Oral Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Oral Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago offers students a comprehensive foundation in the fundamental principles of oral health, dental sciences, and related biomedical fields. Designed for individuals interested in pursuing careers in dentistry, dental research, or advanced health sciences, this program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in dental education and healthcare professions. Students in the Oral Sciences program engage in rigorous coursework covering topics such as dental anatomy, oral pathology, biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition, and biomedical sciences, providing a well-rounded understanding of the factors influencing oral and overall health.

Throughout the program, students have opportunities to participate in hands-on laboratory experiences and clinical simulations that enhance their technical skills and understanding of patient care. The curriculum is structured to promote critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and clinical reasoning, preparing graduates for admission to dental schools or other health-related graduate programs. Additionally, the program encourages involvement in research projects, community outreach, and interdisciplinary collaborations, fostering a comprehensive approach to oral health issues.

Faculty members in the Department of Oral Sciences are distinguished researchers and clinicians dedicated to mentorship and student development. The university's state-of-the-art facilities and resources support an immersive learning environment where students can develop their professional competencies under the guidance of experienced faculty. Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Oral Sciences program typically pursue further education in dental schools, advanced healthcare training, or careers in research, public health, and oral health policy. Committed to excellence and innovation, the program prepares students to become leaders in oral health sciences with a strong foundation for lifelong learning and professional success.

MS in Oral Science candidates must complete a minimum of 32 credit hours of course work, of which at least 20 must be devoted to didactic course work. A student may apply up to 12 credit hours of research, additional research credit cannot be used toward fulfillment of requirements for the degree. Each student must satisfactorily complete an original research project and submit a defended, Graduate College approved thesis.

Core Courses

All MS in Oral Sciences candidates must complete four core courses totaling 8 of the 32 credit requirement. These courses are

• OSCI 441 Statistics for Oral Sciences (3 credit hours)
• OSCI 451 Research Methodology (1 credit hour)
• OSCI 580 Advanced Oral Sciences I (2 credit hours)
• OSCI 581 Advanced Oral Sciences II (2 credit hours)

Selectives

Selective courses should provide didactic content relevant to the student’s research thesis project and interests. Students should seek input from their thesis advisor and postgraduate program director to choose selective courses at the 400 or 500 level.  12 or more credit hours of selectives are required, 9 of which must be at the 500 level.

Non-Credit Courses

Students whose research projects involve human or animal subjects must complete all appropriate trainings prior to commencing work with their subjects.

Research 

Candidates complete a Research Protocol approved at the college level before beginning MS Thesis Research. After completion of the protocol, students must complete a research project for their MS Thesis. Students register for OSCI 598 for up to two hours per semester with their thesis advisor as the instructor. To complete the MS degree, students must register for a minimum of four credit hours of OSCI 598 and may apply up to 12 credit hours of research. Note – 1 credit hour is equivalent to two 50-minute periods per week for 15 weeks.

Human Subjects Research

• Investigator 101 (all research involving human subjects)
• HIPAA (for research utilizing protected health information)

Animal Subjects Research

• GC 470* Essentials for Animal Research  *Note: This course is only offered during the fall semester.

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:

• 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 test is required of all applicants. 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 DMD or a clinical specialty program.
• Minimum English Competency Test Score
  • TOEFL 550 (paper-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, OR,
  • PTE-Academic 54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.
• Letter of Endorsement from the advanced specialty program director.
• 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 the program director of their specialty before filing an application. 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.

Scholarships

• Teaching assistantships
• Research assistantships 
• Graduate assistantships
• Global Education

The University of Illinois at Chicago offers a comprehensive program in Oral Sciences that prepares students for careers in dental research, academia, and clinical practice. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from biology, chemistry, and dental sciences to understand the fundamentals of oral health and disease. Students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research projects focusing on areas such as oral microbiology, cariology, periodontology, craniofacial biology, and oral pathology. The curriculum combines coursework, laboratory research, and clinical experiences to equip graduates with the skills necessary to contribute to advancements in dental science and improve patient care. The program is designed to foster critical thinking, experimental design, and data analysis capabilities, ensuring that students are well-prepared for future careers in research or teaching. Faculty members are recognized experts in their fields, providing mentorship and guidance throughout the program. Additionally, students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories equipped with modern instrumentation for molecular biology, histology, and imaging techniques. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaborations, offering opportunities for students to work with faculty from other departments such as biomedical sciences and medicine. Graduates of the Oral Sciences program often pursue advanced education, including PhD or DDS degrees, or enter research roles in government agencies, academic institutions, or private industry. The university’s location in Chicago provides students with access to a vibrant community and numerous academic conferences and networking events. Overall, the Oral Sciences program at UIC combines rigorous academic training with practical research experience to develop skilled professionals dedicated to advancing oral health sciences.