Toxicology

tox_seminar
Collaborate with renowned faculty on interdisciplinary studies exploring chemical hazards, risk assessment, and toxicological mechanisms, preparing you to address complex challenges in human and environmental health. Whether your interests lie in regulatory toxicology, drug safety, or environmental risk assessment, Iowa State provides a supportive and innovative environment to advance your career in toxicology.
Program Homepage Program Handbook

Our Graduate Program in Toxicology is at the forefront of scientific discovery and education in the field of toxicology. With a commitment to excellence in research, education, and community engagement, our program prepares students to address complex challenges related to chemical, biological, and environmental toxicants.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization: 

  • Air Quality
  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Biochemical Toxicology
  • Cancer Research
  • Cellular Toxicology
  • Environmental Toxicology
  • Food Safety
  • Nutritional Toxicology
  • Insect Toxicology
  • Neurotoxicology
  • Pesticide Research
  • Cellular Toxicology, Molecular and Genetic Toxicology
  • Analytical Toxicology
  • Risk Assessment
  • Veterinary Toxicology

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 5.7 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.8 years (Methods)

Casey Smth

caseys@iastate.edu
515-294-2440
Interdepartmental Toxicology
2008 Veterinary Medicine
1800 Christensen Drive
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1079

Learning Goals

  • Develop competence in Toxicology literature review and understanding
  • Develop critical thinking skills required for Toxicological research
  • Develop oral and written communication skills in the field of Toxicology and learn to communicate Toxicology-related material to broader audiences via poster and/or platform presentation
  • Develop skills and learn analytical techniques to conduct, analyze and interpret hypothesis-driven Toxicological research questions
  • Develop awareness of the societal (ethical, socio-economic, regulatory) responsibilities of toxicologists

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • Statement of previous research experience; and statement of present research interests that you wish to pursue at Iowa State (may be one document)
  • We would appreciate it if your supplemental materials (resume, research experience, research interests) were submitted as a pdf into the on-line application system.
  • If you are unable to upload the supplement information, you may send to toxmajor@iastate.edu
  • Program Requires GRE: Yes
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

For best opportunities for admission, apply for Fall by sending in your complete application no later than February 1. We accept applications year around if funding is available.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions