The MS in Oral Biology emphasizes basic science research and encourages students to focus in one of five areas: biomaterials and biomechanics, epithelial biology and carcinogenesis, microbiology and immunology, sensory neuroscience or bone biology, craniofacial development and tissue engineering.
The MS is intended for:
- dentists and hygienists seeking to strengthen their background knowledge,
- scientists desiring additional credentials, and
- prospective professional students seeking to enter the field with a strong foundation in the basic science behind clinical presentation.
If you are interested in pursuing a career as an independent investigator or professor, you should consider the PhD program. You do not need to have an MS degree to begin the PhD program.
Program at a Glance
Joining the Program
Apply
We welcome a diverse pool of applicants, including international students.
Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, or a DDS/DMD or equivalent (international dental degrees (BDS, etc.) are acceptable).
MS applications are due February 1 for the program beginning in fall semester. Applicants are not admitted in the spring semester.
Applications must be completed online and should include a personal statement, a research essay, a diversity statement, CV or resume, proof of English language proficiency, letters of recommendation and transcripts.
Program Requirements
| Subject | Description |
|---|---|
| Test scores | GRE is not required. |
| Transcripts | Unofficial transcripts are allowed for application. Official transcripts required for matriculation. |
| CV/Resume | Applicants must submit their resume or CV. |
| Supplemental application | No supplemental application is required. |
| Dental licensing | N/A |
| Degree | Must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent, or a DDS/DMD degree or equivalent (international dental degrees (BDS, etc.) are acceptable). |
| Additional requirements | Applicants must submit a personal statement, research essay, diversity statement and three letters of recommendation. Application Instructions |
| International applicants | We welcome international applicants. Applicants may need to demonstrate English language proficiency through testing or coursework. English proficiency guidelines |
Curriculum
The Oral Biology MS requires a minimum of two years and all MS students follow Plan A (thesis). The MS in Oral Biology requires 20 graduate-level course credits, which must include 4 credits of oral biology topics courses (OBIO 5010-50, 8012,8018, 8021-8029, 8371), participation in the Oral Biology seminar (OBIO 8030) each semester (1 credit per semester), 6 credits in a nonclinical graduate minor, and 6 credits of electives. Students are strongly encouraged to use electives to take a statistics course (STAT 5021, PUBH 6450, PUBH 7446, or equivalent). The remaining elective credits should be taken as courses relevant to the thesis project and/or credits that will expand the student’s ability to conduct craniofacial research in the future.
Students must complete a basic science research project under the supervision of the advisor and enroll for a minimum of 10 master’s thesis credits (OBIO 8777), as well as write and successfully defend a thesis.
The Graduate School Catalog and Oral Biology Handbook contains detailed information concerning registration, degree requirements, program and thesis registration, and other procedures and deadlines. The Director of Graduate Studies and the student’s advisor will assist the student in complying with policy requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to meet all degree requirements and deadlines as outlined in the Catalog and Handbook.