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Doctor of Philosophy
The Ph.D. in Occupational Science educates individuals to engage in
the scientific study of human occupation, the purposeful activities that
constitute our life experiences. This important new science is chiefly
concerned with the unique capacity of humans to develop adaptive skills,
such as tool use and related occupational behaviors, and to choose and
orchestrate daily occupations. It also seeks to understand the function,
structure and interrelationship of these occupations and their impact on
individuals and institutions.
The focus on occupation distinguishes this program from
closely-related disciplines such as psychology, sociology and
anthropology. The program emphasizes the development of research skills
and encourages students to organize and synthesize knowledge to
contribute to occupational science theory, as opposed to therapeutic
application.
Admission Requirements
Applicants for admission to the Ph.D. program are expected to have a
baccalaureate degree in an appropriate field, such as one of the
biological or social sciences or occupational therapy, with a minimum
GPA of 3.0 (A = 4.0) and a minimum score of 1100 on the verbal and
quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examinations. At least
three letters of reference must also be submitted. Other considerations
include evidence of academic potential based on master's level study (if
relevant), research skills and interest, and a statement of purpose.
International students must demonstrate competency in English, as
measured by the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
examination.
Degree Requirements
This degree is awarded under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the
Requirements for Graduation section and the
Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degree must be courses accepted by the USC Graduate School.
Course Requirements
Satisfactory completion of 60 units beyond the baccalaureate degree is
required, including the following courses:
| Required courses | Units |
|---|
| OT
506 | History of Occupational Therapy
Practice | 4 |
| OT 510 | Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Occupational
Data | 4 |
| OT 550 | Occupational Behavior Model | 4 |
| OT
588 | Research Methods | 4 |
| OT
604 | Temporal Adaptation: Organization and Use of
Time | 4 |
| OT 612 | Information Processing and Occupation | 4 |
| OT 650 | Development of
Adaptive Skills | 4 |
| OT 651 | Adaptation and Disability | 4 |
| OT
653 | Play and Occupation | 4 |
| OT
655 | Work and Leisure | 4 |
Upon departmental approval, an elective may be substituted for a
500-level course if the student has previously completed graduate work
encompassing similar content.
Those students who also wish to participate in clinical practice in
occupational therapy may opt to complete a master's degree in
occupational therapy. Such students are required to complete the
requirements for that degree as well as the occupational therapy
undergraduate major courses if they are not registered occupational
therapists or eligible for registration prior to study.
Cognate Requirement
Completion of 12 units in a topic area
such as one of the following is required: quantitative research
approaches, qualitative research approaches, neuroscience, social
development, life span development or gerontology.
Research Practicum
Each student will enroll in 1 unit of OT
660 Research Practicum in Occupation per semester during the first two
years of doctoral level study. In this practicum the student will
develop research skills by working as part of a research team under the
direction of a faculty member.
Screening Procedures
Departmental screening will be
required. Passing this procedure is prerequisite to continuation in the
doctoral program. Directions for obtaining and filing the Report on
Ph.D. Screening Procedures are found in the Graduate School section of
this catalogue.
Dissertation Enrollment
Doctoral students must submit a
dissertation according to the policies and procedures described in the
Graduate School section of this catalogue. Registration in OT 794
Doctoral Dissertation for a minimum of 4 units (2 units in each of two
consecutive semesters) is required.
Foreign Language or Research Skills
The Ph.D. in Occupational Science does not require the demonstration of
competence in a foreign language. However, each student is expected to
achieve expertise, as defined by the student's guidance committee, in
either qualitative or quantitative research techniques through
participation in course work and the research practicum.
Guidance Committee
The guidance committee is composed of five faculty members. Three
members of the committee must be regular faculty from the Division of
Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. One member must be from
outside the division. Complete regulations for establishing a guidance
committee are found in the Graduate School section of this catalogue.
Qualifying Examination
The qualifying examination is comprehensive in nature and requires the
student to demonstrate a grasp of content from the core courses and the
cognate area. The examination is both written and oral and is set and
administered by the student's guidance committee. Refer to the Graduate
School section of this catalogue for specific directions for filing a
request to take the examination.
Dissertation
Doctoral students must submit a dissertation according to the policies
and procedures of the Graduate School section of this catalogue. Upon
approval of the preliminary copy of the dissertation by all members of
the dissertation committee, the candidate must pass an oral defense of
the dissertation. Upon successful completion of the oral defense and
revisions, approval for final typing is granted and the committee
recommends the candidate to the Graduate School for the Ph.D.
Teaching
To prepare students for anticipated roles as faculty members, a teaching
component is incorporated into the program. Students who receive
teaching assistantships will be required to assist in relevant teaching
assignments for a minimum of one academic year. Those who do not receive
teaching assistantships are required to present a minimum of six
lectures or laboratory sessions.
Additional Information
Further information about the baccalaureate, master's and doctoral programs can be obtained by writing or calling the USC Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, 1540 Alcazar Street (CHP 133), Los Angeles, CA 90089-9003; (323) 442-2850, toll free (866) 385-4250, or by sending email to
otdept@hsc.usc.edu. Information regarding the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy is available on the Web at
www.usc.edu/schools/ihp/ot.
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