Pharmacology and toxicology both include the study of chemicals and their impact on living systems. Pharmacology is concerned with the chemicals associated with the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of disease, while toxicology focuses on the effects of poisonous chemicals.
Areas of study within these fields include clinical pharmacology, animal pharmacology, forensic toxicology, environmental toxicology and more. As a pharmacology and toxicology major, you’ll have the opportunity to explore these disciplines as you build critical knowledge for your career.
What you’ll learn as a pharmacology and toxicology major
With a combination of coursework and hands-on labs, you’ll learn how drugs, common poisons and environmental pollutants interact with living systems at the physiological, molecular and cellular levels. You’ll also gain a set of transferable skills necessary for pharmacology and toxicology careers, such as:
- Analysis of biological specimens.
- Analytical chemistry techniques, including quantitative and qualitative analysis of chemicals.
- Biomolecular techniques.
- Lethal dose (LD50) and effective dose (ED50) calculations.
- Measurement of enzyme activity.
- Purification and analysis of biological molecules using biochemical techniques.
This program requires a two-week, in-person laboratory experience at ASU’s Tempe and West campuses. This allows you to fulfill the lab requirements for organic chemistry I and II, as well as biochemistry.
Set yourself up for success: An ASU assistant professor provides his tips for succeeding as a pharmacology and toxicology major.
What you can do with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacology and toxicology
This degree prepares you for careers in pharmacology, toxicology and other fast-growing fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 17% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
With a background in pharmacology and toxicology, you can seek positions in a variety of industries, including research laboratories, business, health care, governmental agencies and more. You’ll also be equipped to pursue graduate and professional programs in pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacy, medicine and public health.
Additionally, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:
Are you interested in how drugs and other chemicals affect humans, animals and the environment? If so, Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in pharmacology and toxicology may be an ideal fit. In this biology- and chemistry-intensive program, you’ll gain insight into how chemicals affect living beings from cells to organisms.
This program is designed to help you build a foundation in biology and chemistry. In your upper-division electives, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore your areas of interest in pharmacology and toxicology. Course topics include the detection of proteins using Western blot, protein purification using ion exchange chromatography, forensic toxicology, psychopharmacology and more. Courses may include:
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ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
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of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”