Schools announce concurrent program for dental, business degrees
The University of California, San Francisco and the University of San
Francisco 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 course work for the spring semester on January
21 or for the fall semester in August.
It is one of only ten 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 of 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.
In order 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.
