Program Overview

Oral Biology and Pathology, MS

Degrees Awarded

• Master of Science in Biomedical Science (Oral Biology and Pathology track) (Thesis and Non-thesis/Capstone Option)

Interim Chairperson and Graduate Program Director

• Stephen G. Walker

Graduate Program Coordinator

• Erin Boccio

Department Website

The Graduate Program in Oral Biology and Pathology, within the Health Sciences Center, offers a program of study and research leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. The M.S. curriculum is of approximately two years’ duration and is particularly suited for those graduates interested in pursuing careers in the dental field as well as dental graduates who wish to obtain further basic science training before entering or while obtaining a clinical specialty. The Graduate Program in Oral Biology and Pathology is also of particular interest to industrial-based scientists seeking additional training and advanced degrees.

Research Areas

• Development, metabolism, control of the oral microflora on the teeth and various epithelial surfaces
• Pathogenesis of periodontitis and gingivitis
• Interrelationship between systemic and oral diseases
• Ultrastructure and metabolism of healthy and diseased periodontal tissues with an emphasis on remodeling and matrix metalloproteinases
• Biology of epithelial growth and differentiation
• Epithelial gene therapy
• Mechanisms of epidermal and oral carcinogenesis
• Wound repair
• Biology of skin and mucosal grafting
• Acquired and innate immunity
• Inflammation and fibrosis
• Salivary gland biology
• Mucosal immunology
• Stem cell biology
• Cancer

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree and grade point average of 3.3 in the sciences and 3.0 overall
• Original transcripts with three letters of recommendation preferably from professors within the science disciplines
• All applicants are carefully screened by the credentials committee of the department
• Interviews and discussions are arranged with faculty members and graduate students where possible
• Formal approval for acceptance into the program is given by the Graduate School

Degree Requirements

• All students must complete all or part of the Oral Biology and Pathology Oral Systems course
• M.S. students in the thesis option are required to take 30 credits composed of a combination of coursework (at least two graduate courses selected from offerings within and outside the Department are required) and independent research leading to a thesis
• M.S. students in the Non-thesis/Capstone option are required to take 30 credits composed of a combination of coursework (at least four graduate courses selected from offerings within and outside the Department are required), and a capstone project that may have a research component
• An original research thesis/dissertation is required for completion of the M.S. (thesis option) and Ph.D. degrees, respectively
• After a public presentation, the student defends the thesis to the student’s thesis committee
• If the thesis/dissertation is recommended for approval, the determination is submitted to the Graduate School for final decisions to award the degree