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Toxicology M.S.

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Degree Overview Open Accordion
Online Professional Science Master’s in Toxicology

The online master of science in toxicology at Colorado State University equips you with the expertise to understand, evaluate, and communicate the effects of chemicals and other potentially hazardous agents on human, animal, and environmental health. The program provides both foundational knowledge and practical skills in toxicology while also examining disease states at the cellular level. This flexible degree prepares you for advanced professional pathways such as medical and veterinary school, or for impactful careers in pharmaceuticals, government, consulting, and beyond.

Why Choose CSU?

  • Nationally competitive cost – about $10,000 less than peer institutions.
  • Fully online delivery – designed for working professionals and full-time students.
  • Built-in flexibility – begin on the non-thesis track and complete your degree with a final professional paper, or have the option to pivot to thesis research (on campus) after your first semester if you secure a faculty sponsor.
  • Cross-disciplinary excellence – access CSU’s deep expertise across biomedical, veterinary, and environmental sciences.
  • Comprehensive Subfield Coverage – Receive a broad introduction to toxicology subdisciplines, including forensic toxicology, pharmaceutical toxicology, environmental toxicology, and risk assessment.

At CSU, you benefit from faculty actively engaged in federally funded research (NIH, EPA, NSF) and from our reputation as a top research institution in veterinary and biomedical sciences.

Who should enroll?

This program is designed for students and professionals looking to expand their expertise in toxicology while balancing career or personal commitments. Typical candidates include:

  • Recent STEM graduates in biology, chemistry, or related fields preparing for medical, veterinary, or doctoral programs.
  • Early-career professionals working in pharmaceutical, biotech, environmental health, or regulatory sectors.
  • Working adults seeking a flexible, cost-effective way to gain specialized knowledge without relocating or pausing their careers.
  • Scientists from adjacent fields looking to reskill into toxicology, environmental safety, or regulatory compliance.
Explore Careers Open Accordion

An M.S. in Toxicology from CSU positions you for diverse and impactful roles in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biomedical and biotechnology including positions:

  • Pharmaceutical Scientist / Preclinical Research Associate
  • Forensic Toxicologist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist
  • Public Health Analyst
  • Environmental Toxicologist
  • Risk Assessor / Communication Specialist
  • Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

About half of the program's graduates go on to pursue doctoral or professional degrees, including Ph.D., MD, DVM, or PharmD programs. Others launch into research and leadership careers across government, healthcare, biotech, and environmental sectors.

Shaping Health and Environmental Features

With 25% of human disease stemming from environmental factors, this program empowers professionals to drive meaningful change in global human and animal health, sustainability, and environmental safety. Whether you’re preparing for the next stage of your academic journey or aiming to make an immediate impact in your field, CSU’s online M.S. in Toxicology offers the skills, flexibility, and affordability to get you there.

Curriculum Open Accordion

Core Courses

  • ERHS 502 – Fundamentals of Toxicology (3 cr.)
  • ERHS 521 – Toxicological Pathology (3 cr.)
  • ERHS 522 – Metabolism and Disposition of Toxic Agents (3 cr.)
  • ERHS 523 – Toxicological Mechanisms (3 cr.)
  • ERHS 693C – Research Seminar: Toxicology (1 cr.)

Toxicology Courses

Select at least 9 credits from the following:

Other Requirements

Electives: 8 Credits

Program Total: 30 Credits

Faculty Open Accordion
Julie Moreno

Dr. Julie Moreno - Associate Professor

Julie.Moreno@colostate.edu

Dr. Julie Moreno is a neurotoxicologist whose research centers on brain aging and the cellular mechanisms driving neurodegeneration. As an associate professor in the Prion Research Center and associate director of the Brain Research Center, she investigates how misfolded proteins – such as prions and tau – disrupt brain function and contribute to neuronal toxicity in neurodegenerative protein misfolding diseases (NPMDs). Her lab focuses on the intersection of brain aging, neuroinflammation, and neurotoxicity, with particular attention to the neuroimmune axis.

Luke Montrose

Dr. Luke Montrose - Associate Professor

Luke.Montrose@colostate.edu

Dr. Montrose is an environmental toxicologist with research interests in public health, epigenetics, and chronic illness, particularly as it relates to vulnerable and understudied populations. A primary focus of the Montrose lab is studying the negative health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure among communities and workers (e.g., wildland firefighters). In 2020, Dr. Montrose launched the Rocky Mountain Wildfire Smoke Symposium which is an annual platform for disseminating information and involves participants from academia, government and industry.

Greg Dooley

Dr. Gregory Dooley - Associate Professor

Gregory.Dooley@colostate.edu

Dr. Dooley is the Director of the Center for Environmental Medicine (CEM) Analytical Laboratory and supervises all the organic chemical analysis performed in the laboratory. His research involves the development of analytical methods utilizing state of the art instrumentation to measure organic molecules of current interest. With the rapid improvements in analytical technologies, we are able to greatly improve the selectivity and sensitivity of our analytical methods for trace level chemical analysis.

Olivia Arnold

Olivia Arnold - Assistant Professor

Olivia.Arnold@colostate.edu

Read More.

Howard Ramsdell

Howard Ramsdell - Associate Professor

Howard.Ramsdell@ColoState.edu

Read More.

Elizabeth Ryan

Elizabeth Ryan - Professor

E.P.Ryan@colostate.edu

Read More.

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Mike VanDyke - Associate Professor

Mike.VanDyke@colostate.edu

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Jeff Wilusz

Jeff Wilusz - Department Head, Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences

Jeffrey.Wilusz@ColoState.edu

Read More.

Taka Kato

Takamitsu Kato - Associate Professor

Takamitsu.Kato@colostate.edu

Read More.

How to Apply Open Accordion

Application Deadlines

Fall semester July 15
Spring semester November 1
September 1 (International)

Applications will be reviewed and decided upon within 2-4 weeks following each application deadline.

Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.

Apply Now

1Review Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following requirement:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

The following coursework is highly recommended, though not required:

  • Biochemistry
  • Organic chemistry
  • Physiology

2 Prepare Application Materials

Learn more about general graduate school application requirements here: Graduate Admissions Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials as part of the application process:

  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A statement of purpose
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities

All materials should be submitted in accordance with department guidelines and application deadlines.

3 Complete Online Application

Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received. When applying, select the program of study you’re applying to.

4 Request Official Transcripts

Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from all institutions attended. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.

Please Note: Students may be unconditionally admitted and registered in their first semester of courses with an unofficial transcript. Official transcripts must be submitted, prior to or during your first semester, before you can register for your second semester of graduate work. Failure to meet this condition will result in your dismissal from the Graduate School.

Electronic (preferred):
Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial.

Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.

Mail (if necessary)
Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

Check Your Application Status

View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

Questions?

We love learning about your goals and answering any questions you have.

Nicole Schmidt
Prospective Student Support Coach

“Nicole was very informative and helpful in providing me details regarding the degree plan I was interested in.”

Schedule Time to Talk

Program Details

Courses
Online
Credits
30
Tuition
$730 per credit
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships Tuition/fees are just part of the cost to attend CSU. Learn more about the full Cost of Attendance
Degree Awarded
Master of Science in Toxicology, Plan B
Time Frame
1 to 2 years

Application Dates

Fall semester
July 15
Spring semester
November 1 / September 1 (International)

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