MS in Biomaterials
Program Description
The MS degree in Biomaterials Science is awarded by the New York University College of Dentistry (NYU Dentistry) with courses offered by the NYU Dentistry Department of Molecular Pathobiology, Division of Biomaterials.
The mission of the program is to provide education and training in biomaterials science and immersion in state-of the art technology, while ultimately contributing to improving human health through biomaterials-based treatment modalities.
The goals of this program are to:
- Provide students with state-of-the-art knowledge and training in biomaterials science that will prepare them for careers in research and development in academia and industry
- Enhance the students' understanding of biomaterials-based treatment modalities by providing them with a broad background in biomaterials structure, fabrication, function and interactions with cells and tissues
- Serve as a basis for further advanced studies, e.g. PhD programs in biology, physical and health sciences
- Provide clinicians with the knowledge required for materials selection and application
The Department is located at the New York University College of Dentistry, a world-class craniofacial research and healthcare institution, and the largest dental school in the world. The Biomaterials Division within the Department of Molecular Pathobiology is uniquely positioned to build upon its existing strengths in biomaterials fabrication, characterization, and testing to achieve the goals of the program and to bridge the gap between bench top research and clinical application. Our new, state-of-the-art facility is located on First Avenue between E. 25th and E. 26th Streets.
Overview of the Program
The program includes the study of basic material properties and structure of a full range of biomaterials used in medicine and dentistry. The biologic interactions of these materials related to their composition, surface, architectural features and function; and the methods employed to investigate structure, function, and biologic interactions are presented and explored.
Three degree options are available to the student dependent on their future intentions and requirements.
This program comprises an intensive, didactic, 30-credit option. Thus, a student in this program must be fully committed to taking an average of 15 credits per semester for two semesters. There is no thesis option in this program, but a 2-credit independent project is the final requirement. The student is responsible for the selection of a mentor and for working with that mentor to develop an independent project. Students are free to propose their own topic but final project selection must be approved by the faculty mentor. Because of the condensed nature of the 1-year program, hands-on research experience, which is normally conducted after the first year, is not included in this program.
The program represents a challenge to students in managing course work while designing and completing a thesis research project. Completion of the M.S. program in Biomaterials Science requires 36 credit hours of course work as well as completion and acceptance of a research thesis based on the student’s original work. Of the 36 required credit hours, 2-6 credit hours may be approved for the student’s research work. The time required to complete the program is not specified and will vary as it is affected by time commitment, motivation and the uncertainties of research. Most of the didactic portion of the program for full time students can be completed over approximately two regular semesters (one academic year). The research for the thesis will overlap with the didactic program. A full time student can complete the program, including research, in approximately two academic years
A part-time student is encouraged to register for 6 credits a semester and could complete the program in approximately 3 years. All requirements must be satisfied within a period of 5 years from the time of original registration for courses.
The student is responsible for the selection of a mentor and for working with that mentor to develop a research protocol. The protocol must be presented to the faculty for approval before the research can commence. Students are free to propose their own research topic but final project selection must be approved by the faculty mentor and department. Constraints regarding feasibility, time, cost to the department, safety and regulatory issues, availability of materials, access to fabrication and investigation facilities, and mentor interest are all factors in project selection. The department will try to provide alternatives that are satisfactory to the student.
In lieu of a thesis the student will be required to conduct an Independent Project in Biomaterials.
Completion of the M.S. program in Biomaterials Science, non-thesis option, requires 36 credit hours of course work, 2 credit hours will be utilized for the student’s independent project. The time required to complete the program is not specified and will vary as it is affected by time commitment, motivation. Most of the didactic portion of the program for full time students can be completed over approximately two regular semesters (one academic year). A full time student can complete the program, including research, in approximately two academic years.
A part-time student is encouraged to register for 6 credits a semester and could complete the program in approximately 3 years. All requirements must be satisfied within a period of 5 years from the time of original registration for courses.
The student is responsible for the selection of a mentor and for working with that mentor to develop an independent project. Students are free to propose their own topic but final project selection must be approved by the faculty mentor.
COVID-19 VACCINE-RELATED REQUIREMENTS
Mandatory Vaccinations, Boosters, and Records Upload
All members of the NYU community — students, faculty, employees, vendors, affiliates, and campus visitors — are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, to upload proof of their vaccination to NYU's portal, and to have that vaccination documentation accepted by NYU.
NYU now also requires all members of the NYU community to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccination as soon as they are eligible and upload proof of the vaccination.
NYU Dentistry also must abide by the New York State Department of Health (DOH) regulations "Prevention of COVID-19 Transmission by Covered Entities" (10 NYCRR 2.61). Please note: As of January 13, 2023, the information regarding the applicability and scope of DOH regulations is subject to change, as the regulations are subject to ongoing litigation between the state of New York and a non-NYU party. NYU is monitoring the status of the regulations and this page will be updated prior to matriculation of currently admitted students.
Read the Message to all Admitted Students regarding Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination »
For more information, please contact:
NYU College of Dentistry
Biomaterials Program
433 First Avenue, 8th floor
New York, NY 10010
John L. Ricci, PhD
Director of Graduate Studies
433 First Avenue, room 824
phone: (212) 998-9623
fax: (212) 995-4244
john.ricci@nyu.edu
Dindo Mijares, MS, DMD
Program Co-director
Laboratory Manager
433 First Avenue, room 840
phone: (212) 998-9938
dqm1@nyu.edu