Oral Science Graduate Program

The College of Dentistry offers programs of study leading to the M.S. and the Ph.D. in oral science. Both programs require that students complete courses from a core curriculum and conduct independent research leading to a thesis. They are intended to equip graduates for a career in teaching and research.

Master of Science

The M.S. is awarded upon satisfactory completion of 30 semester hours of graduate work, including the conducting of independent research leading to a dissertation, and a final examination. It is anticipated that candidates will complete the program in two years of full-time residence. Candidates who also are involved in an advanced clinical program whose duration is two years should complete the M.S. program by the end of a third year of study. A syllabus for the MS program in oral science is available here.

To pursue the M.S. degree, students must also be enrolled in a clinical training program or in a department in the College of Dentistry. Applications should be made directly to the appropriate department in the College of Dentistry; deadlines for application vary by department.

Admission

Applicants should possess a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Students whose first language is not English must earn a score of 550 or better on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Candidates also may be asked to take the Test of Spoken English. These requirements are not absolute but they carry considerable weight in the admission process. A personal interview may be requested.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Ph.D. is awarded upon completion of advanced course work and original research that culminates in successful defense of a dissertation. Candidates must earn a minimum of 72 semester hours of graduate credit, pass a comprehensive exam, prepare and gain approval of a research prospectus, and complete and successfully defend a dissertation that describes the results of the research. It is anticipated that candidates will complete the program in not fewer than four years of full-time residence. A syllabus for the PhD program in oral science is available here.

Admission

The oral science Ph.D. program has a limited capacity and potential applicants are advised to contact the director, Dr. Jeffrey Banas, about whether there is space for a particular admission cycle before making a formal application. Financial support is only available on a very limited basis.

Applicants should possess a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale; students whose first language is not English must earn a score of 550 or better on the Test of Spoken English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); candidates may also be asked to take the Test of Spoken English. Applicants are asked to submit a statement describing past research experience and current research interests, and stating how completion of the PhD program fits into their career goals. A personal interview may be requested. Applications and transcripts are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis.

For further information about this program, please contact: Dr. Jeffrey Banas.