MOT vs MSOT vs OTD

Key points

• MOT and MSOT are both master’s degrees; OTD is a doctoral degree. The names vary by school and are not a ranking.
• Both master’s and doctoral entry-level programs can lead to NBCOT exam eligibility if the program is ACOTE-accredited.
• A doctorate is not universally required to practise as an occupational therapist.
• Not all OTDs are entry-level. Check that the program says “entry-level” and is accredited.

What the abbreviations mean

• MOT: Master of Occupational Therapy.
• MSOT: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Some schools use MS, MSc or MA in occupational therapy.
• OTD: Doctor of Occupational Therapy. Some schools write DOT or OTD.

The abbreviation is chosen by the university. “MOT” versus “MSOT” does not tell you about quality or accreditation. Always check the exact award on the program page and in the ACOTE directory, which lists OT master’s and OT doctorate programs as separate categories.

What the official sources say about level

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that occupational therapists typically need a master’s degree in occupational therapy to enter the occupation. NBCOT requires that U.S.-educated candidates for the OTR credential graduate from an ACOTE-accredited OT program with an entry-level OT degree. ACOTE’s public guidance states that there is no mandate regarding OT doctoral-degree-level education, and that institutions may choose to offer a doctorate, remain at the master’s level or offer both.

In practice this means that both a master’s and an entry-level doctorate can be accepted routes, provided the program is ACOTE-accredited. Neither is automatically better for getting certified. Listings are on our master’s and entry-level OTD pages.

How programs typically differ

These are patterns to check, not rules, and we do not state specific durations or costs here.

• Length. Doctoral programs are often longer than master’s programs, but this varies. Compare the published schedule, including fieldwork terms. BLS states that master’s programs usually take 2 to 3 years.
• Curriculum. Doctoral entry-level programs may include a capstone or extended project in addition to fieldwork. Master’s programs may include a thesis or project. Read the curriculum page.
• Cost. A longer program can cost more in tuition and living costs. See tuition and funding.
• Admissions. Requirements differ by school. See applying through OTCAS and admissions.
• Career fit. Some people choose a doctorate for teaching, leadership or advanced practice interests. A master’s degree remains an entry route to certification under the sources above. Do not assume an employer or state will treat the degrees differently; ask.

Watch for post-professional doctorates

Some OTD programs are not entry-level. A post-professional OTD is designed for people who are already credentialed practitioners. It is not a way for a first-time student to qualify as an OT unless the program states that it is an entry-level, ACOTE-accredited degree. See entry-level vs post-professional OTD and the post-professional OTD page. A PhD is a research degree and is not an OTD; see OTD vs PhD.

Questions to ask each program

1. Is the program ACOTE-accredited at this exact degree level? What is its current status on ACOTE’s list?
2. Is it entry-level, and does completing it make me eligible to apply for the NBCOT exam?
3. What does the graduation requirement include, such as fieldwork and any capstone?
4. How are fieldwork placements assigned, and where?
5. What are total tuition and fees?

The program is the proper source for these answers. Admission does not guarantee certification eligibility, and a degree alone does not grant a license; state boards set licensure requirements. See NBCOT certification and state licensure.

A note on international students

NBCOT has a separate process for internationally educated applicants. If you studied outside the United States, read NBCOT’s eligibility page before assuming a degree from abroad will be accepted.

Sources

Checked 2026-11-03.

• ACOTE, students and the public: https://acoteonline.org/students-public/
• ACOTE, accredited school directory: https://acoteonline.org/schools/
• BLS, Occupational Therapists: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm
• NBCOT, eligibility: https://www.nbcot.org/get-certified/eligibility