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.

Course Work

Required Courses (36 Credits):

*Introduction to Public Health - Programming

  • P6300 Environmental Health Sciences Core
  • P6360 Analysis of Environmental Health Data
  • P6370 Journal Club in Molecular Epidemiology and Toxicology
  • P8306 Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
  • P8307 Molecular Epidemiology
  • P8308 Molecular Toxicology
  • P8312 Principles of Toxicology
  • P8313 Toxicokinetics
  • P8320 Applied Environmental and Industrial Hygiene
  • P8321 Introduction to Data Science for Environmental Health
  • P8323 Laboratory Methods in Environmental Health Science
  • P8325 Risk Assessment, Communication, and Management
  • P8334 Computational Toxicology
  • P9303 Applied Environmental Public Health Science
  • P9361 Master's Essay Research I

Program Requirements*​

FALL (16.5 Credits)

  • P8308 Molecular Toxicology
  • P8312 Principles of Toxicology  
  • P6300 Environmental Health Sciences
  • P8307 Molecular Epidemiology
  • P8306 Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
  • P8325 Risk Assessment, Communication, and Management

SPRING (15 Credits)

  • P8320 Applied Environmental and Industrial Hygiene
  • P8323 Laboratory Methods in Environmental Health Sciences
  • P8321 Introduction to Data Science for Environmental Health
  • P6360 Analysis of Environmental Health Data
  • P6370 Journal Club in Molecular Epidemiology and Toxicology
  • P8313 Toxicokinetics
  • P8334 Computational Toxicology

SUMMER (4.5 Credits)

  • P9303 - Applied Environmental Public Health Science
  • P9361 - Master's Essay Research I 

*This program can be completed on a part-time basis. For more information, please contact Nina Kulacki.

Contact

Nina Kulacki, MBA
Director of Academic Programs
Columbia University
njk2128@cumc.columbia.edu
212-305-3466

More information on this program.