Online Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology and Toxicology

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.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 10/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Pharmacology and Toxicology (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

* Indicates a required field

What is pharmacology and toxicology?

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 laboratory 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:

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

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.”

Pharmacology and toxicology courses

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:


Jobs you can get with a pharmacology and toxicology degree

As a graduate, you can enter careers in fields, such as environmental protection, chemical risk assessment, hazardous waste management and environmental justice. Potential job titles range from research technician and hazardous waste technician to environmental risk assessor and pharmaceutical sales specialist. Additional career paths include, but aren’t limited to:

Biological Sciences Professor


Growth: 8.6 %
Salary: $81,650

Clinical Trial Manager


Growth: 4.8 %
Salary: $144,440

Health Sciences Manager


Growth: 4.8 %
Salary: $144,440

Medical Scientist


Growth: 9.8 %
Salary: $99,930

Molecular Biologist


Growth: 3.9 %
Salary: $87,300

Pathologist


Growth: 4.6 %
Salary: $0

Pharmacist


Growth: 2.6 %
Salary: $132,750

Physician Assistant (PA)


Growth: 26.5 %
Salary: $126,010

Veterinarian (Vet)


Growth: 19.7 %
Salary: $103,260

Learn from experts in the field including members of the Society of Toxicology

Prepare for the full New College experience curated by world-renowned faculty who are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our faculty strives to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they’ve learned to pursue careers that benefit their communities.

Learn from experts in the field including members of the Society of Toxicology

Prepare for the full New College experience curated by world-renowned faculty who are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our faculty strives to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they’ve learned to pursue careers that benefit their communities.

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Study at one of the top-ranked universities in the nation

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.

#1


in innovation for 10 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

Top 5


best online bachelor’s programs.

Top 10%


best global universities.

80%


of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

You might also be interested in

Biochemistry (BS)

Undergraduate

Biochemistry (BS)


Starts 10/16/2024

Learn more
Biological Sciences – Biomedical Sciences (BS)

Undergraduate

Biological Sciences – Biomedical Sciences (BS)


Starts 10/16/2024

Learn more
Forensic Science (BS)

Undergraduate

Forensic Science (BS)


Starts 10/16/2024

Learn more
Biochemistry – Medicinal Chemistry (BS)

Undergraduate

Biochemistry – Medicinal Chemistry (BS)


Starts 10/16/2024

Learn more