USC Catalogue 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOGUE]
Craniofacial Biology
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Return to: Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
DEN 218
(213) 740-1001
FAX: (213) 740-2376
The USC PhD program in Craniofacial Biology builds a solid foundation in biomedical and biological sciences. 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. These involve studies at various levels of biological organization, from the molecular and subcellular to the organismic. Craniofacial biology comprises a large, rapidly increasing body of knowledge that has both clinical and academic importance.
The objective of the Doctor of Philosophy is primarily to produce independent investigators who can make original scholarly contributions and apply advanced concepts and techniques to the understanding and solution of biomedical and biological questions related to the craniofacial complex. This program is intended to prepare students for entry into a career in academic research and teaching, or as an independent investigator in industrial or government laboratories that concentrate on health science research.
The program is designed to normally be completed in five years of full-time study (including summers), which includes development and completion of an original research project that will serve as the basis for a doctoral dissertation. Years one to two are devoted primarily to formal course work and preliminary dissertation research, while years three to five are devoted to dissertation research. Each student is assigned a mentor who will guide the student in the selection of courses. By the end of year two of graduate study, the student should have completed the PhD screening examination, which includes a condensed version of a written National Institutes of Health (NIH) F31 fellowship proposal and an oral defense of the student’s research project.
Subsequently, the student is required to pass a qualifying examination and dissertation. In accordance with the requirements of the Graduate School, at least 60 units are required to graduate, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, and satisfactory completion of a research project.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should have at least a baccalaureate or master’s degree in natural sciences, and sufficient courses in mathematics and the life sciences. This is required to provide a strong background for studies in biomedical and biological research. Appropriate degrees include but are not limited to: DDS, BDS, MD, BS or MS in the biological sciences such as molecular biology, cell biology, biostatistics, physiology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, chemistry or computer science.
All applications are evaluated holistically and individually in search of the most promising students in terms of intellectual distinction and professional merit in the sciences and/or dentistry. Beyond this, the committee looks for academic trends, documented potential and evidence of good character. Applicants should have a strong record of academic achievement and previous research experience. Students are admitted for the academic year in the fall semester. Applicants who are accepted with minor deficiencies are expected to correct these during the first year following enrollment.
Applications
Formal application to the USC Office of Graduate Admission and the graduate program in Craniofacial Biology (CBY) is required, and due by December 1. The Craniofacial Biology graduate programs are administered by the USC Graduate School. Check the Catalogue page for additional information about specific application requirements and courses that must be completed in order to graduate.
Requirements for PhD applications include:
- Statement of purpose.
- Three letters of recommendation describing academic abilities, personal attributes and research (if applicable).
- Original postsecondary transcripts from all schools attended.
- A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, and grades of A or B in science courses.
- Personal or virtual interview.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or equivalent is required for all applicants whose native language is not English to test their ability to use and understand English in an academic setting. Official scores must be received directly from the testing service and date no earlier than two years (24 months) prior to the start of the intended first term at USC. A minimum combined TOEFL score (reading, listening, speaking and writing), of 90 or greater is required.
Application information is available at gradadm.usc.edu/apply/.
Financial Support
Admitted students are supported with an annual stipend by research assistantships, teaching assistantships or fellowships during their graduate career. Tuition, health insurance and health fees are also covered.
Core Courses and Curriculum
- PM 510L Principles of Biostatistics (4 units)
- CBY 585 Systematic Research Writing (3 units)
- INTD 531 Cell Biology (4 units)
- INTD 561 Molecular Biology (4 units)
A total of 60 units are required for the PhD. Eight didactic courses at the graduate level are required. The core required CBY courses are PM 510L , CBY 585 , INTD 531 and INTD 561 . The remaining graduate-level courses may be selected from courses offered by any department, following consultation with the student’s graduate mentor. Graduation requires a minimum GPA of 3.0
The requirements listed are special to this department and must be read and adhered to in conjunction with the general requirements of the Graduate School.
Master’s Degree
Graduate Certificate
Doctoral Degree
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