Course Delivery Model
The UToledo OTD program’s curriculum consists of eight consecutive semesters, starting with a Fall semester. The first five semesters include a full-time load of academic classes. Almost all classes are held on campus, though some will incorporate remote technologies. Sessions are scheduled for weekdays, including some evenings. While the schedule varies, classes are usually grouped to leave at least two half days open for Level I fieldwork experiences, practicum visits, research projects, group work, and meetings.
All courses use Blackboard, an online learning management system. Blackboard is used to distribute course materials, collect course assignments, provide grading and feedback, and administer tests. Enrolled students will need to have a personal computing device with internet access. Information technology has provided recommended specifications on this website.
The last three semesters are for Level II fieldwork and the Capstone Experience. Each of these require full-time participation during the typical working hours/days of the facility offering the experience.
The philosophy of the graduate faculty teaching in the OTD degree program is to make the most effective use of class and laboratory time. Therefore, we expect that students will actively engage in independent study, inquiry, and fieldwork outside the classroom to augment learning. We expect students to actively contribute to classroom discussion and laboratory simulations as a means of enriching their own and each other's learning.
We do not recommend that any student attempt to attend the OTD degree program while continuing to be employed full-time. We do not recommend that a student attempt to commute from long distances without an adequate support system in place.