Undergraduate

Pre-Occupational Therapy
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Undergraduate Pre-Occupational Therapy

About the Pre-Occupational Therapy Program

Slippery Rock University's Pre-Occupational Therapy program is not a single major, but a dedicated pathway designed to prepare you for successful admission into a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. This flexible track allows you to build a strong foundation in a field you're passionate about, with options available through diverse majors such as Exercise Science, Public Health, Psychology, Recreational Therapy, Healthcare Administration and Management (HCAM), and Health and Physical Education. SRU offers two distinct timelines to fit your academic goals: an accelerated 3+3 program that allows you to earn both your bachelor's and doctoral degrees in just six years, and a traditional four-year track that provides a comprehensive undergraduate experience before you apply to the OTD program. Regardless of the path you choose, our curriculum ensures you complete all the necessary prerequisites and develop the skills needed to become a competitive candidate for SRU's OTD program and a future leader in the field of occupational therapy.

What Can I Do With a Pre-Occupational Therapy Degree?

A Pre-Occupational Therapy pathway prepares you for graduate school and a rewarding career as a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT), a high-demand profession focused on helping people live their lives to the fullest. Occupational therapists work with individuals of all ages who face physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges, designing personalized interventions that enable them to perform meaningful daily activities—or "occupations"—whether at school, work, or home. This versatile career opens doors to a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, mental health facilities, private practices, and home health services. Ultimately, this path equips you with the scientific knowledge and compassionate skills to empower others, improve their quality of life, and make a tangible difference in your community.

occupational therapist

Why Choose a Pre-Occupational Therapy Degree?

SRU Exercise Science is recognized as one of the best accredited undergraduate programs in the country. Students are highly successful at gaining acceptance into Occupational Therapy programs and excelling in those programs once they are there. As an Exercise Science student at SRU, you'll become skilled in understanding the human body. You'll understand the psychology of motivation and how you can help your future patients reach their health-related goals. You'll also learn how to use advanced technology and receive hands-on learning experiences. You'll receive a strong science base-including anatomy, exercise physiology, and pathophysiology. And you'll learn how to apply that knowledge through practical experiences working with real people.

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Pre-Occupational Therapy BS, BSED and Concentrations

Occupational therapy exercise

Exercise Science, BS / Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) (3+3)

Focuses on developing professional competence, enabling students to evaluate health behaviors, design effective exercise programs, and apply behavioral strategies to promote positive lifestyles. Students learn professional interaction and communication by presenting information clearly, collaborating with peers, and effectively giving and receiving feedback.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Occupational therapy exercise

Exercise Science, BS / Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) (Traditional)

Focuses on developing professional competence, enabling students to evaluate health behaviors, design effective exercise programs, and apply behavioral strategies to promote positive lifestyles. Students learn professional interaction and communication by presenting information clearly, collaborating with peers, and effectively giving and receiving feedback.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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Health and Physical Education, BSED - Concentration in Physical Activity and Fitness Management / Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) (3+3)

Prepares you to plan and evaluate physical activity programs in corporate, community, and non-profit settings. This unique program combines a core curriculum with your choice of two specialty areas and also offers an accelerated 3+3 Pre-Occupational Therapy track. This specialized pathway is designed to enrich your undergraduate education and facilitate a seamless entry into SRU's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Student helping child

Health and Physical Education, BSED - Concentration in Physical Activity and Fitness Management / Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) (Traditional)

Prepares you to design, lead, and advocate for comprehensive wellness programs in various community and commercial settings. The curriculum develops your instructional excellence and wellness competency, empowering you to educate individuals on purposeful movement, healthy nutrition, and strategies for managing stress. By completing your full four-year undergraduate degree, you will build a strong foundation and be well-prepared to apply to SRU's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program in your senior year.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Occupational therapist with patient

HCAM, BS - Concentration in Leadership / Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) (3+3)

Provides a direct pathway for incoming freshmen to earn both a Bachelor of Science in HCAM with a Leadership concentration and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy in just six years, saving a full year of time and tuition. During your first three years, you will complete the major coursework and all prerequisites, applying for admission into SRU's competitive OTD program at the end of your second year. If accepted, your first year of doctoral studies also fulfills your remaining undergraduate requirements, equipping you with essential skills in healthcare leadership, communication, and financial management to ensure you are prepared to succeed.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Occupational therapist with patient

HCAM, BS - Concentration in Leadership / Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) (Traditional)

Allows you to complete a full four-year Bachelor of Science in HCAM with a Leadership concentration while also fulfilling all prerequisites for doctoral studies. This pathway provides a comprehensive undergraduate experience, allowing you to build a strong foundation before applying to SRU's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program during your senior year. By graduation, you will have mastered essential skills in healthcare leadership, communication, and financial management, making you a well-prepared and competitive applicant for the OTD program.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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Psychology, BS / Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) (3+3)

Prepare for graduate study and a career as an occupational therapist where you’ll develop a deep understanding of human behavior and function, learn the science of behavior change, and explore applied and biobehavioral perspectives on mental health, equipping you to address both psychological and physical health goals for diverse patient populations, from emotional support and trauma recovery to memory‑loss coping strategies, workplace advocacy, and addiction recovery, ultimately positioning you to promote holistic well‑being as an occupational therapist.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Student drawing on whiteboard

Psychology, BS / Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) (Traditional)

Prepare for graduate study and a career as an occupational therapist where you’ll develop a deep understanding of human behavior and function, learn the science of behavior change, and explore applied and biobehavioral perspectives on mental health, equipping you to address both psychological and physical health goals for diverse patient populations, from emotional support and trauma recovery to memory‑loss coping strategies, workplace advocacy, and addiction recovery, ultimately positioning you to promote holistic well‑being as an occupational therapist.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Rehabilitation assistance

Health Science - Public Health, BS / Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) (3+3)

Provides a fast track for students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy in just six years. The curriculum builds your professional competency by teaching you to assess, plan, and implement health promotion for individuals and communities while developing effective communication skills for interacting with clients and colleagues.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Rehabilitation assistance

Health Science - Public Health, BS / Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) (Traditional)

Provides a comprehensive four-year Bachelor of Science in Public Health, allowing you to build a deep and thorough foundation for your future career. The curriculum is designed to build your professional competency in assessing and implementing health promotion for communities, while honing your communication skills for effective interaction with both clients and other health professionals.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Students helping patient walk

Recreational Therapy, BS / Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) (3+3)

Offers a unique pathway to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy in just six years. The curriculum focuses on developing your methodological proficiency, teaching you to assess, plan, and implement the Recreational Therapy process while honing your professional decision-making and critical thinking skills.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Students helping patient walk

Recreational Therapy, BS / Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) (Traditional)

Provides a comprehensive four-year Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy, allowing you to build a thorough foundation before applying to doctoral programs. The curriculum is designed to build your methodological proficiency in the recreational therapy process—from assessment to intervention—while strengthening your professional decision-making and critical thinking abilities.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide


Career Outcomes

Upon completion of the Exercise Science undergraduate program and the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program you will be well prepared to embark on your career as an Occupational Therapist, a growing profession with increasing demand.


Clubs & Organizations

  • Exercise Science Society
  • Pre-Occupational Therapy Club
  • Resistance Training Club
  • Rock Run Club

Resources

From application tips to academic information and support, we provide the guidance and tools you need to start strong and stay on track. Our resources are here to help you make the most of your SRU experience.

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