction to Psychology	3

4. Completion of the Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT)
5. Three completed recommendation forms
6. Application with personal statement

Application to the Occupational Science Program does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Students seeking admission to the Occupational Science program must follow this process:

1. By April 15th prior to progressing to the Occupational Science program, all students must submit an Application for Admission.
2. Transfer students, including 2nd degree pathway students, must be fully admitted to the University by April 15th to be considered for admission to the Occupational Science Program. Students are responsible for submitting their official transcripts to the Office of the Registrar.
3. Based on a competitive admissions review, students will be informed of admission to the Occupational Science program after Spring semester grades are posted.
4. Students accepted to the Occupational Science program will then be allowed to register for classes in the program.

To progress in the program, all required major and support courses in the first professional year of the program must be completed with a grade of “B” or better, with the exception of  BIO 271 and BIO 371 which must be completed with a grade of “C” or better for progression.  

To graduate and progress to the OTD program, BIO 271 and BIO 371 must be completed with a grade of “C” or better and all other all required major and support courses must be completed with a grade of “B” or better as well as completion of general education and university requirements for graduation. Students must also successfully complete a summative Annual Competency at the end of Professional Years 1 and 2 per the departmental progression policy. 

For additional admission information please refer to the Selection Criteria at http://www.eku.edu/ot/

Completion of the undergraduate program in Occupational Science does not guarantee admission into the graduate program in Occupational Therapy. Students must meet Department and Graduate School requirements to progress. Refer to the Graduate Catalog for admission requirements and procedures regarding application to the OTD program.

Appeals

Students may petition for a waiver of any regulations. Appeals regarding waiver of a regulation should be addressed to the Admissions and Progression Committee. Grade Appeals should be addressed to the Academic Practices Committee. See the University Student Handbook for details of the appeal procedures.

Program Requirements

CIP Code: 51.2306

Major

E

Course also satisfies an Essential Education element. Hours are included within the 30 hr. Essential Education requirement above.

Key:

E

Course satisfies an Essential Education element.

*

Course must be taken in semester indicated.

Upper division courses: All students are required to have a minimum of 39 hrs. upper division (300-level or above) courses distributed throughout Major/Supporting/Essential Ed/Free Electives categories.

Occupational Science B.S.