Department of Environmental Toxicology
Overview
The Department offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree in specialized disciplines related to environmental toxicology. The emphasis is on studying the effect of chemicals/environmental contaminants on the health and well-being of all living forms while focusing on risk benefit aspects. Students may choose to pursue studies in five areas of specialization:
1. Molecular and Reproductive Toxicology and Cell Biology
2. Biochemical and Toxicological aspects of Nutraceuticals
3. Chemical Detection and Evaluation of Toxicological Substances in the Environment
4. Microbial Quality and Remedial Approaches
5. Computational Methods for Predicting Molecular Interactions Related to Toxicology. We have established collaborations with Computer Sciences Department, SUBR; Grambling State University; Xavier University; Louisiana State University; SU Agriculture Research and Extension Center.
Job Opportunities
Students who pursue a Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology often choose a career in research, teaching or industry. While choosing a research oriented career, these students may focus on determining the environmental risk of chemicals and evaluate the methods for reducing related toxic responses. These professionals could also teach or consult with companies, like those in the oil or pharmaceutical industries.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the requirements of the Graduate School, applicants must have:
1. An earned BS or MS degree from an accredited university in a related field.
2. A graduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0/4.0.
3. Undergraduate or graduate course credits of at least three semester hours from an accredited university in each of the following: cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, and organic chemistry. Students who have not completed these prerequisite courses may be admitted to the program on a conditional basis but will not receive full admission until completion of these courses.
4. A Graduate Record Examination score greater than or equal to 1000 (verbal and quantitative; old scale) or 290 (new scale). Students with exceptional GPAs who do not meet the minimum GRE requirement may be considered on a case by case basis.
5. A 600-word essay on the student’s career goals and interest in the toxicology program.
6. Three letters of reference with at least two from former instructors.
7. Recommendation by the Graduate Admission Committee of the program. For INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS, a minimum score of 525 (123 on computer based examination) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), as evidence of proficiency in English and an Affidavit of Support (U.S. Department of Justice form I-134).
Degree Requirements
For students entering the program with a MS degree, the minimum coursework requirement is 36 semester hours, typically comprised of 21 hours of core courses, 9 hours of toxicology electives, and 6 hours of general electives, exclusive of the thesis, doctoral dissertation and research. Students entering the program with a BS degree are required to complete an additional 18 semester hours of MS-level foundation courses in biology, chemistry, or toxicology.Students must pass the Graduate ComprehensiveExam (GCE) to become a candidate for the Ph.D. degree. Students must pass oral and written parts of the dissertation.
Environmental Toxicology PhD Graduate Program
Southern University's Ph.D. Program in Environmental Toxicology strives to train qualified individuals to conduct basic and applied research on the potentially adverse effects of chemicals and complex mixtures of environmental contaminants on biological systems and the environment, to conduct basic and applied research on the molecular mechanisms of chemically induced toxicity, to advance Environmental Toxicology as a science, to communicate the concepts and findings of toxicological research and evaluations, and to serve as an information resource on toxicological matters to the state and the general public. The Department offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree in specialized disciplines related to environmental toxicology. The emphasis is on studying the effect of chemicals/environmental contaminants on the health and well-being of all living forms while focusing on risk benefit aspects.
Graduate Assistantship
The Department offers graduate assistantships for eligible students who show outstanding potential. These working assistantships are competitively awarded typically for an academic year and is based on availability of funds. For more information, contact:
Sanjay Batra, Ph.D.
Health Research Center - Room 129; Fisher Hall – Room 108
P.O. Box 9264, Baton Rouge, LA 70813
Phone: 225-771-3800 / 3200
Fax: 225-771-5350
Email: sanjay_batra@subr.edu
Graduate School Resources
For more detailed information, please click below:
