Extending occupational science education

Abstract

ABSTRACTInfluenced by diverse philosophical and cultural contexts, occupational scientists have made varied and rich contributions to occupational science. In addition to studying and disseminating knowledge of occupation through conferences and journals, they are also called on to be educators. This paper traces the initial educational program at the University of Southern California in the US, which produces PhD qualified researchers, to opportunities opening up to teach occupation at bachelors level. If occupational science is to deliver on the original vision, of contributing to eradication of complex social problems, it argues that everyone needs a basic introduction to occupational science. While bachelors’ degrees in occupational science are generally only taken up by those pursuing a post-graduate professional degree, minors in occupational science offer college students understandings that reach into their personal lives, perhaps inspiring them to join occupational scientists in working for healthy occupation for all.