Whether your interests lie in regulatory toxicology, drug safety, or environmental risk assessment, Iowa State provides a supportive and innovative environment to advance your career in toxicology.

Learning Outcomes

• Develop competence in Toxicology literature review and understanding
• Develop critical thinking skills required for Toxicological research
• Develop oral and written communication skills in the field of Toxicology and learn to communicate Toxicology-related material to broader audiences via poster and/or platform presentation
• Develop skills and learn analytical techniques to conduct, analyze and interpret hypothesis-driven Toxicological research questions
• Develop awareness of the societal (ethical, socio-economic, regulatory) responsibilities of toxicologists

Recommended Prerequisites for Entrance into the Graduate Toxicology Major

The prerequisites include an undergraduate degree in a relevant area of study; for example, chemical engineering, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, ecology, entomology, food science and technology, microbiology, nutritional science, zoology, or veterinary medicine. 

Minimum undergraduate coursework should include the following or their equivalent: 

• 1 year of college mathematics, including calculus
• 1 year of inorganic chemistry with quantitative analysis
• 1 course in physics
• 1 year of organic chemistry
• 2 years of biological sciences including 1 course in physiology.

Other courses that are considered desirable in the undergraduate preparation include: biochemistry, physical chemistry, qualitative analysis, and some specialized courses such as histology or advanced physiology.

Student Selection Process

Wondering what you can do with a toxicology degree? Take a look at at some of our program alums:

• Associate Director - Toxicology
• Chemistry Lab Technician
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Research Group Leader

Job Titles of Toxicology Alums