Master of Science in Toxicology Master of Science in Toxicology [1-year]
The Master of Science in toxicology is an intensive one- to two-year program designed to prepare you for the next step in your professional journey — whether that’s medical or veterinary school, a Ph.D. program, or an impactful career in the pharmaceutical industry, research and development, government, or consulting. This program explores the effects of chemicals and other potentially hazardous agents on human, animal, and environmental health, equipping you with both foundational knowledge and practical skills in the field of toxicology.
Complete a well-rounded curriculum and choose to either take a comprehensive exam or develop a professional paper under the guidance of a faculty mentor. If you enroll in the one-year, non-thesis track, you may transition to the thesis option after your first semester, provided you secure a faculty sponsor for your research.
Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences
The Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences is home to one of the largest environmental health programs in the nation, and the only one that incorporates radiological health into its core curriculum. Students and researchers in environmental health investigate how natural and built environments affect human and animal health and seek solutions to minimize negative health consequences of environmental and workplace exposures. Radiological health has a long tradition at CSU focused on the biological effects of radiation, including laboratory studies of the damaging effects of radiation, and clinical uses of radiation in diagnostic imaging and cancer therapy.
Program Highlights
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Fast track your future
Earn your Master of Science in toxicology in as little as one year!
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Dive into discovery
Gain hands-on lab experience using cutting-edge toxicology techniques to solve real-world challenges.
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Craft your own path
Personalize your journey with independent studies, research internships, and applied coursework — your education, your way.
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Launch into success
Join the ranks of our accomplished graduates — 65% advance to professional and graduate schools while others build impactful careers in industry, government, and research.
Research Opportunities
Cutting-edge research that makes an impact
As a student in our program, you'll have the chance to push the boundaries of toxicology alongside leading experts in the field. Whether you're drawn to human and animal medicine, environmental health, pharmaceutical safety, or forensic toxicology, you'll work on research that solves real-world problems and shapes the future of environmental and public health.
With access to state-of-the-art laboratory techniques and hands-on mentorship, you'll gain the expertise to tackle pressing challenges and advance the field of toxicology.
Explore exciting research areas such as:
- Unraveling medical mysteries: Investigate how toxic substances contribute to diseases like cancer, neurological disorders, and respiratory illnesses.
- Forensic breakthroughs: Analyze chemical exposures and drug metabolism in real-world forensic cases.
- Protecting ecosystems and health: Investigate the effects of environmental contaminants and develop strategies to safeguard ecosystems, as well as human and animal health.
Career Opportunities
A Master of Science in toxicology unlocks diverse career opportunities in government, clinical, and scientific industries. Graduates may assess chemical risks for agencies like the EPA or FDA, ensure regulatory compliance, or study drug safety in pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. Others take on roles bridging the gap between research and healthcare professionals, translating scientific findings into real-world applications.
With an M.S. in toxicology, graduates develop versatile skills that open doors to cutting-edge scientific and medical careers, public health advancements, environmental protection, pharmaceutical safety, and novel medical innovations. Whether shaping the future of toxicology in research and industry or pursuing a Ph.D., medical, or veterinary school, this degree provides a strong foundation for impactful and dynamic career paths.
- Risk assessor/risk communication specialist: Evaluate the safety of chemicals, pharmaceutical and pollutants while advising organizations on chemical safety and environmental hazards.
- Occupational health and safety specialist/industrial hygienist: Identify and mitigate workplace hazards, including chemical risks, and implement safety protocols.
- Pharmaceutical scientist/preclinical research associate: Evaluate drug safety, metabolism, efficacy, and toxicity through laboratory experiments.
- Forensic toxicologist: Analyze biological samples in criminal investigations and legal cases.
- Environmental consultant: Help businesses comply with environmental regulations and safety standards.
- Regulatory affairs specialist: Ensure compliance with safety laws and assist in drug or product approvals.
- Public health analyst: Investigate how toxins contribute to diseases and public health concerns.
- Environmental toxicologist: Analyze pollutants and their effects on ecosystems and human health.
Application Information and Deadlines
Interested applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered for this program.
To apply, complete the Online Graduate Application via the Graduate School.
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| April 1 | Priority Consideration Deadline (for Domestic Applicants) |
| May 1 | Fall Application Deadline (for International Applicants) |
| July 1 | Fall Application Deadline (for Domestic Applicants) |
| September 1 | Spring Application Deadline (for International Applicants) |
| November 1 | Spring Application Deadline (for Domestic Applicants) |
Contact Us
Have questions about the program, minimum requirements, application process, or tuition and financial aid? Fill out the contact form to get in touch with our program staff.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Visit the Office of Financial Aid to apply for financial aid opportunities like scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment, understand tuition, fees, and the billing process, establish residency, and find other financial aid resources.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Fort Collins blends education and industry, hard work and outdoor recreation, tradition and progress. If you’re looking for a college experience with the perfect fusion of culture, opportunity and adventure, Fort Collins is where you’ll find it.
Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins provides extensive access to hundreds of miles of trails for biking and hiking, world-class fishing and rock climbing, and camping, all in an area with over 300 days of sun per year.