The Tufts Department of Occupational Therapy Advanced Professional Certificate in School-based Practice is a no-residency, online certificate designed for working school professionals. The certificate includes series of three courses delivered in an asynchronous online format, over the course of one calendar year, and aims to create a supported professional development opportunity for working school-based therapists.

Program Outcomes

The program prepares participants to become more evidence-based and effective in advancing a systems approach to delivery of services. Course work incorporates reform in special education and civil rights legislation, current guidelines for best practices in the provision of educationally-relevant related services to students with disabilities, as well as school system pressures including increased accountability for student outcomes. The certificate also focuses on systems considerations, current evidence for evaluation and intervention, research on inter-professional teams and collaboration, self-reflection on personal practice patterns, and action-planning for potential practice change.

Application Requirements

Application Fee
Resume/CV
Personal Statement
Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, if applicable
Transcripts
One Letter of Recommendation

Tuition & Fees

GSAS bills tuition using a per-credit billing model, meaning you are billed for the number of credits you take each semester. This billing model is used to provide students better flexibility so they may "pay-as-they-go".

Tuition*	$1,049 per credit
Total Credits Required	9
Enrollment Status	Part-Time: 3-6 credits per semester (typically 1-2 courses)

Estimating Tuition Costs for this Program

The example pathway below outlines estimated tuition costs per semester using a typical part-time course load. This is one possible pathway to completion; actual credits, costs and degree completion time may vary based on a student’s course load:

Part-Time Pathway	Fall	Spring	Summer	Total
Year 1	3 credits	3 credits	3 credits	9 credits
Year 1	$3,147	$3,147	$3,147	$9,441
Estimated Total Tuition*				$9,441*

*Estimated based on 2026-2027 tuition rates. Rates are subject to change each academic year. For further information about the full cost of attendance, including health insurance, fees and estimated indirect costs (housing, transportation, etc.), visit Student Financial Services.

Funding Opportunities

While Tufts University does not offer institutional scholarships for certificate programs, we are committed to supporting students as they explore financing options. Additionally, the following opportunities are available:

City Year Corps members, alumni, and staff are eligible to receive a minimum scholarship award of 25% off tuition.
There are various work opportunities available for students across Tufts.
Students interested in exploring possible research pathways or other opportunities may discuss options directly with the Program Director.

Visit our Graduate Financial Aid page for information on loans and financing options.