University of Iowa

Program Information

Degree Offered

Master’s Program in Human Toxicology, Ph.D.-Human Toxicology

Program Description:

The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Human Toxicology is an Interdisciplinary Master’s and Ph.D. Program in Human Toxicology at The University of Iowa. The Program is affiliated with the Biosciences Program and is supported by the Graduate College, with additional support from the Colleges of Public Health and Medicine.

Toxicology, as recently defined by the Society of Toxicology, is “the study of the adverse effects of chemical, physical or biological agents on living organisms and the ecosystem, including the prevention and amelioration of such adverse effects.” The broad scope of toxicology, from the assessment of exposure to understanding the fundamental mechanisms of adverse health effects, is best studied in an interdisciplinary setting. The field draws on expertise from chemistry, physiology, pathology, genetics, statistics, risk assessment sciences and others. Duties of a toxicologist include the identification and assessment of environmental exposures of concern; elucidation of mechanisms by which toxicants (chemical, biological, or radiological agents) perturb homeostasis or induce disease; identification of interventions for the prevention of adverse effects; and estimation of acceptable levels of exposure for the protection of public health.

To perform this wide variety of tasks, a toxicologist must receive training in multiple key areas. The University of Iowa excels in many of these key areas, both in training and in research, and therefore, is well-positioned to train toxicologists at the MS and PhD level. The development of individuals with this specialty is of critical importance when considering the prevalence of chemical use and toxicant exposure in our society. The successful establishment of the Interdisciplinary Program in Human Toxicology enables the University to realize its potential for training the future leaders of this field.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Format: Campus

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Extensive

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Small City

Size & Settings: 20,000 and above