Occupational Science BS/Occupational Therapy MS - Academic Experience

Research Opportunities

There are several opportunities for research experiences. All OT students develop, implement, and analyze a group research project that includes receiving Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Faculty are involved in research in a variety of areas including improving rehabilitation interventions for individuals with acquired brain injuries, understanding needs of caregivers, studying usability of a variety of assistive devices, developing the role of OT in primary care including dental offices for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, effectiveness of falls prevention programs, modifying dental office environments for individuals with developmental disabilities, the role of OT in the development of literacy, understanding brain injury in intimate partner violence, assisting refugees to develop activities, occupations, and daily routines, effectiveness of classroom-based sensory and cognitive interventions for children with behavioral problems, helping teachers to effectively use assistive technology with students, and developing assessments of participation for individuals with mental health diagnoses.

Independent Study
Students can elect to study specific topics of interest under the mentorship of OT faculty.

Internships
The Occupational Therapy BS/MS program includes many clinic-based experiences throughout the program along with six months of Fieldwork Placement in various settings throughout the United States. The fieldwork is required for all OT majors, and includes two three-month experiences of fieldwork in two different service areas (e.g. physical disabilities, mental health, homecare, pediatrics, geriatrics, emerging practice areas).

Occupational therapy students have the opportunity to engage in a variety of study abroad programs in the winter session and summer through the University at Buffalo and other SUNY schools. Students must work with the OT program coordinator to ensure all OT coursework is able to be completed as scheduled. 

• American Occupational Therapy Association Assembly of Student Delegates (ASD)
• New York State Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (NYSOTA)

See the UB Student Association webpage.

Phi Theta Epsilon (OT Honor Society)
Alpha Eta (Allied Health Honor Society)