Pharmacology and Toxicology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Pharmacology and Toxicology is a specialized field dedicated to understanding how chemical substances interact with biological systems, with a focus on their therapeutic effects and potential harmful impacts. This interdisciplinary program prepares students to analyze drug mechanisms, assess safety profiles, and contribute to the development of safer, more effective treatments across medical and environmental contexts.
- Drug Mechanisms and Actions: Explores how pharmaceutical agents produce physiological effects at cellular and molecular levels, including receptor interactions and signal transduction pathways.
- Drug Metabolism and Disposition: Investigates how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes drugs, influencing efficacy and toxicity.
- Toxicological Evaluation: Focuses on identifying, quantifying, and predicting adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms, including dose-response relationships and risk assessment.
- Environmental and Occupational Toxicology: Examines the impact of pollutants and industrial chemicals on human health and ecosystems, with emphasis on exposure pathways and long-term consequences.
- Preclinical and Clinical Safety Testing: Covers methodologies used to evaluate the safety and tolerability of new drugs prior to human trials, including in vitro and in vivo models.
- Regulatory and Ethical Considerations: Addresses compliance with national and international standards for drug development, safety reporting, and ethical practices in research and testing.
Pharmacology and Toxicology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Pharmacology and Toxicology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Pharmacology and Toxicology degrees, including Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 386,020 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 19-1042 | $100,590 | $61,860 - $168,210 | 156,300 | $48.36 |
Pharmacology and Toxicology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,090 in Hawaii to $136,330 in District of Columbia—a 183% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and Arkansas. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 386,020 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Pharmacology and Toxicology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 4 institutions offering Pharmacology and Toxicology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Pharmacology and Toxicology is found at University of Southern California (USC) (28 graduates), Loyola University Chicago (LUC) (13 graduates), The University of Montana (UM) (9 graduates), and Thomas Jefferson University (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 53 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Bachelor's
|
28 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Loyola University Chicago (LUC) |
Postbac Cert.
|
13 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | luc.edu |
| The University of Montana (UM) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
9 | Missoula, Montana | Public | umt.edu |
| Thomas Jefferson University |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | jefferson.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Pharmacology and Toxicology programs
How much can I earn with a Pharmacology and Toxicology degree?
Salaries for Pharmacology and Toxicology graduates vary by role and location. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $105,620 annually, while Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn around $100,590. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $136,330 compared to $48,090 in Hawaii. Approximately 386,020 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Pharmacology and Toxicology programs?
Currently 4 accredited institutions offer Pharmacology and Toxicology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Southern California (USC) (28 graduates), Loyola University Chicago (LUC) (13 graduates), and The University of Montana (UM) (9 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Pharmacology and Toxicology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, . Related occupations employ approximately 386,020 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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