Cox College to debut first doctorate degree program

Cox College this spring is scheduled to launch its first-ever doctorate degree program.

The CoxHealth-affiliated college's occupational therapy doctorate program is slated to start in May, according to a news release.

“We are excited to bring this program to southwest Missouri,” said Amy DeMelo, president of Cox College, in the release. “Offering a doctorate degree in occupational therapy will provide additional options for students and help ensure a pipeline of highly trained occupational therapists to serve patients across the region.”

DeMelo teased the doctorate program in an October 2022 Q&A for Springfield Business Journal.

Occupational therapists, according to the release, are one of the most in-demand health care occupations. Amy Stark, who serves as Occupational Therapy Department Chair, will lead the new Cox College program.

The doctoral program will incorporate advanced training in leadership and research, as well as a self-directed research project with faculty mentorship.

Students can complete the program over nine semesters, according to the release. Applications for the inaugural class are open now.