Texas Woman's University

What you'll study

The program curriculum has three main components:

• Core coursework — foundational doctoral content required by the program.
• Research tools — methods and tools to support independent research and scholarship.
• Electives — chosen to support the student’s research agenda and professional goals.

Program completion also requires passing a qualifying examination and successfully defending a doctoral dissertation. The PhD requires a minimum of 90 semester credit hours of master’s/doctoral level coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree, with at least 45 semester hours completed as part of the doctoral curriculum.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold initial certification as an occupational therapist by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT); graduates from non‑U.S. baccalaureate programs recognized by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists who otherwise meet admission criteria do not require NBCOT certification. Other requirements include a graduate‑level degree, a minimum 3.2 GPA in graduate‑level work, and satisfactory English language proficiency when applicable. Admission is competitive and conducted on a rolling basis; applicants aiming for Fall 2026 are encouraged to submit materials by July 1, 2026. Because the program follows a mentorship model, applicants must secure a faculty mentor prior to admission and complete a Faculty Mentor Agreement.

Required application materials and steps include submitting the School of OT PhD application with essay and goals, a current resume, contact information for three academic or professional referees, verification of OT certification (NBCOT or WFOT), participating in an admissions committee interview, and uploading supplemental documents through the online graduate application portal. Technology requirements and guidance for online learning are provided by the program.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for scholarly careers in higher education and advanced practice settings where they generate new or expanded knowledge for the occupational therapy profession. The program expects PhD graduates to contribute to the field through peer‑reviewed publications and national presentations at peer‑reviewed professional conferences, positioning them for roles in faculty positions, research leadership, and evidence‑based clinical leadership.

Scholarships & funding angle

The program page notes that submitting an application early can strengthen scholarship candidacy, but does not list specific funding packages. Prospective applicants should inquire about institutional funding, assistantships, or external grants during the admissions process and via PhD information sessions; the school runs regular virtual information sessions that cover curriculum, mentorship, research opportunities and application steps.