Detroit Mercy's October 20 announcement, its published OT curriculum and cost estimates, and ACOTE's student guidance
University of Detroit Mercy is planning a May 2027 start for new occupational therapy degrees, giving prospective students another Michigan option to investigate. Its October 20 announcement describes a shared route into master's and entry-level doctoral study, with the degree choice available after students begin.
In brief
- The proposed hybrid pathways span five semesters for the MSOT and eight for the entry-level OTD.
- The university describes both entry-level programs as having applied for ACOTE accreditation.
- Published tuition estimates are $70,000 for the MSOT and $100,000 for the entry-level OTD, before other expenses.
Two entry degrees and a separate route for clinicians
The announcement sets out a 60-credit Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and a 90-credit Doctor of Occupational Therapy. Both combine online coursework with hands-on learning and fieldwork. The university also describes a 31-credit, fully online post-professional doctorate completed over two years of part-time study for practicing therapists.
For someone entering the profession, the distinction between the two doctorates deserves attention. The post-professional route serves people already practicing OT. Applicants comparing initial professional degrees should examine the MSOT and entry-level OTD requirements. ACOTE's student guidance confirms that the profession has no mandate requiring all OT programs to move to the doctoral level.
Read the accreditation disclosure with the start date
Detroit Mercy's program page says the entry-level degrees have applied for accreditation. Its disclosures describe the remaining candidacy, preaccreditation review, on-site evaluation, and accreditation steps needed before graduates can take the NBCOT examination. The first graduation dates are projections contingent on approval.
ACOTE says a developing program must obtain candidacy before admitting students; candidacy itself does not guarantee eventual accreditation. Graduation from an accredited program is required for NBCOT exam eligibility. A prospective student can ask the program director for the current status, the next review date, and what would happen to the student's enrollment and payments if approval is delayed.
Give the hybrid schedule a full budget
The university's August 6 cost estimates list MSOT tuition of $70,000 and a $75,045 total after the listed technology, books, supplies, and loan fees. The entry-level OTD tuition estimate is $100,000. Its graduate financial-aid guidance also includes living and travel expenses in the attendance budget, adjusted for the student's enrollment periods.
The published curricula include Level II fieldwork in both entry routes, with a 14-week capstone experience in the doctorate. Applicants should request the actual lab and immersion calendar, fieldwork travel expectations, and a current itemized cost estimate before comparing a hybrid offer with a nearby campus program. A schedule that fits on a course chart still has to fit around work, rent, and the trip to class.