Safety Pharmacology, Graduate Certificate

Program Overview

The Michigan State University online graduate certificate in Safety Pharmacology offers an opportunity for individuals to obtain specific knowledge related to a distinct scientific discipline in the pharmaceutical industry. Safety pharmacology specializes in the preclinical testing of drug candidates for adverse effects on physiologic functions.

Program Outcomes

Graduate students will gain advanced science knowledge in principles of pharmacology, safety pharmacology guidelines, and the drug development process. Online graduate certificate program participants will be better prepared to conduct pharmacological research and risk-benefit assessments required for preclinical evaluation of drug safety.

Career Outlook

The Safety Pharmacology certificate provides an opportunity for recipients to apply for more advanced, specialized research and development positions in the pharmaceutical industry.

Career Pathways and Potential Earnings

Graduates of Safety Pharmacology can expect job titles and median salaries similar to the following:

Career Pathways and Potential Earnings for Safety Pharmacology Students

Target Occupation

National Median Salary (USD)

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

$100,589

Natural Sciences Managers

$161,179

Chemists

$84,157

Technical Writers

$91,666

Disclaimer: Salary data is sourced from © 2026 Lightcast, based on information from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Please note that this information is intended solely for reference purposes. MSU Online disclaims any responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies, omissions, or errors in the data.

A Top-Ranked Education

29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
#51 in Graduate Public Health Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2026

Tuition & Fees per credit

In-State Tuition

Out-of-State Tuition

$978.25

$1222.25

Cost of Attendance

The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.

The MSU Value Promise

You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.

As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will since 1855.

MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.

MSU has been offering online degree programs since 1998. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.

MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.

MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.

Course Information

Core Courses

PHM 819 - Principles of Drug-Tissue Interactions (2 Credits)
PHM 840 - Safety Pharmacology (2 Credits)
PHM 858 - Drug Development Process (3 Credits)

Electives

PHM 431 - Pharmacology of Drug Addiction (3 Credits)
PHM 450 - Introduction to Chemical Toxicology (3 Credits)
PHM 813 - Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Toxicology (3 Credits)
PHM 817 - Neurotoxicology (2 Credits)
PHM 829 - Neuropharmacology (2 Credits)
PHM 830 - Experimental Design and Data Analysis (3 Credits)
PHM 831 - Endocrine Pharmacology and Toxicology (2 Credits)
PHM 833 - Gastro-Intestinal and Liver Pharmacology and Toxicology (2 Credits)
PHM 834 - Respiratory Pharmacology (2 Credits)
PHM 835 - Biopharmaceuticals: From Development to Manufacturing (3 Credits)
PHM 841 - Cellular and Molecular Toxicology (3 Credits)
PHM 857 - Project Management (2 Credits)

Admissions and Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

Completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Completed coursework
A minimum of 3 credits in chemistry and 3 credits in biology. Preference will be given to applicants with additional science coursework and/or professional experience.
Taken the TOEFL. (Only required if English is not your native language)
A written personal statement
Complete a personal statement, including the reasons why the certificate program is well-suited to the applicant’s current or future career.
3 Letters of recommendation. Provide contact information for your recommenders and the MSU application system will provide instructions to them.
Official transcripts from all previous schools

To apply to this program:

Complete a university graduate application and pay the application fee.
Submit all required materials to the application portal.
International Graduate Application (VISA information is not required for this online program)

Safety Pharmacology

Graduate Certificate

Online

Course Delivery

11

Total Credits

$978.25

Credit Hour

1 year

Minimum Duration

Isola Brown, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor and Director of the Online MS Pharmacology and Toxicology

Program Overview

Program Outcomes

Career Outlook

Career Pathways and Potential Earnings

A Top-Ranked Education

Key Dates

Fall Semester

Application Deadline

Spring Semester

Application deadline

Summer Semester