University at Buffalo (UB)
Biomaterials, MS
One of the few biomaterials graduate programs in the world, this interdisciplinary masters degree program focuses on the use of synthetic and natural materials in biomedical engineering, dentistry and environmental engineering.
SPRING 2025 ENROLLMENT | Applications accepted May 1, 2024 - September 1, 2024
FALL 2025 ENROLLMENT | Applications accepted July 1, 2024 - April 1, 2025
Program Director:
Sabrina Feitosa Sochacki, DDS, MSc, PhD
Department of Restorative Dentistry, 215 Squire Hall
About the Program
The interdisciplinary graduate program in Biomaterials is an outgrowth of a masters degree program in Dental Materials, sponsored by the School of Dental Medicine since 1971. Courses and research topics have been developed to provide comprehensive knowledge of prosthetic materials, from bio/surface and molecular interactions to device design and surgical requirements. Successful completion of the program leads to a Master of Science (MS) degree.
Preparing Students for Success in Many Fields
The program emphasizes ethics and professional/client interactions as applied to the fields of medicine, dentistry, law and engineering. Supporting themes include:
- Safe processing of biological materials and devices (e.g., sterilization)
- Global regulatory perspectives
- Engineering design
Applicants to this program typically include chemists, engineers, biologists, pre-medical students, clinicians and social scientists.
Graduates have the option of working in the biomedical industry, entering a professional clinical program (DDS program or MD program), or, if they are already a licensed clinician, obtaining an academic clinical position in their home country or entering a post-graduate clinical specialty program.
For graduates interested in further research training, a doctoral program in a related field of specialization would be appropriate. Our former students have specialized in mechanical engineering, biophysics, immunology, pharmaceutical sciences, and other fields.
Focused on Application of Materials
This is not a clinical program. No direct access to clinical facilities or clinic patients is provided. The emphasis of the biomaterials program is on the application of materials to biomedical and dental engineering.
About Biomaterials
Biomaterials replace, duplicate or augment the function or appearance (or otherwise intimately contact) biological substances, either temporarily or permanently, while maintaining compatible interfaces with living cells, biofluids and their constituents.
Length of Study
Most students complete the program within two academic years. Dual enrolled students follow the start date of their clinical program.