Every now and then we hear how harmful toxins are affecting our quality of life. A rise in this problem has generated the demand for people with knowledge of toxicology who are equipped to deal with this issue.
What Is Toxicology?
In very simple words, toxicology is the study of toxins and how they affect our health and the environment. The job of a Toxicologist is to find new solutions to existing problems and ensuring the wellbeing of current as well as future generations by using sound scientific research. Toxicologists find answers to puzzling questions and determine the risks involved with consumption of certain foods, materials, chemicals as well as pharmaceutical drugs and so on.
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Toxicology?
With a master’s degree in Toxicology, graduates may find work in various positions such as Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Forensic Science Technicians or as Medical Scientists etc. According to the data reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2018-19, the salary details and job description of these careers are discussed below.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists
People who use their skillset and knowledge to protect peoples’ health and the environment by devising policies that can help eliminate toxic chemicals, pollution and reduce industry waste are called Environmental Scientists and Specialists. With a degree in Toxicology you may work in this position and be employed by either public or private organizations.
Annual Median Salary, 2019: $71,360
Average Annual Mean Salary, 2019: $77,940
Projected Growth Rate, 2018-2028: 8%
State with the Highest Salary, 2019: District of Columbia- $112,540 per year
State with the Highest Employment Rate, 2019: California - 14,380
Forensic Science Technicians
With a degree in Toxicology, you can also work as a Forensic Science Technician. Forensic Science Technicians may choose to work either on a crime scene or in a lab. They collect and analyze gathered evidence and help police officers in solving crimes.
Annual Median Salary, 2019: $59,150
Average Annual Mean Salary, 2019: $63,170
Projected Growth Rate, 2018-2028: 14%
State with the Highest Salary, 2019: California- $87,200 per year
State with the Highest Employment Rate, 2019: California - 2,150
Medical Scientists
A master’s degree in toxicology will help you work as a Medical Scientist. You will carry out research on unexplored areas in the study of toxins and how they impact human health. You may also devise ways to eliminate, reduce or control toxins and their impact on human health and the environment. Scientists, who carry out research to help improve human health using clinical trials and other techniques are called Medical Scientists.
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Annual Median Salary, 2019: $88,790
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Average Annual Mean Salary, 2019: $98,770
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Projected Growth Rate, 2018-2028: 8%
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State with the Highest Salary, 2019: Maine- $130,310 per year
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State with the Highest Employment Rate, 2019: California - 23,460
Note: These figures have been obtained from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What to Expect with a Master’s in Toxicology?
The curriculum of each master’s degree in Toxicology varies depending on the university. For instance, curriculum of MS in Toxicology offered by the Colorado State University (Plan A curriculum with 30 credit hours) includes courses such as,
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Fundamentals of Toxicology
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Metabolism and Disposition of Toxic Agents
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Toxicological Pathology
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Toxicological Mechanisms etc.
How to Choose a Master’s in Toxicology?
While choosing your program in MS in Toxicology, you must keep in mind the duration of offered program which may range between 1 to 2 years. You must also think about the faculty, admission requirements, relevant accreditations and graduation requirements. For example, MS in Toxicology offered by the Colorado State University has 2 different curriculum pathways that can be completed with either 30 or 32 credit hours. In contrast, Master of Toxicology offered at the North Carolina State University can be completed with 30 credit hours.
What Are the Admission Requirements of a Master’s in Toxicology?
The admission process for each university varies. For instance, the Colorado State University requires prospective candidates to:
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Fill an online application
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Submit the application processing fee
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Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
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No GRE is needed
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Have all previous academic records
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Submit a personal statement
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Provide 3 recommendation letters