There is generally funding available through federal grants for those
students accepted into the PhD programs. The funding, however, can be offered
only to American Citizens and Permanent Residents.
Can I study at UCSF if I am not an American Citizen or Permanent Resident?
We accept students for all over the world, but foreign nationals must
be able to pay for their tuition and living expenses completely out of pocket.
Further, we require international students to demonstrate their ability to
fund their own education for a period of at least three years.
What are the requirements to apply for admission to graduate study?
There are generally four parts to the admissions package: Transcripts,
GRE scores, Letters of Recommendation and Personal Statement. Additionally,
students for whom English is a second language will need to take the TOEFL
examination. You can find more information about the application process in
the School of Dentistry Bulletin: http://dentistry.ucsf.edu/Bulletin2002_03.pdf
. You may also request an application from Mr. Bob Mackenzie, postgraduate
admissions administrator at Mackenzieb@dentistry.ucsf.edu .
What grades and test scores will I need to be accepted?
There are no definite answers to this question. Applicants are judged
individually based upon the items listed above, and the students applying
change from year to year. Acceptance is always highly competitive, however,
as there are a limited number of slots available. International students are
required to earn a minimum score of 550 on the written TOEFL, or 213 on the
computer-based exam.
Can I apply for a master's program only?
There are two categories of students who are eligible for "terminal"
master's programs. Graduate students holding DDS degrees working toward a
clinical certification can, and in some instances are required to earn a master's
degree in conjunction with their specialties. Additionally, Oral Hygiene graduates
seeking to further their knowledge of the field most commonly with the goal
of moving into an academic position are welcome into the master's program.
Students seeking a research degree, whether basic, clinical or translational
are generally not accepted for terminal master's programs.
What are the financial ramifications of research or academic dentistry
as opposed to private practice?
Research and Academic dentistry offer a wide range of options. In contrast
to the widely held view that only private practice dentists can live a financially
comfortable existence, academics and research, when viewed longitudinally
over an active lifespan, can offer a career of few risks and greater variety
with the assurance of a reliable income. For more information see: Why
Consider an Academic Career?
Frequently
Asked Questions