Program Overview
The master’s in toxicology at the University of Kansas provides students with comprehensive training in the mechanisms, effects, and risk assessment of chemical and environmental agents on living systems. This research-intensive program prepares graduates for high-impact careers in academia, government, pharmaceutical development, environmental safety, and biomedical research.
As one of the leading toxicology master’s programs in the region, KU’s program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, advanced laboratory training, and a strong foundation in molecular and cellular toxicology. Students gain critical experience in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication while contributing to pioneering research in drug safety, environmental exposure, disease modeling, and therapeutic development.
Housed within the Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutics at the KU Medical Center, the toxicology master’s program fosters a collaborative learning environment and access to cutting-edge facilities and instrumentation. Faculty mentors are engaged in NIH- and industry-funded research, providing students with opportunities to contribute to high-level scientific discovery.
Whether your goal is to work in regulatory science, pharmaceuticals, academia, or public health, the master’s in toxicology equips you with the knowledge and hands-on skills to assess chemical risk, understand toxicity pathways, and contribute to advancing global health and safety.
Graduates of KU’s toxicology master’s programs are highly sought-after in professional and research settings for their ability to bridge basic science and applied toxicology through critical inquiry and innovation.
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Graduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Toxicology, MSKU School of Medicine
The Master’s in Toxicology is part of the School of Medicine, a hub for outstanding educational programs and world-class research.Master’s in Toxicology Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the master’s in toxicology program will:
- Demonstrate mastery of toxicological principles at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels
- Conduct independent and collaborative scientific research
- Design, execute, and interpret complex experiments and datasets
- Effectively communicate research findings to diverse audiences
- Apply toxicology in regulatory, therapeutic, and policy-making contexts
- Lead in academic, industry, and government roles within the field of toxicology
What careers are possible with a Master’s in Toxicology
Graduates of KU’s toxicology master’s programs are well-prepared for leadership in science, medicine, and industry. According to Lightcast labor market data:
- Median Salary: $90,000–$125,000 based on industry and experience
- Common Career Paths: Toxicologist, Research Scientist, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Environmental Health Consultant, Professor
- Top Employment Sectors: Government agencies (FDA, EPA, CDC), academic research institutions, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, environmental consulting firms
- Job Outlook: Toxicology is a growing field, with increasing demand for experts in chemical safety, drug development, and environmental health
According to Lightcast, employment for graduates with a toxicology master’s will increase 9% over the next 10 years, with current median compensation of $112,000/year nationally.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Master’s in toxicology students may be eligible for grants, stipends, and research assistantships.
To learn more about tuition, fees, and financial aid options, please visit KU Financial Aid.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the master’s in toxicology must meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including official transcripts
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 in previous academic coursework
- Background check
- Submission of a completed KU Graduate School application
- Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources
- Prerequisite coursework: one year of general chemistry; one year of organic chemistry (or one semester of organic chemistry and one semester of biochemistry); one year of biological sciences; one semester of calculus; one semester of physics
- Research experience (beyond labs associated with lecture courses) is strongly suggested
- Applicants who are not native English speakers must meet KU’s Minimum English Proficiency Requirement
- The most qualified applicants will be invited for an interview; final evaluation is based on a combination of GPA, research experience, and interview
For more information on the admissions process, please visit the Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutics.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
Students in the master’s in toxicology program engage in advanced, hands-on research through:
- Lab rotations and long-term research projects in KU Medical Center labs
- Mentorship from faculty conducting groundbreaking research in neurotoxicology, carcinogenesis, hepatotoxicity, and drug metabolism
- Opportunities to present at international scientific conferences
- Access to core facilities including genomics, imaging, proteomics, and bioinformatics
- Training in grant writing and scientific publishing
Master’s students in toxicology at KU join a vibrant and collaborative academic community. Key aspects of student life include:
- Participation in departmental seminars, research symposia, and networking events
- Graduate student organizations offering support, advocacy, and leadership opportunities
- Interdisciplinary collaboration with peers in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and health sciences
- Life in Kansas City—a metropolitan hub for healthcare, research, and innovation
Master’s in Toxicology Sample Courses
Students in KU’s toxicology master’s program complete a rigorous curriculum combining foundational science and research specialization. Sample courses include:
- Proteins and Metabolism
- Cellular Structure
- Introduction to Biomedical Research
- Biographics
- Research in Toxicology
For the full curriculum, visit the KU Academic Catalog.
Master’s in Toxicology Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applicants apply through the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (IGPBS). For full instructions and deadlines, visit the department site.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Degree requirements are normally completed within three years of admission, though the program allows up to seven years.