Columbia University’s Programs in Occupational Therapy are proud to be one of the oldest yet exceptionally progressive programs that prepare occupational therapists.  Our long tradition of excellence began in 1941, when the first students were admitted to a two-year diploma course.  Since that time, thousands of graduates have enriched the lives of consumers all over the world.  This is why we are consistently ranked among the top programs by USNews and World Report. Columbia University's Programs in Occupational Therapy are committed to educating and preparing therapists to impact health care as superior clinicians, administrators, educators, and researchers in (1) prevention of dysfunction, promotion of health, and maintenance of health; (2) rehabilitation; and (3) implementation of daily living tasks and vocational adjustment. The Programs in Occupational Therapy seek to instill intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, an appreciation of the importance of research in the field, and dedication to lifelong learning.  Our professional Master of Science program prepares individuals to become certified and licensed occupational therapists. Our post-professional Master of Science program offers certified occupational therapists the skills and knowledge they seek in order to become educators and administrators. Our dual degree masters’ program with the Mailman School of Public Health prepares therapists at either level for an exciting career that combines therapeutic excellence with public health leadership.  Our collaborative Doctor of Education program with Teachers College offers certified occupational therapists with advanced scholarship that combines motor learning principles with occupational therapy practice, leading to the Ed.D. in Movement Science with a specialization in Occupational Therapy. Our students work closely and collaboratively with our nationally distinguished faculty in and out of the classroom.  In our entry level program, fieldwork experiences begin in our first semester, and are embedded throughout the two years of study, giving students the opportunity to apply what they learn.  Our students also partner with faculty on research projects that add to the growing body of knowledge in the field of occupational therapy.  Students in our post professional masters and doctoral programs provide further opportunity to add our profession’s evidence based practice through thesis and dissertation research. Located in upper Manhattan and part of the Columbia University Medical Center’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, our students have access to all the resources of Columbia University in addition to the breadth of resources within New York City.  Our community is a wonderful place in which to live and learn. Janet Falk-Kessler, Ed.D., OTR, FAOTA Director, Programs in Occupational Therapy