Ph.D. in Natural Sciences: Oral and Craniofacial Sciences
Program Overview
This program is designed for students focused on craniofacial development, bioengineering, biomaterials, oral health and biological mechanisms. Students work with an academic advisor to select courses and pursue research in one of three focus areas: biomaterials/bioengineering of biological tissues, craniofacial development and mineralized tissue biology, and translational research. Curriculum includes supervised research and courses such as biomaterials, research design/methodology, statistics, biochemistry, genomics and more.
Students also have opportunities to participate in seminars on innovative topics in the oral and craniofacial sciences by well-known researchers and are encouraged to attend conferences and participate in poster presentations. All of this culminates in a degree that is respected by employers and prepares students for positions in academic research, corporate research and academic leadership.
Program Structure
Format
In-person
Typical program length
5 years
Typical course load
2-3 courses per semester
Program Details
Program Requirements
This program is comprised of 42 credit hours, including:
- At least 12 hours of coursework in the oral and craniofacial sciences primary discipline
- At least 9 hours outside the primary discipline
- Electives as needed to constitute 30 coursework hours
- 12 hours of dissertation research
Complete course listing on academic catalog
Program Benchmarks
- Comprehensive exam with written component in the format of a grant application (e.g. NIH F31, F32)
- Dissertation research proposal
- Dissertation
- Dissertation defense
Costs, Aid and Funding Opportunities
Cost is a major consideration when deciding whether to continue your education. Please contact the program coordinator about graduate assistantships that may be available.
We encourage you to submit your F31 or F32 grant application, which is the written component of the comprehensive exam. You can also work with your research advisor to determine if there are other funding opportunities relevant to the area of your dissertation research.
Learn more about costs and financial aid and external funding opportunities that can make earning your degree more affordable.
Why UMKC?
Multi-disciplinary training
Benefit from a multi-disciplinary approach to research and graduate education that includes state-of-the-art equipment to support our world-renowned faculty’s high level of research grant funding.
Work on the cutting edge
Gain exposure to novel approaches and pioneering technological protocols while participating in on-going research in dental biomaterial innovations, craniofacial development and associated childhood birth defects, and oral cancer diagnosis that support advancements in oral healthcare.
Respected by employers
Our graduates have gone on to work for NIH/NIDCR, University of Kansas Institute for Bioengineering Research, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, UMKC, University of Nebraska Biological Systems Engineering, and many more.
Application Details
Application Procedures and Requirements
- Prepare required documentation, including:
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- A personal statement outlining your interest in pursuing Ph.D. study in oral and craniofacial sciences, how you may use the experience in the future and a list of potential research interests
- Three letters of recommendation from current or former teachers who are familiar with your past achievements and research ability
- Complete the online application. Please be sure to pay applicable domestic or international program fees.
- Make sure you meet discipline-specific requirements, which are listed in the academic catalog.
- Interviews are not required; however, interviews are preferred and will be arranged upon your request. Successful interviews may enhance your chance of acceptance.
Application Deadlines
- The application deadline for this program is December 15 for fullest consideration.
- Applications submitted after the deadline will only be reviewed on a space-available basis.
- It is strongly recommended that applicants reach out to the program coordinator prior to applying.
- Applications received by the December 15 deadline will receive final admission decisions by February 15.
Still Have Questions?
Email our program coordinator for more information.
Mary P. Walker, D.D.S., Ph.D
Professor
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs
Phone:
(816) 235-2825
Email:
walkermp@umkc.edu
Natural Sciences Ph.D. Coordinator: Oral and Craniofacial Sciences