Biology (Pharmacology/Toxicology) ,BS
Biopharmaceutical, Health, Medicine, Pharmaceutical, Pharmacist, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Science, Toxics, Veterinary Medicine, approved for STEM-OPT extension, biochemistry, medical, pre-health, pre-medicine, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
Are you fascinated by how medicines and chemicals affect the body? Explore pharmacology and toxicology, fields that drive medical breakthroughs, while building the knowledge to contribute to safer treatments, drug development and healthier communities.
The pharmacology and toxicology concentration of the Bachelor of Science program in biology emphasizes the biochemical, molecular and physiological components of chemical and body interactions.
Experiential learning is a core component of the program, and all required core courses have laboratories. By learning in an integrative environment that emphasizes the interconnectedness of disciplines, you gain a deeper understanding of larger scientific concepts and can view these concepts from multiple perspectives. To have a thorough understanding of the interactions of chemicals in the biological system, you study biology and chemistry, and you become familiar with chemical interactions at physiological, molecular and cellular levels.
You have the opportunity to conduct independent research under the mentorship of faculty members or in internships outside the school.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- Location: West Valley
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First
required math course:
MAT 210 - Brief Calculus
or MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences - Math
intensity: Moderate
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their 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:
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.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Studying abroad enables students in the biology program to expand their knowledge of how science impacts society through a variety of cultures.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students 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 across 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.
Graduates are prepared for occupations such as:
- laboratory researcher
- pharmacist
- physician
- physician assistant
- risk assessor
- veterinarian
They may work in governmental agencies or private companies in areas such as:
- clinical trials
- product safety evaluation
- regulatory affairs
- teaching
Graduates are also prepared for entry-level employment in the growing field of environmental toxicology and for graduate and professional programs in pharmacology and toxicology.
Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
3.5%
|
$57,510
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$82,220
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$82,220
|
|
|
4.0%
|
$55,090
|
|
|
2.7%
|
$244,180
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$82,220
|
|
|
3.3%
|
$256,560
|
|
|
8.7%
|
$103,410
|
|
|
4.6%
|
$140,910
|
|
|
9.6%
|
$130,100
|
School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences
|
FAB N101
MNSadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Program term definitions
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.



