Since the study of toxicology involves a lot
of time spent in a laboratory, distance-learning options are not widely
available. However, there are some online toxicology programs that lead
to a master's degree. Toxicology specializations include environmental,
veterinary, public health and forensic toxicology.
Online Master's Degree in Toxicology
Students may earn a toxicology degree in their particular area of interest. For example, a student interested in criminology could pursue a forensic toxicology degree, while an environmentalist might choose to study how toxins affect various ecosystems. A program in veterinary toxicology might include a course on how drugs affect both humans and non-human mammals.To enroll in a distance-learning toxicology master's degree program, students must have a bachelor's degree in a related field. They must often submit letters of recommendation and documentation of any relevant experience, along with graduate college entrance exam scores. Since graduate toxicology programs are math- and research-intensive, students with a background in these areas may have a more advantageous start to the curriculum.
Program Requirements
Students enrolled in distance-learning toxicology master's degree programs use Internet 'classrooms.' They may participate in discussions through an online forum and interact with professors using e-mail, instant messaging, chat features and video conferencing. Students' access to course websites is sometimes tracked by program staff in order to verify the students' course participation.The degree programs are often offered primarily online, though students may need to participate in a brief campus residency to complete final exams or other coursework or lab work. Since students are required to either own or lease up-to-date computer hardware and software in order to participate in distance learning, computer costs may be included in financial aid packages.
List of Common Online Toxicology Courses
While specific courses vary with regard to toxicology concentrations, core courses are similar despite the ultimate specialty.Basic Toxicology Course
This distance-learning toxicology course introduces students to the principles and processes of the mechanisms, absorption and excretion of toxins. These effects are typically studied in relation to mammalian organ systems. Other course topics may include the toxin-based development of cancer cells, mutations and malformations.Toxic Materials Course
Students enrolled in this online course learn about arsenic, ethanol, mercury, carbon monoxide and other toxins. Additionally, they study how to care for a poisoned patient.Research and Scientific Literature Course
As a final project, this course typically requires students to research and write an in-depth paper on a toxicology topic of their choosing. The course curriculum surveys current toxicology findings and introduces students to online research resources like scientific e-journals.Career Information for Graduates
According to the Society of Toxicology (SOT), toxicologists study the cellular, biochemical and molecular structures of disease in order to develop treatments or cures, determine a substance's risk to humans or to the environment and conduct studies to determine how to safely use chemicals. Toxicologists perform research, test for product safety, teach and consult with government and private organizations.In the SOT's 2007 survey, it found that approximately 21% of toxicologists worked in academia, and just over 35% worked in industry; of the industry workers, almost 22% worked in the pharmaceutical industry. The majority of toxicologists - over 76% - held a doctoral degree in 2007, though almost 16% were employed with a master's as their highest degree (www.toxicology.org).
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