Biology is a branch of Science that is deemed to be more flexible than other medical divisions. If you graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biology, you would have many paths leading to different industries and job opportunities.
From medicine, pharmaceuticals to research, and criminal justice, a vast pool of job choices await you.
You might probably have your reason why you decide to choose to take up a bachelor’s degree in Biology. But if it helps justify your choice, the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that biological technicians’ employment is predicted to increase a 9% increase from 2021 to 2031. This is amazingly promising compared to other occupations.
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How to Choose the Best Online Biology Degree Program
Featured Programs
When selecting the best online Biology program, it’s normal to consider various factors and aspects. It will have to sum up with these three areas, though: accreditation of the program, online tuition costs, and its coursework.
Accreditation
First and foremost, you must conduct a background check of the college or university that offers an online bachelor’s degree. Check their accreditations, as they usually are based on geographic regions. Your online program should at least be accredited in one of the following six accrediting commissions:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Higher Learning Commission
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Cost
As for your program’s cost, many students and parents consider this aspect a determining factor for their program selection. Online college students will have to handle tuition costs starting from $5,000 for in-state students. It could go as high as $20,000, and it’s essential to keep in mind that out-of-state students pay different prices for their online tuition.
Coursework
Another important criterion when choosing the best online Biology BS program for you is its curriculum or coursework. Usually, an online bachelor’s degree in Biology is a combination of core subjects, significant requirements, and elective courses.
Some of the common degree courses included in Biology are:
- Genetics
- Applied Physics
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Integrated Principles of Biology
- Cell Biology
Online Biology programs also include math and science classes like Statistics, Chemistry, Physics, Human Physiology, Anatomy, and Ecology. Besides these discussion classes, you will also need to undergo laboratory classes, in which you have to conduct lab activities remotely. In such cases, you will be given lab kits to your home or can also join virtual labs online.
You have numerous Online Bachelor’s in Biology program choices, but certainly, not all of them are created equal! With your convenience in mind, we have rounded up the 15 Best Colleges offering an online Bachelor’s degree in Biology program.
These top-flight colleges made it to our list because they successfully exhibit the ideal features of an online program in this discipline, including rigorous coursework that prepares students for professional work in the field of Biology, program affordability, ease of coursework access, schedule flexibility, or convenience, and support services.
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Best Online Biology Bachelor’s Degree Colleges
University of Florida
Asserting to guide you as you become a catalyst for the future study of all living things, the University of Florida’s online program for a BS degree in Biology offers comprehensive and expansive training while providing flexibility to learn other subdisciplines. After you finish this program, you can find jobs in the education sector, environmental or biotechnology law, science journalism, and bioscience management.
Unlike other program styles for Biology major, this program is designed as interdisciplinary. You will have a broader approach towards studying Biology. However, you should note that this major is not intended to be a preparatory course for the medical, dental, or veterinary field.
University of Florida’s online program for a BS degree in Biology is the most affordable online college. This opens many educational opportunities for those who want to access higher education with the utmost convenience and low cost.
Location:
- Gainesville, Florida
Accreditation:
Program Features:
- Flexible and rigorous faculty
- A variety of life science courses across 17 academic departments
Course Options:
- Agricultural Ecology
- Environmental Hydrology
- Climatology
- Introduction to Earth Science
- Intro to Public Administration
Admissions:
- $30 non-refundable application fee
- High school and college information
Tuition:
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Student Employment
- Loans
- Non-SFA Administered Aid
What’s unique about the program:
- They have 5,000 faculty members with outstanding teaching skills and research experiences.
- They have 43 faculty members elected to the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Science Engineering, or American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Oregon State University
Oregon State University remains as a leading university for teaching biological sciences for more than a century now. They acquire the recognition, experience, and top-grace faculty staff to offer students the most credible life sciences foundation.
Their undergraduate program provides a wide range of biological knowledge and updated discoveries in the industry. These all become useful in the roles of science and biology in our current society.
Having an online degree in Biology will open doors for you to pursue related careers in Science and biology and be a good foundation for learning other degrees. If you go for online classes at OSU, you can expect to have renowned expertise, research, and innovation even through virtual platforms.
The Northwest Commission accredits their online programs on Colleges and Universities. You will receive the same certificate and transcripts as those who are attending face-to-face classes on campus.
Location:
- Corvallis, Oregon
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Program Features:
- The university’s world-class faculty develop all classes.
Course Options:
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Ecology
- Evolution
- Organismal and Physiology
Admissions:
- high school grades
- The rigor of coursework, considered in the context of options at your school
- Class rank
- Grades in any college or dual-credit courses
- Information provided in your statement on the application
- essay submission
Tuition:
Financial Aid:
- Federal and State Financial Aid
- Scholarships and Grants
What’s unique about the program:
Even as an online student at Oregon State University, you’ll receive the same certificate and transcript as OSU’s on-campus students!
Florida International University
The fully online Bachelor of Arts in Biology program with FIU offers a unique combination of studies that exposes students to learning a wide range of topics. The university’s online curriculum is focused on helping students develop critical thinking and cutting-edge scientific knowledge and skills.
The mission of FIU’s Department of Biological Sciences is to educate broadly trained life scientists; to carry out basic and applied biological research; to disseminate the results of our research; and to provide meaningful service to the university, local community and global community. FIU aims to bridge gaps between problems and solutions through the studies of life sciences.
Using modern and innovative online learning approaches, you will be able to effectively complete your entire bachelor’s degree in biology remotely, through cloud computing.
The university offers five concentrations: General Track, Science Communication Track, Pre-Law Track, Bioentrepreneur Track, and Allied Health Profession Track. Undergraduate majors have successfully entered careers in the life sciences arena in public, private and non-profit organizations.
Location:
- Miami, Florida
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)
Program Features:
- 120 credits required for completion
- must complete the University Core Curriculum, University requirements, and College of Arts, Sciences & Education requirements
Course Options:
- Ecology
- Genetics
- Organismal Diversity
- Evolution
Admissions:
- Online application
- $30 application fee
- Official SAT or ACT scores
- Official high school transcripts
Tuition:
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Loans
- Federal work-study
What’s unique about the program:
- More than 50 core faculty.
- The biology department is research-intensive, with funding grants and contracts worth more than $10 million annually.
- Many faculty members specialize in researching tropical systems, including tropical ecosystems and tropical diseases.
Arizona State University
The online program for Bachelor’s Degree in Biology shares the same structure with the onsite campus learning. It is designed in such ways that encourage student and instructor engagement.
Online learners can benefit from the full university experience by interacting with internationally recognized faculty members, accessing resources from ASU’s state-of-the-art libraries, and communicating with a strong alumni network. You will join a community of thousands of students worldwide.
Arizona State University is placed in the 6th place for US News and World Report Best Online Bachelor’s Programs ranking. All of the online classes in this university are recorded and archived so you can replay and access your lecture resources at any preferred time anywhere.
If you enroll in their online program, you will be investigating genetic and environmental diversity causes, the evolution of organisms, the interplay of organisms, and their ecological factors that lead to health and disease. Their learning approach is most suitable for you if you favor using cross-disciplinary study and insight learning.
Location:
- Phoenix, Arizona
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Program Features:
- 120 credit hours for completion
- 39 classes in total
Course Options:
- General Genetics
- Evolution
Admissions:
- High school diploma
- Top 25% in high school graduating class
- 3.00 GPA in competency courses (4.00 = A)
- ACT score of 22 for Arizona residents
Tuition:
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Work-study opportunities
- Financial aid programs for Arizona students
- Student employment
What’s unique about the program:
They offer online student services to take advantage of counselors, career advisors, tutors, time management coaches, and technical resources.
Life University
You will be working closely with the hands-on professors of Life University as you prepare your career pathway towards any of the STEM industries. Their Bachelor’s degree in biology is offered in both on-campus and distance learning methods. You will be exposed to an in-depth innate study of the intelligence of life.
Their online curriculum is engaged in studying organisms’ abilities, development, maintenance, and healing. This means that you will have an in-depth understanding of the human roles in the foundations of biology.
Life University administers an unusual approach towards the study of natural sciences. They encourage students to be committed to helping others through their studies in different fields. You will also get to meet like-minded people in your community who all share the same passion, drive, and fascination with living systems. It’s an excellent opportunity to build your network, limiting it to the branch of biology and other fields of studies.
At Life University, maximize your learning opportunities by teaming up with faculty and students through your online classes. You should be well engaged in interdisciplinary study and research.
Location:
- Marietta, Georgia
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE)
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
Program Features:
- 188 quarter credit hours completion
Course Options:
- Humanities, Health and Wellness
- Science, Mathematics, and Computers
- Social Sciences
Admissions:
- earned 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale), or passing GED score (if without an HS diploma)
- met the ACT or SAT scores required
- writing and essay components (optional)
Tuition:
- $12,915 per academic year
Financial Aid:
- Loans
- Employment
- Grants
- Scholarships
What’s unique about the program:
They provide accounts receivable services to students for easy access to bills for tuition, housing, meal plans, and refunds.
Logan University
Start planning your career as a researcher, technician, or educator by taking up the Bachelor’s degree online program in Biology at Logan University. While they also offer on-campus learning, online programs offer the same value and quality coursework.
Logan University has always been committed to building value and advancement in the health care industry. Many successful outcomes are highlighted in this curriculum. You can learn to communicate biological concepts to departmental institutions and apply scientific principles in problem-solving. You can also derive decisions based on scientific evidence. All of these will help you prepare to be a contributor in the global field of Biology.
Let your online degree in Biology significantly take you to various scientific and health care job opportunities. It should be your first step as you establish a stable career that helps you understand living things.
Location:
- Chesterfield, Missouri
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA)
Program Features:
- 122 credits for completion
Course Options:
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Mathematics
- English and Communications
- Life and Physical Sciences
Admissions:
- online application
- Complete new student orientation
- Submit official transcripts from an accredited high school
- High school CGPA 2.0 or higher
- Passing ACT or SAT scores
Tuition:
- $325 per credit hour
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Loans
- Work-study programs
What’s unique about the program:
- They have a world-class faculty and facilities.
- They offer accelerated education options.
Bemidji State University
Offering both online and classroom-style classes, Bemidji State University specializes in providing flexible electives and specialties. You can specialize in numerous fields like morphology, physiology, natural history, molecular biology, systematics, and environmental biology.
If you want to pursue an entry-level professional job soon, then you must enroll in this program. Moreover, this online coursework is also suitable as a steppingstone towards finishing a doctoral degree in biological or medical sciences.
Bemidji State University offers its blended degree-completion program, which no longer requires you to attend classes at its campus in Bemidji. Like their on-campus learning programs, their distance learning curriculum is equipped with the highest caliber of academic instruction and guidance facilitated by faculty and staff.
Location:
- Bemidji, Minnesota
Accreditation:
- The Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- 68 required credits for completion
- 2.25 GPA required
- Biology students have access to different special activities, opportunities, work-study jobs, summer internships, scholarships, and can join the student biology club.
- Dedicated Biology department staff
Course Options:
- Human Biology
- Anatomy
- Aquatic Systems
- Medical Terminology
- Diversity of Life
Admissions:
- Online application
- High school or college transcripts
- transfer of a minimum number of credits
Tuition:
- $4,497 per semester
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Loans
- Other Aid Programs
What’s unique about the program:
- This program is flexible, and you can take up two emphases.
- You can seek advice from your academic advisor in Biology for which electives are suitable for your program.
National University
Similarly programmed with the physical learning classes, the online coursework of the Bachelor’s degree in biology at the National University is designed to provide teachings for marketable techniques in biotechnology.
This includes DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, and cell culture. You will experience integrative studies of organisms through field trips and lab activities. You will also gain more knowledge in genetics, cell theory, evolution, and ecology.
Contribute to the research and study of the world’s emerging diseases, genetic studies, physiology, and biodiversity, through joining this online curriculum offered by the National University. You will get to explore the threats to species, ecosystem functioning, and increasing global population.
You can undoubtedly land a career in medical professions and industry specifications like genetics, microbiology, science writing, education, and molecular biology.
Location:
- San Diego, California
Accreditation:
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
Program Features:
- 4-week classes
- Must complete 180 quarter units
Course Options:
- Microbiology
- Ecology
- Geobiology
- Cytology
Admissions:
- Online application form
Tuition:
- $370 per unit
Financial Aid:
- Loans
- Grants
- Scholarships
What’s unique about the program:
They accept admissions all year round, so you can choose to stop and continue to study anytime and anywhere.
University of New Mexico
The University of New Mexico features a wide range of education focusing on modern Biology. They utilize scientific methods and apply unprecedented solutions to problems in Biology. As an online student enrolled in their online curriculum, you will be given many opportunities to learn to interpret and present biological data in written and oral forms.
The study of the major groups in the tree of life is emphasized in the BS program in biology. This includes reviews of all living things and how humans interact with the Earth’s biodiversity.
Subsequently, you can also explore biodiversity more by relating it to the further studies of the Earth’s history, mass extinctions, conservation, economics, human society, and ecology. This course is very engaging and will help you prepare for any career you’d like to partake in the future.
Location:
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
Accreditation:
- The Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- Major in Biology requires 37 hours
Course Options:
- Molecular and Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Ecology and Evolution
- Plant and Animal Form and Function
Admissions:
- High school GPA 2.75 (cumulative)
- ACT 21 or SAT 1060 scores
- Belongs to the top 20% of the graduating class
Tuition:
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Student Financial Aid
What’s unique about the program:
- They offer a Student Health Center Counseling and Therapy Services, enabling students to seek advice and help with health issues.
- They also have the Center for Academic Support, which is supportive of disabled students.
North Carolina State University
Take advantage of high quality and flexible education for your online program at the Department of Biological Science offered by the North Carolina State University. They offer a Microbiology Undergraduate Certificate, which is a distance learning program designed to widen the understanding of microorganisms and their critical roles in our world.
Suppose you are a degree-seeking undergraduate student in an institution that does not offer a microbiology course or seek more microbiology experience. In that case, you should apply for this program. It will also help you advance your career and enhance your applications if you want to pursue graduate, professional, and allied health school programs.
Location:
- Raleigh, North Carolina
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Program Features:
- World-class education online
- Internationally-respected credentials as instructors
Course Options:
- Biology in the Modern World
- Genetics in Human Affairs
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Admissions:
- Academic records
- 2.5 weighted high school GPA
- Instead of the GPA, a minimum score of 19 on the ACT and 1010 on the SAT
Tuition:
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
- Student Employment
What’s unique about the program:
- Some coursework in this program can be transferred later on when you decide to take up a Master’s degree in Biology.
Excelsior College
Studying at Excelsior College will foster your curiosity by engaging in exploration activities and experiments. A major in Biology will offer you experiences in learning from experienced and highly skilled faculty members.
The core biology courses include biodiversity, evolutionary biology, anatomy, human genetics, and microbiology. After selecting your core specialty, you can then choose from a different variety of electives.
Students who are enrolled in their online programs will have a chance to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve biology challenges and issues. After completing such courses, you will become a strong leader with experience in different technologies and scientific skills, which will guide you through when you finally work in real-world institutions.
Location:
- Albany, New York
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Program Features:
- Transfer up to 113 credits
- Flexible coursework and program
- 120 credit requirement for completion
Course Options:
- Biology
- General Chemistry
- Natural Sciences Capstone
Admissions:
- Required courses if majoring in Biology:
- One course in Evolutionary biology, biodiversity or ecology, and one course from any of these areas: Anatomy and Physiology, Comparative Anatomy, Human Anatomy, or Vertebrate Physiology
- Submission of the enrollment agreement
Tuition:
- $510 per credit
Financial Aid:
- Federal Financial Aid
- NY State Financial Aid
- Excelsior College Scholarships
- External Scholarships
- Private Loans & Grants
What’s unique about the program:
- Students can examine reproduction and applications of biological experiences to daily life routines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can an Online Biology Degree take you after college?
There are many career fields that many Biology graduates can work in. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree, you can find jobs as a food scientist, environmental scientist, microbiologist, or conservation scientist. However, like any other industry, if you want to level up on your career ladder and get a promotion, you should proceed with studying for a master’s or doctoral degree.
Such higher education degrees and prior working experience could produce careers as a biochemist, medical scientist, and epidemiologist.
You should not be worried about any possible limitations in job opportunities related to Biology since the Bureau of Labor Statistics demonstrates an increase in demand for technicians, biological technicians, and clinical laboratory technicians.
This is attributed to the growing industry for biological and medical research, intended to improve life quality. Laboratory procedures for prenatal, cancer, and diabetes tests are also increasing, hence the job growth for laboratory technicians and technologists.
As for their earnings, a biological technician in the US has an average annual salary of $45,023 as of January 2021. However, it usually falls between $39,510 as the lowest and $51,025 as the highest. This will depend on other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and career tenure.
Although biology graduates are not required to acquire a state-issued license, many physicians earn a license and board certification to increase career standing and salary capacity.
What are the typical admission requirements for an Online Biology Bachelor’s Degree?
- GPA Requirements
Most schools offering online BS Biology programs have a minimum of 2.0 GPA requirement for fresh high school graduates and transferees. However, some higher education institutions offer conditional admission to applicants who have a GPA below 2.0, given that they can provide academic capabilities in other ways.
- High School Diploma
One of the most basic requirements when getting admitted to college is your high school diploma. Although other online biology programs also consider GED, some institutions consider high school prerequisites, especially math and science courses. If you are a transferee, this requirement also admits transfer students.
- ACT or SAT Scores
Your ACT or SAT scores results will serve another purpose aside from getting admitted to the college. It will also help schools suggest or award merit-based financial aid. Therefore, keep in mind to do your best to get a decent grade in these exams.
- GED Score Requirements
Instead of a high school diploma, many universities and colleges set up a threshold as their minimum GED score requirement. Since their passing GED score differs from school to school, you will have to confirm your college’s GED score requirement.
- Letters of Recommendation
Like the brick-and-mortar learning style in colleges and universities, the same requirement for recommendation letters applies when getting admitted for online classes in BS Biology. This is because such notes could guide the admissions counselors to assess your potential for online learning fully. You can freely choose the best suitable mentor, professor, or work supervisor who can back you up regarding your character, skills, and work ethic.
