About the Program
Mission Statement
The mission of the Indiana University South Bend Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program is to prepare ethical, client-centered, entry-level competent occupational therapists who support the health and well-being of the people of Indiana and the global community. Our faculty will be excellent clinicians, teachers, scholars and advocates who engage in professional activities that support and advance the profession. Our graduates will demonstrate respect for diversity factors, effective clinical thinking skills and an aptitude for interprofessional collaboration that embodies the value of participation in meaningful occupations
Vision Statement
We envision our Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program will facilitate and integrate innovative models of education, evidence-based research and equitable service learning that promotes collaboration between students and health professions.
Curriculum Design
The MSOT curriculum reflects the missions of our program, the IU South Bend Vera Z. Dwyer School of Health Sciences, and Indiana University South Bend. The curriculum design is based on experiential learning theory with an emphasis on hands-on participation. Experiential learning theory is a process through which a learner constructs knowledge, develops skills, and gains value from one’s experiences that promotes learning by doing. This experiential learning allows students to apply theory and information gained in the classroom to needs in the community (Knecht-Sabres, 2013).
