Toxicology
Director: Greg A. Freyer, PhD
Technological and scientific developments have been responsible for the creation of thousands of new compounds, many of which pose a threat to human health. The measurement and analysis of the harmful effects of chemical, biological, and physical agents on living organisms, particularly humans, defines the field of Toxicology.
The Department of Environmental Health Sciences offers the Master of Science degree with a track in Toxicology. This program provides students with expertise and training in environmental exposure, regulation, and mitigation. In addition to rigorous coursework in toxicology, students gain conceptual and methodological foundations in biostatistics and epidemiology. Students learn critical thinking and analysis skills and gain valuable practical experience through their coursework, practicum, and their thesis research. A semester-long laboratory course provides students with hands-on experience in current toxicological methods. In addition to full-time academic faculty with internationally recognized expertise, several instructors are working professionals who bring real-world experience; enhancing the practical, career-oriented aspects of this Master's degree.
Program Requirements
The Toxicology track is designed to be completed in 12 months but can accommodate part-time students, who may take up to three years to complete the Master's program.
Students in this program will complete:
- At least 36 credits of coursework
- A three-month Practicum (150-300 hrs)
- A Master’s research thesis
Educational Goals
The Department’s MS degree with a track in Toxicology will:
- Provide students with a foundation for interpreting the adverse human health effects associated with exposure to environmental toxicants.
- Prepare graduates for careers in governmental regulatory agencies such as EPA, FDA, CDC, and OSHA, as well as non-profit organizations and private sector companies involved in environmental management and/or work with hazardous waste.
- Give students the skills to assess risks associated with exposure and to devise methods for minimizing exposure and designing processes for remediation.
- Equip students with research experience through a Master’s thesis and workplace experience during a Practicum.
- Offer Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Certification.
Competencies
Upon graduation, MS students in Toxicology will be able to:
- Explain biological and genetic factors underlying human sensitivities to environmental toxins.
- Detail the lessons learned from significant accidental exposures affecting public health to reduce future risk.
- Describe the major carcinogenic as well as non-cancer health effects associated with different toxic chemicals.
- Understand and analyze relative health risks and public education arising from environmental exposures of various
kinds. - Explain the differences between various classes of toxic substances, routes of exposure, associated pathologies and acute and long-term population health consequences.
Course Work
The curriculum, described in the MS Toxicology handbook, is comprised of 36 credits of required courses, including a 1.5-credit Thesis (the “Master’s essay”) to be completed during the Summer. Note that even if a course is waived, students must still complete a minimum of 36 credits to be awarded the MS degree.
This program is designed to be completed in 12 months. There is an option to do this as a part-time student. Please discuss the part-time option with Nina Kulacki and Greg Freyer.
Contact
Nina Kulacki, MBA
Director of Academic Programs
Columbia University
njk2128@cumc.columbia.edu
212-305-3466
More information on this program.