Overview

Occupational therapists are healthcare professionals who help individuals of all ages develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and meaningful participation in everyday activities.

At Illinois Wesleyan, students interested in pursuing a career in occupational therapy major in their primary field of interest while completing the prerequisite coursework required by graduate-level OT programs. A variety of majors can lead to OT school, though Psychology is a popular and strategic choice due to its significant curricular overlap with OT prerequisites. Students also commonly major in Biology, Kinesiology, or Allied Health.

Illinois Wesleyan students benefit from a rigorous science curriculum, strong faculty mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for the academic and clinical demands of occupational therapy programs. Students also take part in a vibrant liberal arts education that builds the communication, empathy, and critical thinking skills essential for patient-centered care.

Why Pre-OT at IWU?

• Strong Academic Foundation – Courses in anatomy, physiology, psychology, and statistics prepare students for the academic rigor of graduate OT programs.
• Interdisciplinary Flexibility – Students can tailor their major and electives to align with specific program prerequisites and interests, with guidance from faculty advisors and the Health and Science Career Counselor.
• Early Career Planning – Advising support helps students build meaningful clinical and volunteer experiences, prepare for the GRE or other application components, and research accredited OT programs.
• Graduate Program Success – IWU graduates are regularly accepted into competitive occupational therapy programs across the country.

For additional guidance, students are encouraged to meet with the Health and Science Career Counselor to explore course planning, shadowing opportunities, and graduate school preparation.

Program Guide Brochure

Curriculum

Pre-Occupational Therapy Course Plan (First 3 semesters)

The following is a sample course plan based on the 2025–2026 University Catalog and includes commonly required prerequisites for occupational therapy graduate programs. Students are encouraged to confirm specific requirements for the programs they plan to apply to, as they can vary.

At Illinois Wesleyan, students select a primary major—commonly Psychology, Biology, Kinesiology, or Allied Health—and complete the required coursework for OT school alongside their major and general education requirements. Your faculty advisor and the Health and Science Career Counselor will support you in aligning your academic path with your professional goals.

As an IWU student, it is your responsibility to track your progress each semester towards completing graduation requirements using the  MyIWU  degree audit tool.

Study Abroad

Students interested in studying abroad are encouraged to start planning early and consult with their academic advisor and the Health and Science Career Counselor to determine the best semester for their experience. With careful planning, study abroad can be integrated into a pre-occupational therapy academic plan—especially during sophomore or junior year—without delaying graduation or affecting graduate school timelines.

Additional Information

There is no universal set of prerequisites for occupational therapy graduate programs. While the courses listed in the sample course plan reflect commonly required coursework, each program may have its own unique requirements. Additional coursework that may be required or recommended by some programs includes:

• Chemistry
• Physics
• Medical Terminology
• Ethics
• Communication/Speech
• Additional advanced Biology or Psychology courses

Students are responsible for reviewing the admission requirements and application timelines for each occupational therapy program they plan to apply to.

Pre-OT students are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with the Health and Science Career Counselor for guidance on course planning, clinical experience, application strategy, and graduate program research. Early engagement ensures students are well-prepared for a successful and competitive application process.