Overview

Our graduate program in toxicology has a national and international reputation for quality. Known for our preparation in the areas of molecular toxicology, cancer biology and pharmacology, neurotoxicology and immunotoxicology, we’re here to train you for a successful research career.

We’re problem-solvers in the world of toxicology. Our program focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of therapeutic agents, industrial chemicals and environmental toxins. An integral part of this program is the investigation and characterization of the genetic components that underlie an organism's or tissue's resistance or susceptibility to toxic agents.

Our objective in this program is clear: educate pre-doctoral students to develop independent research careers in molecular and environmental toxicology. Upon completion of the toxicology graduate program, our students receive PhD degrees in toxicology and utilize their training in academia, industry or government.

Our world-class faculty is made up for scientists who make an impact. Faculty members have primary appointments in the School of Pharmacy, the School of Medicine, the Webb-Waring Antioxidant Research Institute, the National Jewish Medical Center or the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center.

For students, that means access to research opportunities that cover the breadth of toxicology with major strengths in cancer/carcinogenesis/chemoprevention, oxidative stress and antioxidants, neurotoxicology, pulmonary toxicology, hepatotoxicology, pharmacogenetics, pharmacogenomics, immunotoxicology and forensic and clinical toxicology.

In addition to our graduate students, we train many postdoctoral fellows and wok with highly trained technicians and undergraduate researchers within the toxicology program. After students complete their coursework and choose a project, they become essentially full-time researchers until the dissertation is submitted to the faculty. Students normally attend and present their research results at national scientific meetings. Communication with scientists at other institutions is considered an important facet of research training.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements to the graduate program in toxicology include a bachelor of arts or science degree from an accredited institution, as well as an academic record that satisfies the minimum admission requirements established by the CU Graduate School. All applicants for the program should complete a year of study in the following subjects: general chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus, biology, English and physics.

In addition, courses in the following subjects are highly recommended to supplement the student's background: physiology, biochemistry, statistics, cell biology, physical chemistry, and computer science.

Under special circumstances, deficiencies in important areas may be made up within the first year after entrance into the program. Normally, admission to the program will be based on an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. However, applicants' recommendations, research experience and additional individual accomplishments will also be considered in the admissions process.

Applications are accepted online only and are due December 1st.

Degree Requirements

First Year

Course Descriptions