Although the area
of Toxicology is fast growing in the public and private sector, there
are very few B.S. programs in this field. In fact, to our
knowledge there are only four undergraduate programs in Toxicology (usually
offered as Pharmacology/Toxicology). We are reliant on the track-record
of these schools to determine the outcomes of students matriculated.
(The Program Coordinator is a graduate of an undergraduate Pharm/Tox program).
Obviously, students graduating from the TOX program at Penn State University
will have a unique, specialized expertise not often found in graduates
from other programs. This will help students enter employment as research
technicians, drug/toxicant specialists or scientific sales representatives.
In particular, the pharmaceutical industry is interested in identifying
students with an understanding of toxicological principles as sales representatives
or research technicians. Several government agencies including the Environmental
Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration and the National
Institutes
of Health, in addition to state and local agencies require individuals
trained in understanding chemical action on biological systems. Opportunities
as research technicians, specialists and consultants exist with these
organizations. Importantly,
the B.S. degree in Toxicology from Penn State will provide a strong foundation
for graduate work leading to a Ph.D. in most biomedical fields. For example,
students may choose to pursue a Ph.D. degree in Pharmacology, Toxicology,
Biochemistry, Physiology, Pathobiology, Oncology, or Molecular Biology.
The strong biology, biochemistry and physiology training of TOX students
would also benefit those students interested in applying to medical or
veterinary schools.
