UCSF and USF Announce Concurrent Program for DDS/MBA Degrees.

SAN FRANCISCO -- The University of California, San Francisco and the University of San Francisco have joined 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 from the USF Masagung Graduate School of Management while earning a DDS degree from the UCSF School of Dentistry.

The program is one of only ten nationwide. Its goal is to provide dental students with an understanding of fundamental business concepts, in preparation for leadership positions in a variety of 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."

UCSF is a leading university that consistently defines health care worldwide by conducting advanced biomedical research, educating graduate students in the life sciences, and providing complex patient care.

The University of San Francisco is a Catholic, Jesuit university with 8,000 students located in the heart of the city. Established in 1855, it is the city's oldest university and is consistently ranked as one of the most ethnically diverse in the country. Its motto is "Educating Minds and Hearts to Change the World."