BS in Pharmacology And Toxicology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Wisconsin Madison

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison explores how drugs and chemicals interact with living organisms, helping students understand drug action, toxic effects, and the science behind safer treatments. It suits students interested in pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, and healthcare-related careers, combining chemistry, biology, physiology, and specialized laboratory learning.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students build a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, and mathematics through courses such as CHEM 103: General Chemistry I, BIOLOGY 151: Introductory Biology, and MATH 221: Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1. These subjects introduce chemical principles, biological systems, and quantitative skills essential for understanding how drugs and toxic substances affect the body.

Second Year: Students deepen their scientific knowledge through CHEM 343: Organic Chemistry I, CHEM 345: Organic Chemistry II, and CHEM 344: Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory. This stage develops their understanding of molecular structures, chemical reactions, and laboratory techniques that support advanced study in pharmacology and toxicology.

Third Year: Students progress into specialized biomedical subjects, including BIOCHEM 507: General Biochemistry I, ANAT&PHY 335: Physiology, and PHM SCI 558: Laboratory Techniques in Pharmacology and Toxicology. These courses develop knowledge of biochemical processes, body systems, and experimental methods used to investigate drug effects and chemical toxicity.

Fourth Year: Students advance their understanding through courses such as PHM SCI 510: Pharmacology Principles and Applications, PHM SCI 625: Toxicology I, and PHM SCI 626: Toxicology II. Seminar work and further specialized study help students strengthen their research knowledge, scientific communication, and preparation for employment or graduate education.

Focus Areas: Pharmacology, toxicology, drug discovery, drug action, chemical risk assessment, biochemistry, genetics, physiology, pathology, molecular biology, biotechnology, and biomedical research.

Learning Outcomes: Explain how drugs interact with biological systems, assess the harmful effects of chemicals, understand dose-response relationships, apply laboratory techniques, interpret scientific findings, evaluate chemical hazards, and communicate research results effectively.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program is offered by the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Pharmacy and provides an interdisciplinary foundation for careers in pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, toxicology, regulatory affairs, and biomedical sciences. The BS degree does not qualify graduates for pharmacist licensure; students must complete the required Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and licensing requirements to practise as pharmacists.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Program Reputation: Established in 1985, the program combines biomedical science with specialized pharmacology and toxicology coursework. Students benefit from a focused learning environment and opportunities to participate in faculty-led research.

Graduate Outcomes: Graduates can pursue entry-level scientific positions in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, contract research organizations, academic laboratories, and government agencies. The degree also provides a foundation for medical school, veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and postgraduate research.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison connects the study of how drugs and chemicals affect living organisms with practical scientific investigation. Students can develop laboratory, analytical, and research skills while exploring drug action, toxic substances, biological responses, and the scientific methods used to evaluate chemical safety. The university's School of Pharmacy and broader biomedical research community provide opportunities to explore these areas through coursework and, where available, undergraduate research experiences.

Students can explore the following program-relevant learning opportunities:

- Laboratory Techniques: The required course PHM SCI 558: Laboratory Techniques in Pharmacology and Toxicology introduces students to basic laboratory techniques used in pharmacological and toxicological research.

- Required Research Experience: Students must complete at least one semester of scientific research after admission to the major. Research may be laboratory-based, clinical, or literature-based through an approved 699 directed or independent study.

- Pharmacology and Toxicology Research: Explore research opportunities through UW–Madison's School of Pharmacy, where scientific investigations examine drug action, toxic effects, and biological responses.

- Specialized Research Facilities: The School of Pharmacy's research infrastructure includes an Analytical Instrumentation Center, with mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy facilities, and a Small Molecule Screening Facility supporting collaborative drug-discovery research. Access for undergraduate students depends on the research project and supervising faculty.

- Scientific Research Poster Session: Present research findings and develop scientific communication skills through the School of Pharmacy's annual research poster session, which gives students an opportunity to showcase their work.

- National Research Conferences: The program awards one or two travel awards annually to support seniors attending a national conference related to pharmacology or toxicology.

- Digital Career Resources: Students can use the program's virtual career center through Canvas, while Handshake provides access to internship and employment postings available to UW–Madison students.

- Library and Literature-Based Research: Students can complete approved literature-based research and use university library resources to investigate scientific publications, evaluate evidence, and prepare research reports.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison prepares students for scientific careers focused on drug action, chemical safety, and the effects of substances on living organisms. Graduates can pursue entry-level positions in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic research laboratories, regulatory affairs, and government agencies, or continue into medical and other advanced professional programs. The program also offers a strong foundation for students interested in developing safer medicines and contributing to biomedical research.

Typical Career Opportunities:

Pharmacology Research Assistant: Support laboratory studies investigating how drugs interact with biological systems.
Toxicology Laboratory Analyst: Assist in evaluating the harmful effects of chemicals, medicines, and other substances.
Pharmaceutical Research Associate: Contribute to drug discovery, testing, and preclinical research activities.
Regulatory Affairs Associate: Help prepare scientific documentation and support compliance with pharmaceutical and chemical safety regulations.

Career Development and Graduate Outcomes:

- Career Services: UW–Madison’s SuccessWorks offers career advising, resume and cover-letter guidance, internship-search support, and career fairs. Students can also use Handshake to explore job and internship opportunities with employers nationwide.

- Employment and Salary Information: The university identifies a broad range of career pathways for PharmTox graduates, but a verified program-specific employment rate and average starting salary were not available in the official sources reviewed. Students can research salary expectations by job title, industry, and location when planning their career.

- University–Industry Connections: The School of Pharmacy encourages students to connect with academic and career advisors for information about Wisconsin-based and national employers. Potential employment sectors include pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, contract research organizations, consumer products, and regulatory affairs; individual internships and job offers are not guaranteed.

- Research and Professional Experience: The program emphasizes laboratory science and research preparation. In June 2026, the School of Pharmacy highlighted PharmTox students and faculty working on laboratory projects and reported student research achievements, demonstrating opportunities to build experience relevant to scientific careers.

- Professional Recognition and Licensure: The BS provides a scientific foundation for pharmaceutical and toxicology careers but does not itself qualify graduates to practise as licensed pharmacists. Pharmacist licensure requires further professional education through a PharmD program and completion of the applicable licensing requirements.

- Graduation Outcomes: Graduates pursue varied paths, including research and development, pharmaceutical industry roles, medicine, and other professional or graduate programs. One example is UW–Madison alumnus Scott Haugen, who progressed from a BS in Pharmacology and Toxicology to medical school and a career in interventional cardiology.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS, students can pursue a PhD or MS in Pharmacology, Toxicology, or a related biomedical science, preparing for advanced research, university teaching, or specialist scientific roles. Other options include medical school, dental school, veterinary medicine, public health, or law, depending on prerequisites and admission requirements. Students interested in becoming pharmacists can apply to UW–Madison’s Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. Eligible PharmTox graduates may qualify for the university’s assured-admission pathway to the PharmD program if they meet its stated academic and prerequisite requirements.