Graduate Programs

Indiana University School of Dentistry offers advanced dental education graduate programs including the Master of Science in Dentistry (M.S.D), Master of Science (M.S.) in Dental Materials, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Dental and Oral Health Science degrees; a Graduate Certificate in Dental Informatics program; and an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency certificate program. All graduate degree and certificate programs begin during the first week of July, except for the M.S. and Ph.D. programs, which begin in August with the fall semester.

The M.S.D. program is intended primarily for students who have received a doctorate in dentistry and who wish to broaden their dental background in one of the various disciplines of dentistry or the basic sciences or complete the academic requirements for specialty boards. Under special circumstances, the M.S.D. degree may be conferred upon outstanding individuals not holding a D.D.S. (or equivalent) degree who have demonstrated ability in dental research and education and who provide evidence of continuing in these fields.

In general, students who wish to practice or teach a clinical subject are encouraged to work toward the M.S.D. degree, while those more interested in the basic science courses are advised to complete the requirements for the M.S. degree. The Ph.D. program is designed specifically for individuals who want to pursue a career in dental research and/or education. Students may register with the IU Indianapolis Graduate School and work toward the M.S. degree or Ph.D. degree.

Please refer to the Fields of Study section for the specific course requirements for each master's degree program as well as the Ph.D. degree and graduate certificate programs.

Learn more about the Master of Science in Dentistry (M.S.D) and Master of Science (M.S.) in Dental Materials, and Ph.D. in Dental and Oral Health Science degrees at Indiana University School of Dentistry.

While every attempt is made to provide accurate and current information in this bulletin, Indiana University reserves the right to change without notice statements in the bulletin concerning guidelines, policies, procedures, fees, curricula, courses, or other matters.

Updated April 2025