Pharmacology and Toxicology (Environmental Studies), BS
Do you want to learn in depth how chemicals and drugs affect the body? Chemicals that the human body encounters can have positive and negative effects. In this laboratory-focused program, you learn the molecular basis for these chemicals and how drugs can affect cells, organs and organisms.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
This program's name has changed effective Fall 2026. The previous name was Pharmacology and Toxicology (Environmental Justice).
Degree description
Pharmacology and Toxicology (Environmental Studies) degree description
While pharmaceuticals serve an important role in improving human (and animal) health, their impact on environmental systems is often harmful. Furthermore, these chemicals can enter environmental systems and cause detrimental effects. The Bachelor of Science program in pharmacology and toxicology with a concentration in environmental studies prepares you to explore answers to a nuanced question: When does a medication become a toxin?
This degree program is based on important underlying concepts in chemistry and biochemistry, anatomy, risk calculation and communication, and justice in community health outcomes. An interdisciplinary approach is used to provide you with the tools needed to examine community health outcomes from the perspective of moral theories, social systems and environmental research. Further, you gain skills in advocating for positive change and advancing sensible policies to protect human and ecosystem health.
Distinguished faculty in this interdisciplinary program guide you in applied research projects that examine the social, economic, health and moral impacts of environmental toxins. You prepare to seek equitable and innovative solutions to today's critical environmental health challenges, especially those related to these environmental toxins, to benefit communities and ecosystems. This combination of skills is ideal if you wish to enter careers in environmental health or health care.
Why specialize in pharmacology and toxicology (environmental studies) at ASU?
You build lab experience through coursework in genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology.
Beyond the classroom, you can engage with efforts like the Cannabis Analytics, Safety and Health Initiative; the Desert-Urban System Integrated Atmospheric Monsoon study; and the ASU West Valley Community Garden, extending your learning into applied, community-connected settings.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| BIO 181 General Biology I |
| BIO 182 General Biology II |
| BIO 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
| BIO 202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II |
| BIO 353 Cell Biology |
| BIO 354 Cell Biology Laboratory |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
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If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students in the pharmacology and toxicology program are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in study abroad programs provides students with the heightened cultural competency and strengthened leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive career field. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings around the world.
Paying for college
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 recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bioinformatics Scientist | 4.7% | $98,920 | Learn more |
| Biological Scientist (General) | 4.7% | $98,920 | Learn more |
| Environmental Analyst | 5.3% | $73,010 | Learn more |
| Environmental Compliance Inspector | 3.8% | $80,730 | Learn more |
| Environmental Protection Specialist | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Health Sciences Manager | 8.2% | $167,220 | Learn more |
| Medical Scientist | 12.6% | $103,410 | Learn more |
| Molecular Biologist | 4.7% | $98,920 | Learn more |
| Pathologist | 4.8% | $312,400 | Learn more |
| Pharmacist | 5.2% | $140,910 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this pharmacology and toxicology (environmental studies) program prepares you for
With a heavy focus on experiential learning within the laboratory, graduates are prepared for careers in diverse areas such as government, industry, health care and business and for a number of career paths, including:
- environmental risk assessor or consultant
- laboratory researcher
- pharmacist
- physician
- physician assistant
- toxicologist
- veterinarian
Graduates may work at governmental agencies, such as the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency, or a city government. They also find employment at private companies. They may work in areas such as:
- clinical trials
- education
- product safety evaluation
- regulatory affairs
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences
|
FAB N101
MNSadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
