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What is Toxicology?

Toxicology is an interdisciplinary branch of medicine, biology, and chemistry focused on the adverse effects of chemicals on living systems.  The field of toxicology also analyzes the negative effects of physical, biological, and chemical agents in a biological system and the associated damage in a living system.

A toxicologist will spend extensive time understanding the correlation between dosage and reaction(s) on an organism given variables such as gender, age, species, health, individual characteristics, and environment. Thus, having an extensive background in biology and anatomy couples with pharmacology is a vital asset to any toxicologist.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$80,530

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

53.98%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

107,900

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Toxicology Degree

Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) is a private research university recognized as one of the Ivy League members. Columbia offers a wide range of comprehensive academic programs designed to award undergraduate and graduate degrees, including professional degrees. The top ranked toxicology degree is a track offered under the Master of Science degree. Professionals are trained to be experts in environmental exposure, regulation, and mitigation. Aside from classroom instructions, students are also required to take internships and thesis projects. The Mailman School of Public Health offers a semester-long laboratory course to give students a more hands-on experience on toxicological methods.

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) is one of the top, public research universities in the United States. Students are expected to learn and apply their knowledge to practical benefits and economic prosperity in the country. The College of Agriculture and Life Science manages Environmental Toxicology programs at the graduate level. Interested students must choose a specialization: cellular and molecular toxicology; nutritional and food toxicology; or ecotoxicology and environmental chemistry. Cornell has a cutting-edge research program designed in an interdisciplinary curriculum. Graduate level students are required to take research courses. The university also fosters cross-college collaborations, allowing students to explore new fields of study.

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of California-Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) is a public research university under the University of California system. UC-Berkeley has established its academic and research reputation across the United States and the world. The university offers high ranking academic programs. UC Berkeley offers more than 350 different degree programs across 14 colleges and schools. The Department of Nutritional Sciences & Toxicology offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Toxicology. The BS in Nutritional Sciences - Toxicology provides a strong foundation in the biological and chemical sciences and an advanced coursework in toxicology. Molecular Toxicology awards MS and Ph.D. degrees for professionals who want to have a more in-depth understanding of the discipline. 

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) is the oldest public research university in the state. The University of Michigan is recognized as one of the best public universities worldwide. The school is also one of the highly active research universities in the United States. The School of Public Health offers graduate degrees in Toxicology. Graduates of these programs are equipped to assume roles across a variety of industries. MS and Ph.D. degrees are awarded to interested professionals. Students can also opt to take the Master of Public Health program and choose Toxicology as a concentration. 

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC) is one of the most highly regarded public universities in the country. The university is recognized for the quality of education it provides, affordability, diversity, social engagement, and international presence. UNC-Chapel Hill is consistent in ranking among the country’s top universities on research. The university excels in science, medicine, education, as well as performing arts. Toxicology is a graduate level program that awards a Professional Science Master’s. The science coursework of this program is the same rigor as PhD students. It is an interdisciplinary program offering courses on business fundamentals. Students can earn the title within 16 months of full-time study. 

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

University of Rochester (Rochester, NY) is a private university offering a wide range of academic programs across undergraduate and graduate programs including doctoral and professional programs. The School of Medicine and Dentistry offers a Toxicology Ph.D. program. This is designed for professionals that want to have a more in-depth understanding of environmental health sciences and toxicology. The university also has active research programs. It is home to several relevant discoveries and innovations. Toxicology students conduct research that is designed to contribute to public health. 

Acceptance Rate

29.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

University of Maryland - College Park (College Park, MA) is a public institution and Maryland’s flagship university. The school is said to be one of the “Public Ivies”. The school offers competitive academic programs that are consistently ranking among the best in the country. It offers a Ph.D. degree in Toxicology. Interested students must complete a Dissertation Research as well as a written and oral comprehensive exam. The curriculum is also flexible for professionals allowing either full- or part time admission.  

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of Georgia (Athens, GA) is the flagship public university of the state. It is also recognized as one of the oldest public universities in the United States. The university offers a wide range of programs offered from humanities, communications, sciences, education, law, up to health and medicine. UGA has an Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program. This program leads to a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy degrees in toxicology. Aside from theoretical courses, the programs fosters a dynamic and entrepreneurial culture. This curriculum is used to respond to the complex issues of the present and the future.

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC) is a highly-regarded public university offering a wide range of academic programs for students to choose from. This state university is known to be “the People’s University” accommodating a large number of faculty and students. NC State has an active research culture. It is one of the top public universities that receive funding for research. The university has a minor undergraduate program and a long list of graduate programs in Toxicology.  The programs provide comprehensive course work and research training to prepare students and professionals to be toxicologists and scientists. 

Acceptance Rate

45.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Clemson University (Clemson, SC) is a public university established to be a scientific agricultural and mechanical arts institution. Today, the university offers other disciplines including forestry and life science, arts and humanities, business, and education. Environmental Toxicology is a graduate program that awards both MS and Ph.D. degrees. The aim of the Department of Biological Sciences is to train new environmental toxicologists to address related environmental issues. The study plan for this program uses an interdisciplinary approach. Students are trained in biology, toxicology, environmental chemistry, and statistics.

Acceptance Rate

51.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN) is a public university and the flagship institution under the University of Minnesota system. It is organized into 19 schools and colleges. A top rated Toxicology degree is offered at the graduate level leading to a Ph.D. degree. The program offers a comprehensive training in the broad scope of toxicology. UMN is included in a list of Public Ivy universities. It also offers a wide range of academic programs and fosters a high research activity.

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Rutgers University-New Brunswick (New Brunswick, NJ) is a public research university recognized for its scientific innovations. The university provides all levels of academic advancements. Rutgers offers a Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology. It is managed by different departments to offer students and postdoctoral fellows courses in toxicology. The program leads to an MS or a Ph.D. degree. The program also allows students to gain an in-depth understanding of a particular specialty area. The university also provides accessible education through online courses, satellite campuses, certificate programs, professional education, and lifelong learning programs to cater to everyone. 

Acceptance Rate

61.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Texas A & M University (College Station, TX) is a public research university offering a long list of undergraduate programs and over 130 graduate programs. Most of the programs are focused on agriculture, environment, marine sciences, and alike. The university offers an Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology program that leads to a MS or a Ph.D. degree. The program is designed to prepare students to be professionals and researchers across a multidisciplinary setting. A & M is also highly recognized for being a highly active research university boasting world-class research facilities and strong student and faculty researchers. Texas A & M also manages campuses in Galveston and Qatar. 

Acceptance Rate

57.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The University of Maryland - Baltimore County (Baltimore, MD) is a public learning institution providing a wide range of programs. The school manages some of the oldest professional schools in the United States. UMB aims to improve the human condition and serve the community through quality education, research, and top-notch clinical care and service. The Department of Pharmacology offers Toxicology as one of the research areas for the graduate level programs. Trainees are taught through state-of-the-art education and mechanistic research experience. The College Park and Baltimore campuses work together to provide more innovative medical, scientific, and educational programs to the public.  

Acceptance Rate

61.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Nazareth College (Rochester, NY) is a private college that focuses on offering undergraduate majors and several graduate programs. The college also awards post-baccalaureate certificates. Toxicology is offered as a major and minor undergraduate program. The discipline is also offered as an Honors Program. The BS Toxicology degree program focuses on biology and toxicology courses. Undergraduates must choose a concentration: cellular, organismal, and environmental. Graduates of this program are equipped to assume several roles in the field, government, and academia. Interested students are also eligible to pursue graduate programs. 

Acceptance Rate

64.49

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice (New York, NY) is a public college focused on criminal justice. This CUNY college is the only liberal arts college that is focused on criminal justice and forensic studies across the country. Courses are delivered either on-campus, online, or hybrid. A top rated degree in Toxicology is offered as an undergraduate major leading to a BS degree. The program offers foundational science courses and core courses. Students are required to select two electives based on their career goals, options are risk assessment, forensic toxicology, genetics, microbiology, and inorganic chemistry. The program also has experiential learning opportunities. Graduates are prepared to assume a variety of careers or pursue graduate programs. 

Acceptance Rate

40.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Mississippi State University (Starkville, MS) also known as Mississippi State University for Agriculture and Applied Science is a public university that offers baccalaureate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Some of the popular programs in the university are architecture and veterinary medicine. The College of Veterinary Medicine offers a Ph.D. degree in Environmental Toxicology and a MS program in Toxicology. These graduate programs provide advanced educational opportunities across the disciplines of biomedical and veterinary sciences. Students are trained to be scientists and educators across the industry. 

Acceptance Rate

53.86

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus (Cincinnati, OH) is a top notch public university in the United States. The university offers bachelor's, associate’s, as well as graduate studies including professional degrees. Toxicology is offered at the graduate level. It awards a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. degree. Both programs emphasize genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying environmentally-related diseases. Both are full-time programs, MS takes two years while the doctoral program will take five years. 

Acceptance Rate

76.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) is a public research university that offers more than 200 areas of study. The university has highly recognized programs in health care, law, and the fine arts. Iowa was also the first American university to offer co-educational medical programs. The Graduate College offers an Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Human Toxicology. Students can customize their educational curriculum based on their research interests. Students will be equipped with a variety of skills through the interdisciplinary approach. Successful students will earn a Ph.D. degree. 

Acceptance Rate

82.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK) is a public university that has a wide range of academic programs. The university was established as Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College (Oklahoma A&M). The university awards undergraduate and graduate degrees across a long list of academic disciplines.  The Interdisciplinary Toxicology program awards a graduate certificate to interested professionals. Students have opportunities for fellowship programs. Overall, the university is committed to teaching, research and community outreach.

Acceptance Rate

69.98

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Ashland University (Ashland, OH) is a private Christian university that offers a large number of academic programs for undergraduate and graduate levels. The Brethren Church affiliation is highlighted in the program curricula and the daily life at the school. Toxicology is an undergraduate major that focuses on providing instructions on biology and chemistry. Hands-on experience and research opportunities are also provided to students. Graduates of this baccalaureate degree can assume entry-level roles in the field of clinical medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and forensic science. 

Acceptance Rate

71.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Iowa State University (Ames, IA) also known as Iowa State University of Science and Technology is a public research university that offers a wide range of academic programs. Iowa was also the first American university to offer co-educational medical programs. The university offers an Interdisciplinary Pharmacology and Toxicology minor for interested undergraduates. At the graduate level, an Interdepartmental Toxicology Program is offers and leads to a MS or a Ph.D. The program is open for both local and international students. 

Acceptance Rate

92.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

University of Colorado Denver (Denver, CO) is a public research university. It is known for its health and medical programs. The university also has an active research environment. Majority of the studies are in health sciences taken at the Anschutz Medical Campus. Anschutz manages a Ph.D. program in Toxicology. The program aims to train pre-doctoral students to be skilled researchers in the field of molecular and environmental toxicology. The campus also offers a more particular Molecular Toxicology graduate program. 

Acceptance Rate

67.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

St. John's University (Queens, NY) is a private Catholic university that was established to provide education to the growing immigrant population. The university extends its academic programs to other locations across the state. Also, the SJU has international presence through its campuses in Italy, France, and Ireland. It awards bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and has professional certifications. Toxicology program offers a baccalaureate and master’s programs. Undergraduates are provided with a solid foundation in the theory and practice of the profession. A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a concentration in Toxicology is also offered to professionals who aim to develop more research in the area of study. 

Acceptance Rate

72.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

University of Nebraska - Lincoln (Lincoln, NE) is a public university notable for its long list of “firsts”. One of UNL’s firsts is its establishment of ecology as an academic discipline. UNL is also recognized in research through the works of its faculty and scholars. UNL students are also actively participating in activities outside campus that highlights their competence, intellect, and skills. Toxicology is a joint program offered by UNL and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). It is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the discipline. The program awards master’s or doctoral degrees. 

Acceptance Rate

78.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Top Toxicology Degrees

A degree program in toxicology will focus on the metabolic biology, genetics, and physiological of toxicants as related to human health and diseases.  The depth and breadth of this field of study can make for an exciting career path.

Students and professionals in this field of study work hard to understand an individual’s metabolism.  In addition, work is done to understand how a person’s metabolism is regulated and the interplay between disease, metabolism, and diet.

To help you determine which degree program is best for you, we have created summaries of each pathway along with means to connect with accredited colleges and universities below.

Toxicology Bachelor Degrees

A bachelor degree for toxicology students will be conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS).  Bachelor degree programs will typically take upwards of four-years of full time study to complete.  Students take a combination of science-rich classes with general education classes to obtain a well-rounded education and develop a set of integrative thinking skills.

General education classes will typically include history, English composition, economics, statistics, psychology, and philosophy.  Core classes in toxicology will often include the following science-rich classes:

  • Nutrient Function and Metabolism
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Molecular Toxicogenomic
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Chemistry
  • Biopharmaceutical Chemistry
  • Medical Ethics
  • Pharmacologic Toxicology
  • Analytic and Qualitative Tox
  • Risk Analysis
  • Human Diet
  • Medical Nutrition Therapy
  • Biology
  • Nutrition in the Community
  • Physics
  • Biology, Statistics, Chemistry

Toxicology Master Degrees

Master degrees in toxicology can be earned as a Master of Science (MS) from top colleges around the country.  Many MS degree programs are customized by students by selecting an array of electives versus a rigid group of predetermined courses.

Students will have access to cutting edge technology and learn via a series of labs, lectures, seminars, case studies, and research.  Graduate students can expect a master’s degree program to take around two-years to complete at most colleges and universities.

A large portion of master’s degree includes research, writing, and presenting a thesis project.  Thesis projects are intended to add substantive value to the existing body of knowledge in the field of study.

Toxicology Doctorate Degrees

Doctorate degrees in toxicology are conferred as a PhD.  With a heavy emphasis on research, students can expect to spend a substantial amount of time in a lab blending book knowledge with hands-on learning.

Many complex diseases cannot be attributed solely to genetics thus leaving scientists to find the root cause of environmental factors.  In fact, chemicals have been shown to cause a number of diseases such as cancer, chronic inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, and atherosclerosis.  As such, scientists work to understand how environmental factors combine to affect individuals and groups of people to help mitigate their overall effects.

PhD students will take a number of rigorous classes while preparing their dissertation project.  Dissertations are multi-year projects that end with a presentation to a panel of experts in the field.

Toxicology Requirements

In terms of educational requirements, toxicology majors will have taken specific courses in this learning domain. Apart from the general education requirements, students will take a clustering of science classes such as the following:

Employment in Toxicology

Toxicology majors will have garnered key medical knowledge and skills during college. The specialized knowledge can be used to step into a career in toxicology or adjacent medical fields. Direct-hire arrangements allow students to prepare for a career with a specific employer after graduation.

Majors that work in the medical community may spent substantive time performing research. Laboratory research can be independently performed or as part of a clinical trial. A clinical trial will include a team of medical professionals to create a viable trail and willing patients to be part of the test. By comparing two or more groups of patients in a trail, toxicologists can help decipher the efficacy of a drug after analyzing key attributes of each individual.

Meanwhile. students may be interested in similar employment opportunities that utilize this knowledge. Examples of such careers include teaching, research, genome specializations, immunology, virology, biomedical engineering, microbiology, and epidemiology.

Top Careers in Toxicology

Finding a job after graduation will typically be in a handful of industries in a wide array of positions. The industries that are most likely to employ a trained toxicologist include:

  1. Industry: Companies known for developing an array of products & performing research for food, biotechnical, chemical, and pharmaceutical companies.
  2. Healthcare: This filed includes hospitals, clinics, research firms, dentists, optometry, biotechnology, dietician, pharmacy and a wide variety of other healthcare-related positions. Many students leverage a degree in toxicology to launch an academic career as a pre-med student on a path to become a doctor.
  3. Education: Graduates often find themselves teaching chemical, biological, nutritional and food sciences. In addition to teaching and writing papers, graduates may perform deep research to advance the field of study in meaningful ways.
  4. Governmental: Working for a variety of state and federal government agencies in a research or policy capacity may be of interest to students. From working for the FDA to the EPA, jobs are in demand for passionate and well-trained graduates.

Toxicology Salary & Job Growth

Mean annual income for toxicologists is $96,070 or $46.19 an hour.  The top ten percent average over $160,000 a year with the bottom twenty-five percent at approximately fifty-eight thousand dollars a year.  Top paying states in toxicology include New Jersey and New Hampshire, followed by Connecticut and Maryland.  The largest employers of toxicology majors are R&D firms, colleges, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and physicians.

Toxicologist jobs are forecast to be plentiful in the coming decade.  In fact, the BLS estimates an employment spike of 13% in near term.  Job growth of this pace will create approximately 17,000 new jobs in this occupation.

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