Graduate Programs
Craniofacial Biology Graduate Programs
The Ostrow School of Dentistry offers two graduate degrees in craniofacial biology: a Master of Science (MS) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Both programs prepare students for careers in academic environments as clinical scholars or as members of multidisciplinary teams of health professionals in academic research centers.
In addition, a Graduate Certificate in Craniofacial Biology is offered. The Certificate in Craniofacial Biology is intended to provide dentists in post-graduate dental education with experience in graduate education and insight into the requirements to complete a graduate degree. This will provide the students with additional information relative to selecting academic careers. All certificate students must have a dental degree and have been admitted to a post-graduate dental education program sponsored by the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC.
What Is Craniofacial Biology?
Craniofacial biology is concerned with the evolution, growth, structure, and function of oral tissues and the oral region and with the etiology and pathogenesis of numerous diseases and malformations. Craniofacial biology has both clinical and academic importance.
The craniofacial biology graduate programs at the Ostrow School of Dentistry focus primarily on development and disease, as well as prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetics. Significant emphasis is placed on understanding:
- normal and pathological craniofacial development
- genetic disease
- biomineralization of dental hard tissues
- biosynthetic and biocompatible materials development
- stem-cell biology and tissue engineering
- dental pathologies affecting the dentition and surrounding tissues, including periodontitis, osteonecrosis, and pulpitis
Attention is also given to dental-treatment outcomes assessment through collaboration with the USC Rossier School of Education and the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
The graduate degree programs in craniofacial biology require didactic courses of instruction, including classes in craniofacial genetics and development, bioethical issues, statistics and scientific writing. The programs also require a research project to be satisfactorily completed prior to graduation.
Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology
The Master of Science (MS) degree in craniofacial biology offers the clinician (DDS, MD or equivalent) the opportunity to obtain clinical research knowledge and skills, including research into the causes of craniofacial diseases and anomalies as well as normal development and function. The MS is particularly directed toward clinicians pursuing a career in research and teaching. Those attaining the MS degree are able to critically evaluate published scientific information and the methodologies used and can apply a high level of scientific understanding to their chosen career.
To complete the MS degree, students are required to identify a research topic, generate research data and critically evaluate the significance of this data, then write a thesis covering the research topic. MS students will have their progress monitored and assessed by their Thesis Committee, which will consist of at least three full-time USC faculty members with diverse research backgrounds.
Doctor of Philosophy in Craniofacial Biology
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in craniofacial biology provides health science-oriented training for the professional with interests in academic and clinical aspects of craniofacial biology. PhD-level training will allow the graduate to pursue independent, research-orientated careers in multiple disciplines, such as managing federally funded projects in a university environment or a variety of positions in private industry.
To complete the PhD, students are required to identify a project that is novel and current, scientifically sound, covers multiple research methodologies and is likely to add knowledge to the particular research field or discipline. PhD research projects are expected to be of sufficient quality to be published in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals. PhD students will have their progress monitored and assessed by their Thesis Committee, which will consist of at least five full-time USC faculty members with diverse research backgrounds.
How to Apply
The craniofacial biology graduate programs are administered by the USC Graduate School.
The USC Catalogue provides additional information about specific application requirements and courses that must be completed in order to attain the MS or PhD in craniofacial biology.
Begin your online application through the USC Graduate School.
USC Application Deadline
Rolling admissions in fall and spring.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid for Graduates and Professionals.
Contact the program director to learn more about stipends.
More Information
Applicants are encouraged to contact the craniofacial biology program director to discuss research interests and options:
Michael L. Paine, BSc, BDS, PhD
Director, Graduate Program in Craniofacial Biology
paine@usc.edu
(323) 442-1728
Health Requirements
Please note that all matriculating students must comply with the university’s health requirements.