Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does the Distance Education Track start?

The WVU Distance Education Track took its first students in the summer of 2003. New students in the program begin taking courses in the Summer II session, which starts approximately the last weekend in June.

2. How long will it take to complete the program requirements and graduate?

It will take 3 years full time to complete coursework and Fieldwork requirements.

3. What degree will be granted upon graduation?

Students will receive a Master of Occupational Therapy degree (MOT).

4. How often will weekend sessions be held?

Students will come to Morgantown approximately once every three weeks in the initial summer session, and approximately once every four weeks during the Fall and Spring semesters.

5. When is the application period?

The application period begins December 1st and runs through February 1st.

6. I am a new OTA graduate, may I apply to the program?

At this point, one of the requirements is that applicants must have one year full-time (or its part-time equivalent) professional work experience as a practicing OTA.

7. What if my prerequisite courses are not completed at the time I apply?

Students may take prerequisite courses in the Spring semester even though they are applying to the program. Students should normally complete their prerequisites by the end of the Spring semester.

8. How many courses will I be taking at one time?

It depends on the semester, as the number of courses that students take varies by semester. In the traditional track, students take six courses for 16 weeks during the Fall semester of their first year. In the Distance Education Track, these courses will be broken up such that students will take three courses for the first 8 weeks and then two courses for the second eight weeks of the Fall semester. During the remaining semesters, courses will be handled the same way; that is, students will take roughly half of the semester's courses for the first eight weeks and the remaining half of the courses for the second eight weeks.

9. What about a computer? What requirements will I need for my computer?

Students will need to have unlimited access to a computer. While a laptop computer offers great flexibility, it is not mandatory. A laptop computer would enable the student to work on coursework in a variety of settings, rather than being tied to one specific location in the home. In addition, students would be able to bring their laptop computer to campus should they wish to work on their coursework while on site, e.g., before, between, or after scheduled classes. You should contact the Division of Occupational Therapy at 304-293-8828 for specifics on computer requirements. It is likely that if you have purchased a computer and a printer in the past couple of years that you have all or most of the necessary requirements.

10. How accessible is Morgantown, West Virginia?

Morgantown, West Virginia, lies approximately one hour south of Pittsburgh, PA. Fortunately, Morgantown is situated at the intersection of two major interstate highways: I-79 running North-South from Charleston, WV, to Erie, PA, and I-68 running East-West from Morgantown, WV, to I-70 which is an access highway to Baltimore & Washington, D. C. In addition, these highways are excellent connections to other primary interstate highways, making Morgantown readily accessible.