Career Outlook for Individuals with a Degree in Environmental Toxicology
Career News February 20, 2016Environmental toxicologists study the impact of chemicals on human beings, plants and animals. Generally, a degree in Environmental toxicology is what you will need to pursue this career. However, read this article to learn more about the program, including skills learned, job outlook and the salary details for professionals in this field.
Degree Programs to Become an Environmental Toxicologist
Environmental toxicology deals with the effect of chemicals on human, animal and plant lives. The degree program prepares students on how to identify the benefits of certain chemicals, health risks posed by other chemicals and so on. To get a job in this field, you are required to either have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Usually, students cover units relating to biology and chemistry, although those who choose to further their studies have more to learn. Also, students with a post graduate degree tend to get higher paying jobs.
•Education details – Bachelor’s or associate’s degree
•Certification – Optional
•Estimated job growth rate (2012) – 11%
•Average salary in 2012 – $66,250
Career Options for those with a Environmental Toxicology Degree
As stated before, environmental toxicologists analyze and research on the risks associated with certain chemicals in the ecosystems. They also assess what advantages certain chemicals have on human beings and plants, besides predicting possible hazards or environmental dangers that some chemicals may have in future days. In addition, environmental toxicologists study and formulate ways in which environmental contaminants can be eliminated.
There are several fields of work that environmental toxicologists can choose from. For instance, they can choose to work in areas relating to agricultural, home or industrial environments. In addition, they can also choose to work in the food production industries where they examine how food chemicals are associated with diseases like cancer. On the other hand, some may delve on organisms that resist chemicals and toxins, and research on what this behavior means in the future of medical treatments.
So, environmental toxicologists can choose to either work in specific fields or in teaching and research institutes. The biggest employers for environmental toxicologists, according to the Society of Toxicology (SOT) are petroleum and pharmaceutical companies that produce some of chemicals. Apart from the mentioned career paths, there are still additional job opportunities for environmental toxicologists with the Environmental Protection Agency or the Food and Drug Administration agencies. Also, there are opportunities to be teachers at universities and colleges; whereby graduates of this degree program may teach students about biology, chemistry and toxicology.
Environmental Toxicologists Education Details
With a 2-4 year college degree in environmental toxicology, you are entitled to get a job as a fieldworker, technician or lab assistant. On the other hand, students aspiring to be college professors, researchers and high level environmental toxicologist should consider acquiring a PhD in a related field of study.
Job Outlook and Salary Details for Environmental Toxicologists
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an environmental scientist earned $66,250 annually, in 2012. On the other hand, the BLS stated that the job growth for environmental toxicologists are expected to rise at a rate of eleven percent within the next few years.
