The University of Toledo has received state approval from the Ohio Department of Higher Education for a new online master’s degree in forensic toxicology, a program unlike any other currently offered in Ohio.
The field of forensic toxicology sits at the crossroads of science and the law, focused on identifying, measuring and interpreting toxic substances found in biological systems for investigative and legal purposes. It’s one of the fastest-growing disciplines in the forensic sciences.
Following approval by the UToledo Board of Trustees in September 2025 and recent clearance from state regulators, the fully online program is set to admit its first cohort in fall 2026.
Distinctive degree that meets job demand
“No other university in Ohio has a master’s program dedicated exclusively to forensic toxicology,” said Pam Heaton, dean of the UToledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. “And while a small number of programs exist across the country, none are built on the kind of deep toxicology and pharmacology foundation that we can offer.”
The demand for qualified forensic toxicologists continues to grow, with crime labs, medical examiners’ offices, public health agencies and private forensic laboratories increasingly seeking candidates with graduate-level credentials.
“In Ohio, the job market is expected to increase by 13.6 percent,” Heaton said. She noted that Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has heavily invested in Ohio’s forensic science capabilities, focusing on upgrading the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) labs, reducing case backlogs and fostering future forensic scientists.
Flexibility and options
Students in the UToledo program will work through coursework covering molecular toxicology, forensic testing methods, the legal and regulatory landscape and laboratory quality systems, before completing a capstone research project guided by faculty with deep expertise in toxicology and pharmacology.
At 30 credit hours structured for part-time study across five semesters, the program is well-suited for working professionals looking to advance or pivot within the forensic sciences.
In addition, a 4+1 option is offered to undergraduate students, which saves on tuition and decreases the time to earn the master’s degree to one year. A 9-credit graduate certificate program is also available, which can feed into the full M.S. degree if the student decides to continue their education.
The university also plans to develop pathways for undergraduate students in programs such as drug discovery and design to seamlessly continue into the new master’s degree.
Republished courtesy of The University of Toledo