2022 Pharmacology & Toxicology Degree Guide
Are you interested in curing diseases? Do you want to help develop new drugs and chemicals to help save lives? If the answer is yes, Pharmacology and Toxicology could be the major for you.
This major involves the study of biology and biomedical sciences, as well as pharmacology and toxicology. These two topics work well together as you study drugs in pharmacology and poisons in toxicology. Both topics will focus on the chemical makeup and the interactions and effect these substances have on the body. Medicines need to balance risks and side effects with benefits.
Courses that are associated with pharmacology and toxicology are: biology, chemistry, biopharmacy, organic chemistry, physiology, risk assessment methodologies, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, food toxicology, ecology, and advanced mathematics.
Concentrations within this major include: Molecular Pharmacology, Neuropharmacology, Toxicology, Molecular Toxicology, and Environmental Toxicology among others.
An Increase in Pharmacology & Toxicology Degrees
Pharmacology & Toxicology was the 226th most popular major in the 2019-2020 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 1,157 degrees in this year alone. This represents a 1.9% increase in pharmacology degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 1,135.
There are 132 schools offering degrees in pharmacology and toxicology in the United States. Our 2022 Best Pharmacology & Toxicology Schools ranking analyzes 92 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for pharmacology and toxicology students. Explore this or one of our many other custom pharmacology rankings further below.
Best Pharmacology & Toxicology Schools by Degree
Requirements for Getting a Degree in Pharmacology & Toxicology
Accuracy and attention to detail is very important in this major. You will be exposed to the mechanics of making a medicine, as well as designing and testing drugs. It is very important to be accurate when testing results and side effects.
Like most biology majors, you will spend a lot of time working and researching in the laboratory. Here you will learn valuable techniques: how to conduct research, analyze your findings and report results. There will be a mixture of group work and independent projects. Work on your time management and communication skills to be able to meet deadlines and write clear and understandable reports.
Prior Education for a Pharmacology Program
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most pharmacology degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional pharmacology certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
Types of Pharmacology & Toxicology Degrees
Pharmacology degree levels vary. You can spend many years getting as high as a in pharmacology and toxicology to something that takes less time like a . Depending on the pharmacology and toxicology degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to pharmacology, with approximately 28.6% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for pharmacology workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 28.3% |
| Doctoral Degree | 21.9% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 21.8% |
| Master’s Degree | 20.8% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 2.3% |
64.2% of pharmacology workers have at least a master's. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in pharmacology and toxicology have received.
This of course varies depending on which pharmacology career you choose.
Career Opportunities for Pharmacology Majors
You will be prepared to enter multiple different careers with this degree. Many graduates use their adept research skills to work for government, medical or environmental agencies. Others work for pharmaceutical companies testing products and writing reports. You could also continue your education to become a pharmacist, nurse, physician's assistant or doctor.
High Growth Projected for Pharmacology Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your pharmacology degree? Pharmacology & Toxicology careers are expected to grow 18.5% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to pharmacology and toxicology.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Professors | 294,000 | 25.9% |
| Medical Scientists | 136,100 | 13.4% |
| Biological Science Professors | 71,700 | 15.1% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 62,300 | 9.9% |
| Biological Scientists | 41,800 | 8.0% |
How Much Money Do People With a Pharmacology Degree Make?
Pharmacology & Toxicology graduates between 2015-2017 reported earning an average of $51,400 in the 2017-2018 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $33,600 to as high as $69,200. As you might expect, salaries for pharmacology graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
High Paying Careers for Pharmacology Majors
Salaries for pharmacology and toxicology graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers pharmacology grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $139,680 |
| Health Specialties Professors | $122,320 |
| Biological Science Professors | $97,340 |
| Medical Scientists | $96,420 |
| Biological Scientists | $83,600 |
Getting Your Pharmacology & Toxicology Degree
With over 310 different pharmacology degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased pharmacology school rankings to help you with this.
Top Ranking Lists for Pharmacology & Toxicology
Majors Related to Pharmacology
Pharmacology & Toxicology is one of 14 different types of Biological & Biomedical Sciences programs to choose from.
Pharmacology Concentrations
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Pharmacology | 506 |
| Pharmacology & Toxicology | 233 |
| Toxicology | 180 |
| Environmental Toxicology | 130 |
| Molecular Pharmacology | 69 |
View All Pharmacology Focus Areas >
Majors Similar to Pharmacology
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Biology | 102,043 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology | 14,318 |
| Neurobiology & Neurosciences | 10,508 |
| Physiology & Pathology Sciences | 8,385 |
| Ecology, Evolution & Systematics Biology | 7,312 |
View All Pharmacology Related Majors >
References
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