Graduation

The masters degree program allows the graduate student to pursue a choice of two distinct fields of study depending on their educational/career goals. Students must choose which track of study they wish to pursue at the time of application. Students accepted into the program must meet with the graduate director during the first semester of study to develop a degree plan of required courses and electives.

By the end of the third semester, students turn in their thesis/non-thesis topic to the program director with a brief discussion of the topic. At that time, a conference will be scheduled to discuss the proposal and potential committee members and mentor.

Education Track

The dental hygiene education track focuses on educational theory and practice in a college environment. Students have the opportunity to student teach in the classroom and clinic. This course of study prepares graduates for employment in a dental hygiene educational setting with the background to contribute to an institution's teaching, research and service mission.

A thesis is required of the education track graduate student. The thesis should deal with a topic related to the major field of study, embody the results of original individual research, demonstrate an understanding of the literature on the subject and constitute a contribution to the profession's knowledge base. An oral defense of the thesis will be formally presented to the faculty.

Administrative Track

Students enrolled in the administrative/managerial track take courses that expand on the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation skills obtained during their undergraduate experience and apply them in institutional settings such as hospitals and nursing homes. This course of study prepares graduates for employment in administrative positions while also advancing their clinical and research skills.

A thesis/non-thesis option is available to the administrative track graduate student. The non-thesis option will constitute a major project in an area of interest. The student will assess the need for, plan, implement and evaluate a major project pertinent to the area of health care administration, such as management of institutions, finances, human resources, etc. A proposal will be developed in consultation with the students mentor and committee who must approve the project. The completed project will be formally presented in written and oral form to the faculty.