Empower Daily Living, Enhance Quality of Life

Do you see yourself helping people live more independently, regain daily skills, or adapt to challenges after injury or illness? Occupational therapy might be your calling. Southwestern’s Pre-Occupational Therapy pathway blends a strong liberal arts foundation with a focused science curriculum to help you build a comprehensive understanding of the mind, body, and environment.

While many students preparing for occupational therapy graduate study major in kinesiology, biology, or psychology, successful applicants come from a wide range of academic backgrounds. Whether you’re drawn to working with children, adults, or aging populations, your experience at Southwestern will prepare you to address the complex needs of those you serve—and help your OT school application stand out.

Each professional program sets its own entrance requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to research individual schools and ensure all prerequisite coursework is completed accordingly.

Core Courses

• KIN48-251/253: Human Anatomy and Physiology I (Lab + Lecture)

• KIN48-261/263: Human Anatomy and Physiology II (Lab + Lecture)

• MAT52-114: Introduction to Statistics

• KIN48-214 or PSY33-204: Research Methods

• KIN48-344 or PHY53-154: Biomechanics or Fundamentals of Physics I

• PSY33-104: Principles of Psychology

• PSY33-344: Lifespan Developmental Psychology

• PSY33-524: Psychopathology and Clinical Science

Recommended Courses

• KIN48-121: Structural Kinesiology

• KIN48-324: Motor Learning and Control

• KIN48-334: Physiology of Exercise

• KIN48-374: Nutritional Sciences

• SOC34-114: Introduction to Sociology

Plan Your Path

Download our Pre-OT Course Sequence Guide (PDF) for a suggested four-year core course sequence option.

---

Curious about the difference between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy? Explore PT vs. OT