The education process for both degrees consists of two phases. The first phase consists of course work that provides exposure to the scientific method, basic sciences that are central to the discipline, and techniques that are used in research in pharmacology and toxicology. The second phase is research intensive.
Students work closely with a faculty mentor to complete a research project.
Publication of this information in peer-reviewed scientific journals is expected of all students. A variety of careers are available to people trained in pharmacology or toxicology. The Ph.D. program includes both didactic coursework and an essential research component. Students who enter with adequate background in some of these subjects are considered to have satisfied those portions of the core requirements. Students usually take additional courses that relate to their areas of research or personal interests.