Regents approve U of A bachelor’s program in Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology

The Arizona Board of Regents on Feb. 14 approved a new Bachelor of Science in Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology degree to be offered through the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy starting in the fall of 2025.

The program directly supports ABOR’s AZ Healthy Tomorrow initiative, which aims to rapidly grow the health care workforce in Arizona.

“We are pleased to announce the launch of our second undergraduate major, the Bachelor of Science in Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology,” said Rick G. Schnellmann, PhD, dean of the Coit College of Pharmacy, the Howard J. Schaeffer Endowed Chair in Pharmaceutical Sciences and BIO5 Institute member. “This innovative program explores the effects of chemicals on the human body, covering both beneficial medications and harmful toxicants. While it remains an excellent pathway to our Doctor of Pharmacy degree, it also offers a solid foundation for careers in research and other health care professions.”

The program delves into the world of medical pharmacology and toxicology, where students explore the effects of venoms, poisons, drugs and everyday chemicals on the human body and environment. Pharmacology and toxicology are complementary and interdisciplinary biomedical sciences that draw upon cell biology, systems physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics. Pharmacology and toxicology students will also receive hands-on learning and health sciences research opportunities at the Coit College of Pharmacy’s Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center.

“The Arizona Board of Regents’ support — demonstrated through the approval of the Bachelor of Science in Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology — further reinforces our commitment to ABOR’s AZ Healthy Tomorrow initiative at the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy,” said Michael D. Dake, MD, senior vice president for the University of Arizona Health Sciences. 

“This new degree will complement the educational programs we currently offer through our two accredited medical schools and our colleges of nursing, pharmacy, public health and health sciences. The health care professionals that graduate with this degree will play an important part in meeting the needs of Arizona residents and alleviating health disparities throughout the state.”

Pharmacology and toxicology graduates will be prepared for jobs in fields such as poison control information specialists and technicians, medical courier and tissue processing technicians, blood and plasma processors, and sanitization compliance technicians, all of which the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected to grow between 2022 and 2032.

“With the growing demand for skilled health care professionals, we are committed to giving our graduates a competitive edge, and we believe this degree will provide just that,” Schnellmann said.

The Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology degree program is enrolling students for the 2025-26 academic year.