Chicago State University
773-995-2000
Chicago State University is a public university located in Chicago, Illinois. It is a historically black university, and it is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund which offers many scholarships and other financial aid programs. There are over 50 degree programs offered at the school and 80 different student organizations available for those who want to get involved with campus life. Chicago State University offers a graduate Master of Occupational Therapy degree, as well as a combined Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Occupational Therapy degree program that starts in undergrad. Both programs are accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Elmhurst College
630-617-3400
Elmhurst College is a liberal arts school in Elmhurst, Illinois. It is a private college that is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. Its faith-oriented beliefs drive its strong commitment to service-based learning and community outreach. Elmhurst College offers 60 different majors and 15 graduate degree programs, one of which is their Master of Occupational Therapy graduate degree. The degree program is delivered in a hybrid online and in-person format. It is a two year program of full-time study. Service experience, practical hands-on work, and collaborative research are important aspects of the Elmhurst College occupational therapy degree.
Governors State University
708-534-5000
Governors State University, or GSU, is in University Park, Illinois. It is a public university with over 5,000 students enrolled. The college has a lively athletics scene and plenty of clubs and student-run organizations to get involved in. GSU prioritizes accessibility of education, which means they have committed themselves to offering an affordable tuition rate to their students. A Master of Occupational Therapy degree is offered, as well as a Doctor of Occupational Therapy. These programs emphasize critical reasoning, continued learning long after graduation, and advocacy for patient groups. GSU programs highlight the role of cultural identity in the treatment process.
Midwestern University
630-515-6171
Midwestern University has two campuses. The main campus is located in Downers Grove, Illinois, while their secondary campus is in Glendale, Arizona. The Downers Grove campus is home to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree program. Both campuses have affiliated clinics where students can get hands-on experience with real patients. Midwestern University offers 27 different degree programs, with occupational therapy being one of their frontrunners. The program emphasizes compassionate care and evidence-based treatments. It is a three-year, full-time course load that features a balance of various clinical experiences and student-centric coursework to provide a diverse and well-rounded education.
Rush University
312-942-7100
Rush University is located in Chicago, Illinois. The university focuses heavily on healthcare and health sciences programs. It is a private university that is affiliated with Rush University Medical Center, which allows students to easily access relevant experience and hands-on learning in the medical center with real patients. Rush is made up of the Rush Medical College, the College of Health Sciences, the College of Nursing, and the Graduate College, which houses their occupational therapy doctorate program. The doctorate program is an entry-level graduate degree that offers students the ability to gain clinical experience every term, letting them get a diverse view of occupational therapy’s many purposes.
University of Illinois at Chicago
312-996-7000
The University of Illinois at Chicago is in Chicago, Illinois. It is a public research university and the largest college in the Chicago area with over 30,000 students. This large student body is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse in the country. Despite its size, the university maintains a fairly low 18:1 student to faculty ratio. Public service and a dedication to improving healthcare is at the core of its practices. Currently, a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program is offered, with plans for a Doctor of Occupational Therapy program in the near future.