EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University’s occupational therapy program has been ranked among the top 50 graduate programs in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report. The digital media company also recognized several other EMU schools and graduate programs, reinforcing the University's strategic mission to deliver high performing academic programs and quality research. Other programs included in the U.S. News rankings are: clinical psychology doctorate program, computer science, physician assistant program,  part-time MBA program, School of Social Work, speech-language pathology, public affairs, College of Education, and the fine arts program. 

According to the U.S. News and World Report, occupational therapy is a top-rated profession in the U.S. The job outlook for occupational therapists continues to grow as the Bureau of Labor Statistic Occupational Outlook Handbook projects a 17% employment growth between 2020 and 2030, opening more than 23,000 job opportunities.  

“Eastern’s program has consistently been ranked as one of the top 50 occupational therapy programs in the country out of nearly 200 programs,” said Andrea Zakrajsek, professor and occupational therapy program director at Eastern. “We, in the occupational therapy program, are proud to be among the many high-ranked innovative programs within the College of Health and Human Services at Eastern.”

EMU’s occupational therapy program curriculum follows a developmental lifespan sequence, supporting students to develop skills to effectively provide services to clients in different stages of their lifespan. 

Program highlights include: 

• A focus on occupation-based practice prepares students to harness the power of occupation to maximize the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
• Hands-on curriculum that provides students with opportunities to engage in practice with many community partners within the classroom and fieldwork.
• An emphasis is placed on evidence-driven practice that prepares students to utilize and generate evidence they share with clients and members of the profession.
• Attention to developing students’ curiosity, positive risk-taking and exploration of differing perspectives creates a mindset of lifelong learning.
• Opportunities to network and learn beyond the classroom through events such as the annual Spelbring Lecture and Conference, student research projects, and an active occupational therapist alumni network. 

“The rankings reflect the innovative programs we offer and the top-notch learning experience opportunities that position our graduates for their future health care careers,” Zakrajsek said. 

The U.S. News & World Report collects graduate school data annually by measuring inputs and outputs. The data collected presents the most current figures on enrollment, job placement, faculty and other critical quality indicators.To learn more information about how the rankings are calculated visit USNews.com.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 15,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.