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The mission of the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program at CMU is based on a student-centric approach that welcomes diversity and produces excellence in critical thinking with an overarching focus on ethical decision making and social responsibility through occupation-based practice. The MSOT mission and values has at its core, the development of ethically and socially responsible practice scholars who learn in context. CMU’s graduates will become entry-level practitioners in the profession of occupational therapy and within the communities in which they work and play. This scholarship will be reflected by the graduates’ ability to meet the occupational challenges and needs of individuals, communities, and populations at the local, regional, state, and national levels.

The philosophy of the MSOT program encompasses viewing humans as occupational beings who are intrinsically motivated to actively seek and engage in meaningful, purposeful activities. Purposeful engagement in occupations ultimately influences one’s health outcomes and perceived quality of life. Likewise, the MSOT program emphasizes client, population, and community health. Practice outcomes focused on occupation in context, community development, occupational justice, and prevention of physical, mental, and social illness are all necessary for promotion of positive health and well-being across the life span.

The pedagogical philosophy of this curriculum emphasizes learning by doing and team-based learning. Professional responsibility, ethical behavior, lifelong learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration are likewise developed throughout the program. Thus, students who graduate with a MSOT from CMU will demonstrate excellence in critical thinking skills in order to meet the needs of individuals, groups and populations across the lifespan, inclusive of basic and instrumental activities of daily living, play, leisure, work, and rest.