You’ve decided you enjoy working with persons with disabilities either through direct care or administrative service. Not quite sure which is the best career path? The Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science and Technology (OST) allows you the chance to pursue a variety of career options. A flexible educational path, combined with a blend of elective courses, and you’ll be prepared to work in different health and human service settings.
You will also be particularly well prepared for further graduate study in Occupational Therapy and other disability related disciplines. Students in the OST Program with the designated pre-occupational therapy designation may apply to the UWM Masters in Occupational Therapy Program through the Early Admission Program. This is an advantage over students applying through the regular Occupational Therapy Comprehensive Application System (OTCAS).
Become part of a large interdisciplinary department with a strong focus on interprofessional education, research excellence and technology, especially around assistive and therapeutic technologies. The OST undergraduate degree program is housed in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Technology within the College of Health Professions and Sciences. Students in the OST Program may study in specialty areas in assistive technology, engineering, human factors, injury and performance, occupational therapy and therapeutic recreation. Learn from faculty who are among the strongest in the nation in terms of their leadership, professional credentials and research productivity.
For additional information, please contact Patricia Thomas, MPA, CTRS, OST Program Director or visit the OST Undergraduate Program website.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 35 | |
| Program Core | 30 | |
| Track | 21 | |
| Free Electives and GER | 34-41 | |
| Total Credits | 120-127 | |
Degree Requirements
The undergraduate degree in occupational science and technology offers a flexible path that allows students to pursue a variety of career options in different settings. The combination of foundation, core, track electives and free electives allows students to create an individualized program based on their interests and career objectives. The first few semesters are focused on building a foundation of knowledge. In the final semesters of the OST degree program, students focus primarily on the track and free electives courses. Students are automatically admitted to the major after completion of 57 credits. Within those 57 credits students must have a B- or better in: BIO SCI 202 or BIO SCI 203, OCCTHPY 151, OCCTHPY 201, PSYCH 101, and THERREC 202.
At the time of admission to the major, students must declare at least one track to complete as part of their program of study. Selection of a minor or certificate is encouraged to meet the program free elective requirements. To remain in the program, students must maintain a 2.75 cumulative GPA. The faculty and staff in the OST Program want the students to succeed. Students falling below the required 2.75 cumulative GPA are strongly encouraged to meet with the Program's Academic Advisor to develop an action plan for success. Ongoing communication with the Academic Advisor and Program Director are encouraged and a key to success in the program.
Students must achieve the following to complete an undergraduate degree in occupational science and technology:
- Satisfactory completion of 120 credits with a cumulative 2.75 GPA or better in all credits earned at UWM. Because a master’s degree is required for professional practice in many health-related fields, such as occupational therapy, it is recommended that students maintain a GPA greater than 3.0 to be competitive with other Graduate School applicants;
- Satisfactory completion of the University General Education Requirements; and
- Completion of the last 30 credits in residence at UWM.
Students are encouraged to meet with the Program's Academic Advisor at least once per semester throughout your undergraduate career to ensure that all requirements are being met.
Course of Study
The program is divided into foundation, core, track and free elective courses. The undergraduate program requires 120 credits for graduation. All students admitted to the program must satisfy University-Wide General Education Requirements (GER), (except second-degree candidates who are exempt). English and mathematics competency requirements must also be met.
With 120 credits required to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Science and Technology, students need to take responsibility to complete all foundation and core courses, GER requirements, at least one program track, and sufficient free elective credits. A number of GER courses are part of the degree requirements. Recommended free electives and certificate/minor programs are listed to assist the student in creating an individualized area of study.
Requirements are subject to change as of the publication date of the catalog. Please check with the Office of Student Affairs for the most current information.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| University General Education Requirements | ||
| Competency Requirements | ||
| Oral and Written Communication (OWC) Part A & B | ||
| Quantitative Literacy (QL) Part A & B | ||
| Foreign Language | ||
| Distribution Requirements | ||
| Arts | ||
| Natural Sciences | ||
| Social Sciences | ||
| Cultural Diversity | ||
| Foundation | ||
| BIO SCI 202 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BIO SCI 203 | Anatomy and Physiology II (GER NS) | 4 |
| COMMUN 103 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Business Writing (OWC-B) | ||
| Health Science Writing (OWCB) | ||
| Writing for Professional Development in Health Administration (OWCB) | ||
| HCA 203 | Human Life Cycle (GER SS) | 3-4 |
| or NURS 203 | Human Growth and Development Across the Life Span | |
| KIN 270 | Statistics in the Health Professions: Theory and Practice (QL-B) | 3 |
| CHPS 100 | New Student Seminar in Health Professions | 1 |
| or NURS 103 | ||
| OCCTHPY 151 | Foundations of Scientific Inquiry for Occupational Science and Technology | 3 |
| PHYSICS 120 & PHYSICS 121 | General Physics I (Non-Calculus Treatment) and General Physics Laboratory I (Non-Calculus Treatment) (GER NS) | 5 |
| PSYCH 101 | Introduction to Psychology (GER SS) | 3 |
| PSYCH 412 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| Program Core | ||
| OCCTHPY 201 | Introduction to Occupational Science and Technology | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 220 | Gizmos and Gadgets: Introduction to Assistive Technology | 3 |
| THERREC 202 | Disability: Society and the Person (GER SS) | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 245 | (GER CD and SS) | 3 |
| or THERREC 245 | ||
| OCCTHPY 260 | Enhancing Health Through Activity, Occupation and Technology I | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 320 | Introduction to Ergonomics for Healthcare Professionals | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 340 | Evidenced for Practice I: Applications of Biostatistics | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 341 | Evidence for Practice II: Appraising Evidence | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 401 | Overview of Medical Conditions | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 530 | Contemporary Issues and Professional Preparation in OST | 3 |
| Track | ||
| Select at least one track | 21 | |
| Free Electives and GER | ||
| Select 34-41 credits (minimum of 9 cr at 400 level or higher). See below. | 34-41 | |
| Total Credits | 120-128 | |
Tracks
Pre-Occupational Therapy
This track is predominantly aimed towards students that are interested in becoming an Occupational Therapist or other health and human service professionals. Students are encouraged to also add the Pre-Occupational Therapy designation to their program if following this track. The Program's Academic Advisor may assist with adding the designation.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Courses | ||
| THERREC 202 | Disability: Society and the Person (GER SS) | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 250 | Concepts of Time and Occupation | 3 |
| THERREC 303 | Inclusive and Disability Programs in the Community | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 315 | Group Process in Rehabilitation | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 401 | Overview of Medical Conditions | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 505 | Work and Disability | 3 |
| or OCCTHPY 420 | Principles of Human Factors and Usability | |
| OCCTHPY 625 | Design and Disability | 3 |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Applications of Assistive Technology
This track is aimed towards students who are interested in applying technology and/or designing environments and products that enhance the capabilities of persons living with and without a disability. This may include Occupational Therapy or other rehabilitation professions. Students are encouraged to also add the Pre-Occupational Therapy designation to their program if interested in pursuing Occupational Therapy. The Program's Academic Advisor may assist with adding the designation.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Courses | ||
| OCCTHPY 220 | Gizmos and Gadgets: Introduction to Assistive Technology | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 250 | Concepts of Time and Occupation | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 420 | Principles of Human Factors and Usability | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 521 | Essentials of Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 593 | Introduction to Biomedical and Rehabilitation Instrumentation (U/G) | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 595 | Vision I: Introduction to Low Vision & Visual Impairment | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 625 | Design and Disability (U/G) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Therapeutic Recreation
This track is aimed toward students who are interested in the area of Therapeutic Recreation (also called Recreation Therapy). Students may pursue employment as a Life Enrichment Coordinator/Director, Activity Therapist or Program Leader/Director in the areas of adapted sports or community recreation for individuals with disabilities. Recreational Therapist as a profession may be pursued with additional requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Courses | ||
| THERREC 103 | Life Balance: An Understanding of Leisure | 3 |
| THERREC 203 | Therapeutic Recreation Process | 3 |
| THERREC 300 | Therapeutic Recreation Assessment and Documentation | 3 |
| THERREC 308 | Therapeutic Recreation in Physical Rehabilitation and Behavioral Health | 3 |
| THERREC 309 | Therapeutic Recreation in Pediatrics and Gerontology | 3 |
| THERREC 310 | Facilitation Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation | 3 |
| THERREC 400 | Issues and Trends in Therapeutic Recreation (TR) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Human Factors, Injury and Performance
This track is targeted toward students interested in helping individuals (with and without disabilities) achieve peak occupational health and performance through the interaction of human factors and human function. This track is aimed at students who seek an entrepreneurial component to their educational learning experience, and provides a strong foundation for graduate study in rehabilitation professions. Students are encouraged to also add the Pre-Occupational Therapy or other pre-professional designation to their program if interested in pursuing graduate rehabilitation studies. The Program's Academic Advisor may assist with adding such designations.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Courses | ||
| OCCTHPY 250 | Concepts of Time and Occupation | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 320 | Introduction to Ergonomics for Healthcare Professionals | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Nutrition | ||
| Introduction to Nutrition for the Health Professions | ||
| Health Aspects of Exercise and Nutrition | ||
or NUTR 230 | Health Aspects of Exercise and Nutrition | |
| OCCTHPY 420 | Principles of Human Factors and Usability | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 522 | Health, Performance, & Injury Monitoring in Organizations | 3 |
| OCCTHPY 592 | Innovative Solutions in Human Factors and Performance | 3 |
| PRPP 553 | Psychological Considerations for Optimizing Health & Performance | 3 |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Recommended Minors/Certificates
(not inclusive)
College of Health Professions and Sciences
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate in the Study of Complementary & Integrative Health Approaches | ||
| Minor in Health Care Administration | ||
Zilber College of Public Health
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Minor in Kinesiology | ||
| Minor in Nutritional Sciences | ||
College of Letters and Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Childhood and Adolescence Studies | ||
| Certificate in Global Health | ||
| Certificate in Spanish for Health Professionals | ||
| Minor in Anthropology | ||
| Minor in Communication | ||
| Minor in Psychology | ||
| Minor in Sociology | ||
Lubar College of Business
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Minor in Business | ||
School of Education
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Autism Spectrum Disorders | ||
| Community Engagement | ||
Occupational Science and Technology BS Learning Outcomes
Students graduating from the Occupational Science & Technology (OST) program will be able to:
- accurately identify and utilize effective oral, written, and technical communication skills including the use of person-first and identity-first language with diverse individuals living with and without disabilities. (Communication).
- embody (pre)professional expectations for ethics, collegiality, service, and engagement for the health- or disability-related discipline of the student’s choice by engaging in collaborative discussions, projects, experiential learning, and other professional activity. (Professionalism/Teamwork/Collaboration).
- develop and complete a post-graduation plan consisting of either an application to a health, rehabilitation or disability-related graduate school program or employment for transition into a future competent professional. (Prepared Health/Disability-Related Workforce).
Honors in the Major
Honors in the major are granted to students who earn a GPA of 3.500 or above on a minimum of 30 completed credits at UWM.
College of Health Professions and Sciences Dean's Honor List
GPA of 3.500 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.
Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction
Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.
Commencement Honors
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).
Final Honors
Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.