UCSF and the University of San Francisco (USF) have joined together in a new program that offers concurrent doctor of dental surgery and master of business administration degrees.
The new partnership between one of the nation's top dental schools and one of the leading business schools will allow UCSF dental students to earn an MBA degree while attending dental school.
Students will receive their DDS degree from the UCSF
School of Dentistry and their MBA from the USF
Masagung Graduate School of Management.
Eleven UCSF dental students have been selected to launch the program, and they will begin their coursework for the spring semester on January 21 or for the fall semester in August.
It is one of only 10 programs nationwide, and the goal is to provide dental students with an understanding of fundamental business concepts applicable to any organization.
The program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership positions in a variety of organizations and fields, such as research, academia, consulting, dentistry, medicine, pharmaceuticals, product and device manufacturing, biotechnology, insurance and health care administration--or with skills for their own entrepreneurial careers.
"This exciting new DDS/MBA degree further expands the range of opportunities for UCSF dental students," said Charles N. Bertolami, DDS, DMedSc, dean of the UCSF School of Dentistry. "Student response to this partnership has been overwhelmingly positive, and we anticipate that future applicants will appreciate the expanded array of choices available at UCSF."
The USF business school boasts one of the nation's top-ranked entrepreneurship programs, an emphasis on development of leadership skills, and a diverse and energetic student body.
"We are extremely excited to be partnering with an institution the caliber of UCSF," said Gary Williams, PhD, dean of the USF School of Business and Management. "We believe that this unique relationship will further engender diversity of interests among USF students, allowing them to interact with men and women of science who will bring a unique perspective to their business coursework."
Under the program, dental students can complete both the DDS and MBA degrees within four years or can complete their business studies after their graduation date at UCSF.
To receive their MBA degree, dental students must complete 15 courses at USF in traditional business school subjects such as marketing, finance, operations and accounting, as well as electives. Students also have the option of selecting a special area of emphasis, such as entrepreneurship, finance, international business, management, marketing and telecommunications.
Dental students will attend regular MBA classes alongside other degree candidates at USF.
UCSF is a leading university that consistently defines health care worldwide by conducting advanced biomedical research, educating graduate students in the life sciences, and providing complex patient care.
USF is a Catholic, Jesuit university with 8,000 students located in the heart of the city. Established in 1855, it is the city's oldest university and is consistently ranked as one of the most ethnically diverse in the country. Its motto is "Educating Minds and Hearts to Change the World."
Source: Janet Basu
