Pharmacology and Toxicology (Environmental Studies) ,BS
Biochemistry, Conservation, Earth Science, Global Warming, Justice, Medicine, Pollution, Sustainability, approved for STEM-OPT extension, ecosystem, ethics, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
This program's name has changed effective Fall 2026. The previous name was Pharmacology and Toxicology (Environmental Justice).
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'll learn the molecular basis for these chemicals and how drugs can affect cells, organs and organisms.
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.
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
- 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.
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.
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
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
1.2%
|
$98,920
|
|
|
1.2%
|
$98,920
|
|
|
3.4%
|
$73,010
|
|
|
3.0%
|
$80,730
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$82,220
|
|
|
3.7%
|
$167,220
|
|
|
8.7%
|
$103,410
|
|
|
1.2%
|
$98,920
|
|
|
4.2%
|
$312,400
|
|
|
4.6%
|
$140,910
|
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.
