Master's Programs in California

[polotrav]

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I know there are like a bajillion other posts on this but they're a little old. On a bunch of threads it is discussed how Master's Programs can only help you and not hurt you. I also want advice specific to California but any other advice from other states would be appreciated as well.

I am trying to figure out what my options will be if I don't get in. I know...gasp...it's too early to be thinking about this while I already have my application in for this cycle (fall 2011) but I kind of put all of my eggs in the basket last year when I applied and by the time I finally heard back and called schools to find out that interviews were done, basically, no other Master's Programs were open. Most of the good programs end around December-February so I want to be able to have an application ready for those masters programs just in case. I also want to know if anyone knows which schools accept DAT scores in the place of the GRE. I'm thinking the taking of that test will be inevitable and I'm not too worried about it since I hear it's a piece of cake but still. Another standardized test is not my idea of a good time. I know UCLA will accept DAT scores in place of GRE scores for their Master's in Oral Biology but if anyone knows of any other program that will accept my DAT scores in place of the GRE, it would be GREAT to know.

Secondly, I've been thinking about maybe applying for a Ph.D. program in order to get PAID to go to school and then continue to apply after like my second or third year so that I can walk away with a Master's and still get to my eventual goal of becoming a dental professional. Any thoughts on that? I know it's discouraged but it seems like a pretty smart way to go to me.

A little long but I hope it stimulates some interest and some comments from any of you out there already thinking about this. I already got rejected from Case so that's what's got my britches all in a stitch. I'm hoping for any good news in the upcoming weeks...we'll see

 

[skylark]

hey there. i was in the same situation. i am assuming you are looking for a 1-yr MS, and what I know is that most of those are on the East Coast. I thought the Oral Bio was 2 yrs? A lot of MS programs involve lots of research, but you should try to find one that is more didactic and possibly tailored to help students (like yourself and/or premeds) to get into their health professional school. These programs usually substitute your DAT/MCAT for the GRE!

Secondly, I've been thinking about maybe applying for a Ph.D. program in order to get PAID to go to school and then continue to apply after like my second or third year so that I can walk away with a Master's and still get to my eventual goal of becoming a dental professional. Any thoughts on that? I know it's discouraged but it seems like a pretty smart way to go to me.

hmm this is interesting! never thought of that! it seems a bit unethical to lead them on. maybe there is a contract?

 

[2PacClone23]

UCR has a 1 year Biochemistry non-thesis program

 

[polotrav]

Hey Thanks guys for the advice! UCR would be great actually. I'll have to look into that a little more and start prepping to take my GRE's. The lady was confused when I called and asked about substituting tests It won't be too bad I'm guessing.

 

[UFRalo]

I'm in a 1.5 year MS-no thesis program right now and it has been the perfect option for me. Get paid + tuition waiver + research in dent school + free time to volunteer. I would look into UCs and CSUs to see if any of them offer MS degrees with options to tranfer into PhD after completion. Then there is no misleading or whatever and you have a solid backup option if you dont get in. I'm not sure about how schools in CA are about MS degrees, especially non-thesis, but it may be worth your time to look at state schools as well.

I know that there are some distance-learning MS in biomed sciences and MPHs out there, but I don't think that would look to hot on your app if you have to re-apply. Have you looked into SFSU? I'm pretty sure they have a degree for hopeful pre-dents/meds.

 

[polotrav]

Yeah SFSU seems to have a lot going for it for preparation for dental school and med school. I'll definitely consider that in for options.

I was also talking with someone yesterday and they recommended that I try to get into a master's program AT the dental schools I would love to attend. I know USC "takes care of their own" with Trojan pride and everything and I'm pretty sure UCLA likes their master's students alot so I was wondering what your opinions were. So far the advice has been extremely helpful and I'm going to start prepping for my GRE's pretty soon to start applying.

 

[UFRalo]

I would say that's probably a really good idea. I remember looking into the MS Oral Bio at UCLA, but it was wayyyy to expensive for me. Think of all the sweet connections that could be made while getting a degree through one of the schools. 🙂

Good luck with the GRE! I walked in with no prep and did well enough. Verbal was really tough on my test though so I would recommend studying definitions like it's going out of style. 👍