Fall 2025

Application of self-care, lifestyle, and behavior change principles in occupational science and occupational therapy to students own lives, through self-analysis and learning through doing.

Survey of the impact of public institutions, private interests and cultural practices on health and the delivery of health care.

Foundation of medical terminology and hospital abbreviations useful for practice in health care.

Exploration and incorporation of play as a meaningful activity to promote healthy living; emphasis on the importance of play in human development throughout the lifespan.

Introduction to theoretical concepts concerning the relationship of engagement in activities, or occupations, to health and well-being. Application of these perspectives to students' own lives.

Exploration of occupations, or meaningful activities, and how they may promote health and wellness, and the science behind why occupations are powerful tools for healing.

Innovative team-based learning to explore theories and stages of development throughout the lifespan, as manifested in activity; representation of diverse contexts, perspectives, and abilities.

Overview of human physiology emphasizing systems that sustain homeostasis and motion with a focus on biological foundations for a healthy lifestyle. Relevant pathophysiologic issues discussed.

Examination of challenges associated with the emerging adulthood stage of development through an occupational science lens; strategies to promote health and well-being for this population.

Examination of theories and practices of the creative process in varied mediums; exploration of the relationship between creative occupation, identity, health, and quality of life.

Exploration of relationship with nature in daily life, including impact on mental health, nutrition, and built environments; includes hands-on activities at USC Peace Garden.

Exploration of neuroscience in development as it impacts everyday living across the lifespan through the lens of the nervous system and its response to trauma.

Definitions of families in an ever-changing cultural world, from colonial times to the present; relevance of meaningful activities to family life, values and structure.

Exploration of the vast and evolving relationships between animals and humans; how animals expand human capacity for action and contribute to health, well-being and participation.

Tell us your story! Analysis of story structure and purpose, rich life descriptions and powerful stories of illness and courage that elicit empathy and understanding.

Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit.

Specific applications of occupational therapy practice in varied clinical/health settings. Seminar to integrate theory with application of treatment principles for various dysfunctional conditions. Graded CR/NC.

Specific applications of occupational therapy practice in varied clinical/health settings. Seminar to integrate theory with application of treatment principles for various dysfunctional conditions. Graded CR/NC.

Specific applications of occupational therapy practice in varied clinical/health settings. Seminar to integrate theory with application of treatment principles for various dysfunctional conditions. Graded CR/NC.

Foundations of biomechanical and musculoskeletal concepts necessary for the analysis of movement in every day occupation, as they relate to occupational therapy practice.

Foundation for understanding and analyzing health systems in the United States and their impact on occupational therapy practice, from access to intervention and reimbursement.

Development of knowledge and critical thinking relative to ongoing, situated discourses about occupation, occupational therapy and occupational science.

Introduction to concepts of practice scholarship; emphasis on applying quantitative research evidence to clinical questions and appraising quantitative research evidence.

Research leading to the master's degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of thesis.

Credit on acceptance of thesis.

Credit on acceptance of thesis.

Part-time or full-time, practical work experience in the student's field of study. The internship must be located at an off-campus facility. Students are individually supervised by faculty. May not be taken until the student has completed at least one semester of enrollment in the graduate program with a cumulative 3.0 GPA.

Analysis of health systems, public policy, and social determinants impacting occupational participation of diverse and global populations; development of capacity for advocacy and professional engagement.

Analysis of the conceptual foundations and methodological orientations for occupational science, understandings of disciplinary perspectives, formulation of theoretical arguments, and the interpretation of research data.

Experiential learning through immersion in one or more externally funded research groups in the Division, enabling intense participation in multi-skilled research groups.

Residency involving development, administration, evaluation, or policy formulation for occupation-centered programs in clinical or community settings. Development of portfolio for professional doctorate. Graded CR/NC.

Introduction to knowledge mobilization practices and skills, including approaches to co-develop tailored communication with partners to accelerate real-world impact.

Cultivation of impactful leadership within the dynamic healthcare landscape; in-depth exploration of interdisciplinary leadership theories; applications to strategic management, policy, emerging technologies, ethical decision-making.

Evolution of occupational science discipline, including conceptual and theoretical developments, relationships with occupational therapy and other fields and global contributions.

Research leading to the doctorate, maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded IP/CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded IP/CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded IP/CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded IP/CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded IP/CR/NC.