What can I do with a Major in....Toxicology?
Toxicologists, using Biology and Chemistry, study the adverse effects chemicals and air pollutants have on living organisms.
Before you begin to look at the different types of opportunities available to Toxicology majors, you must look at yourself and ask yourself a few basic questions:
What am I good at?
Understand your major strengths, skills and accomplishments. Some examples of skills and qualities employers look for are:
Analytical
Decision making
Teamwork/Independence
Written communication
Problem solving
Investigative
Patience
Attention to detail
What do I like to do?
Examine your interests. What kind of life style do I want to lead? Examine your values...is money what you're after, job security, challenging work?
If you are having trouble answering these questions, you are not alone. Make an appointment with an advisor in the Career Center. We want to help you!
POSITIONS
Once you know yourself, you are ready to decide where and how you want to apply this knowledge.
The field of Toxicology has many specialty areas such as:
Environmental
Occupational
Biochemical
Forensic
Clinical
Regulatory
Animal
Immunology
Neurotoxicology
A bachelor's degree in Toxicology and the appropriate skills and/or experience can lead to positions as Laboratory Technicians.
A Master's degree is the preferred degree for positions in:
Public service & regulatory affairs
Government
Team research
Product development
Product safety evaluation
For information on graduate schools, consult Peterson's.
EMPLOYMENT
Typical places of employment are:
Chemical manufacturing companies
Colleges and universities
Local, state and federal government
Consulting firms
Cosmetic companies
Food manufacturers
Pharmaceutical companies
Research laboratories
Research foundations
Automotive companies
Public health agencies
Environmental organizations
Paper companies, etc.
LEARN MORE
To help you decide which area to pursue you must do in-depth research into each area of specialization and/or industry you have an interest in.
Toxicology Career and Job Resources on the Internet
Places to begin:
Join the Career Centers COACH Program
The Occupational Outlook Handbook
Talk to people in the field, talk to your professors, write to and/or join one of the following associations:
American Academy of Clinical Toxicology Four Columbia Drive, Suite 810 Tampa, FLA 33606 (813) 251 - 6911
National Academy of Sciences, Environmental Studies and Toxicology 2001 Wisconsin Ave. Washington, DC 20007
Society of Toxicology - Headquarters 1767 Business Center Drive, Suite 302 Reston, VA 20190 (703)438-3115 www.toxicology.org
American Board of Applied Toxicology 2301 Holmes Street Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 556 - 3112
For additional lists of Associations consult the Encyclopedia of Associations.