Oral Sciences

Admission Requirements Degree Requirements

Mailing Address:
College of Dentistry (MC 621)
801 South Paulina Street
Chicago, IL 60612-7211

Campus Location: 402-E DENT

Program Code: 20FS1525MS (MS)
Telephone: (312) 996-3465
E-mail: longka@uic.edu

Program Code 20FS1525PHD (PhD)
Telephone: (312) 996-3465
E-mail: longka@uic.edu

Web Site: http://dentistry.uic.edu/admissions
Director of Graduate Studies: Phillip T. Marucha

The College of Dentistry offers a program of study and research leading to the Master of Science degree in Oral Sciences. The program is primarily intended for those currently enrolled in one of the clinical specialty programs. The program provides graduate training to increase understanding of oral disease through an added research experience. The master’s program provides education in areas including but not limited to molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, histology, pathology, biomaterials, immunology, behavioral sciences, clinical sciences, and functional morphology with an emphasis on the oral structures in health and disease.

The College of Dentistry also offers a program of study leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in Oral Sciences to train the next generation’s cadre of oral health scientists. Oral Sciences utilizes cutting edge biomedical technology and knowledge to address basic and clinical research questions of importance for promoting and maintaining oral health. This interdisciplinary research training program will lead to a graduate degree with a focus in cancer biology; wound healing; tissue regeneration; cellular, molecular, and development biology; biomaterials science; microbiology/immunology or other biomedical field relevant to oral health and disease. The program also offers an opportunity to integrate the PhD training with a DMD or dental specialty training, as well as subsequent to a BS or DMD degree.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Transcripts of all undergraduate and postbaccalaureate work must be submitted. In addition to Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

Master of Science

  • Baccalaureate Field BS, BA, or equivalent degree. Prior academic course work should include biology, general chemistry, histology, and other related sciences.
  • Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate and all postgraduate study.
  • Tests Required The GRE General is required of all applicants. Candidates are expected to score in the upper 50th percentile.
  • Minimum English Competency Test Score
    • TOEFL 550 (paper-based); 213 (computer-based); 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Internet-based), OR,
    • IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores.
  • Letters of Recommendation Three required, preferably from individuals acquainted with the applicant’s recent academic work. These are sent directly to the head of the department where an endorsement has been received.
  • Personal Statement Required. The statement should include a brief summary describing the applicant’s career goals, area of interest, purpose, and desired discipline of study. This statement along with a current resume is sent directly to the department in which an endorsement is being sought.
  • Note: Applicants for the master’s program must first obtain an endorsement from one of the academic units in the College of Dentistry before filing an application. Endorsement is obtained by forwarding a personal statement and resume to the department where approval is sought. Endorsement is required but does not guarantee admission to the master’s program. Contact the graduate program in the College of Dentistry for additional guidelines and a list of department contacts.

Doctor of Philosophy

  • Baccalaureate Field: BS, BA in relevant field of science; DDS or equivalent.
  • Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate and all postgraduate study.
  • Tests Required GRE General; candidates are expected to score in the upper 50th percentile.  DAT or National Dental Boards may be considered for those currently enrolled or candidates for the DDS or a clinical specialty program.
  • Minimum English Competency Test Score
    • TOEFL 550 (paper-based); 213 (computer-based); 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Internet-based), OR,
    • IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores.
  • Letters of Recommendation Three required from faculty members or others familiar with the applicant’s previous academic training, academic and research potential, and research experience. The letters should be sent directly to the director of graduate studies.
  • Personal Statement Required. The personal statement should be sent directly to the director of graduate studies. The statement must address the applicant’s area of interest, research experience, and professional goals.

Degree Requirements

Master of Science

  • Minimum Semester Hours Required 32 semester hours as specified below.
  • Course Work Required Core Courses: BSTT 400 or equivalent; OSCI 451, 580, 581; GC 470 if research involves animals.
  • Additional Requirements: 9 semester hours of 500-level graduate courses, excluding research and repeating seminar courses.
  • Selectives: A minimum of 11 semester hours; two courses must be in the student’s area of research. Other courses must have application to the area of study and be selected in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor. The 9 hours of 500-level course work may be used toward fulfilling the selective requirement.
  • Electives: Up to 3 semester hours of independent study may be applied toward degree requirements.
  • Comprehensive Examination None.
  • Thesis, Project, or Course-Work-Only Options Thesis required.
  • Thesis: Students must earn a minimum of 6 semester hours in OSCI 598; no more than 13 hours may be applied toward degree requirements.

Doctor of Philosophy

  • Minimum Semester Hours Required 96 (including research). A specific requirement may be waived by the Graduate Studies Committee for any course if proficiency is demonstrated.
  • Course Work Required Core Courses: GCLS 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, and GC 401; GC 470 if research involves animals; Investigator 101 or CITI online course is also required. See the UIC Research Web site for instructions http://www.uic.edu/index.html/research.shtml.
  • Additional Requirements: BSTT 400, 401; OSCI 580, 581, 583, a minimum of 4 credit hours in OSCI 594, and participation in the Oral Science Journal Club.
  • Students will complete up to three laboratory rotations (OSCI 583) and the curriculum for their specific concentration.
  • Required Concentrations: Students must select one of the following:
    • Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology Concentration—12 hours as follows: BCMG 513, GCLS 510, GCLS 515, and PHYB 586.
    • Biomaterials Science Concentration—A minimum of 16 hours from the following: BIOE 494, 460, 550, 560, 594, 595, and PROS 504.
    • Microbiology/Immunology Concentration—12 hours as follows: MIM 551, 553, 560, and 594.
  • The student and advisor may petition the Graduate Studies Committee to develop an Individualized Concentration consisting of a minimum of 12 semester hours.
  • Preliminary Examination Required; written grant proposal and oral defense.
  • Dissertation Required, including oral defense. Students must earn a minimum of 48 semester hours in OSCI 599.

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