11 Best Online Biology Bachelor’s Degree Colleges

Biology is a branch of Science that is 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 and pharmaceuticals to research and criminal justice, a vast pool of job choices awaits you.

You probably have reasons for taking up an online bachelor’s in biology. But if it helps justify your choice, the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that biological technicians’ employment is predicted to increase by 5% from 2022 to 2032. This is amazingly promising compared to other occupations.

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How to Choose the Top Rated Online Biology Degree Program

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:

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 remember 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 at your home or can also join virtual labs online.

Methodology

You have numerous Online Bachelor’s in Biology program choices, but certainly, not all of them are created equal! We have rounded up the 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.

Please visit our Methodology page to get in-depth information.

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 majors, this program is designed as interdisciplinary. You will have a broader approach to 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 conveniently and cheaply.

Location:

Gainesville, Florida

Accreditation:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

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

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 has been a leading university for teaching biological sciences for over a century. 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 attend online classes at OSU, you can expect to have renowned expertise, research, and innovation even through virtual platforms.

The Northwest Commission accredits its 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 develops 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

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, carry out basic and applied biological research, disseminate our research results, and provide meaningful service to the university, local community, and global community.

FIU aims to bridge gaps between problems and solutions through life sciences studies.

Using modern and innovative online learning approaches, you can effectively complete your bachelor’s degree in biology remotely through cloud computing.

The university offers five concentrations:

General Track
Science Communication Track
Pre-Law Track
Bioentrepreneur Track
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 are 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

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 a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology shares the same structure as 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 6^th in the US News and World Report Best Online Bachelor’s Programs ranking. All of the online classes at this university are recorded and archived so that you can replay and access your lecture resources at any preferred time, anywhere.

If you enroll in their online program, you will investigate genetic and environmental diversity causes, the evolution of organisms, the interplay of organisms, and the 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

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 work closely with the hands-on professors of Life University as you prepare your career pathway toward any STEM industry. 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 toward 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 study.

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)
Wet the ACT or SAT scores required
writing, and essay components (optional)

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 online bachelor’s degree 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 healthcare 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 contribute to the global biology field.

Let your online degree in Biology significantly take you to various scientific and healthcare 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

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 stepping stone 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

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 on 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 by 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

Financial Aid:

Loans
Grants
Scholarships

What’s unique about the program:

They accept admissions all year round, so you can stop and continue studying 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 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 pursue.

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

Financial Aid:

Scholarships
Student Financial Aid

What’s unique about the program:

They offer 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 supports 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 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

Financial Aid:

Scholarships
Grants
Loans
Student Employment

What’s unique about the program:

Some coursework in this program can be transferred when you decide to pursue 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 learning experience 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 biological 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

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.

Pros and Cons of Online Biology Degrees

Like every degree online, there are advantages and disadvantages to earning your bachelor’s in biology virtually.

Pros of Online Biology Degrees

Flexibility: One of the main advantages of online programs is the flexibility they offer. Students can often set their own study schedules, which is particularly beneficial for those who are working, have family responsibilities, or have other commitments.
Accessibility: Online degrees make education more accessible to people who may not be able to attend a traditional campus due to geographic, financial, or personal constraints.
Technology-Enhanced Learning: Online biology courses often utilize advanced technology for simulations, virtual labs, and interactive content, which can enhance the learning experience and provide innovative ways to understand complex concepts.
Cost-Effectiveness: Although not always the case, online programs can be more cost-effective than on-campus ones. They often have lower tuition rates and eliminate the need for commuting, housing, and other campus-related expenses.
Self-Paced Learning: Some online biology programs offer self-paced learning, allowing students to progress through the material at a speed that suits their learning style and knowledge level.

Cons of Online Biology Degrees

Limited Hands-On Experience: Biology is a hands-on science, and online programs may not offer the same level of lab experience as on-campus programs. While virtual labs can simulate some experiences, they may not fully replicate the hands-on skills gained in a physical lab setting.
Self-Discipline Required: Online learning requires a high degree of self-motivation and discipline. Without the structure of a traditional classroom, some students may find it challenging to stay on track.
Networking Opportunities: On-campus programs often provide more opportunities for face-to-face networking with peers and faculty, which can be important for career development. Online students may have to be more proactive in seeking out these connections.
Perception of Employers: Although the stigma around online education has decreased, some employers may still have biases toward online degrees. Accreditation and the reputation of the institution can help mitigate this.
Technical Requirements: Online learning requires a reliable internet connection and, in some cases, specific hardware or software that may be an additional cost or challenge for some students.

Length of Time for Earning Online Biology Degrees

When considering an online biology degree program, one of the key factors for prospective students is the length of time required to complete the degree. Most online bachelor’s degrees in biology are designed to mirror their on-campus counterparts in terms of credit requirements and curriculum.

Typically, these programs require a minimum of 120 credits and are structured to be completed in four years of full-time study.

It’s important to note that the four-year timeline is based on the assumption that students are enrolled full-time. Part-time students, or those with other commitments that could limit their course load, may take longer to finish their degree.

Conversely, some online programs offer accelerated options, allowing students to complete their degree in a shorter time frame.

For those interested in further education, master’s degrees in biology typically take an additional two years to complete, although some programs might offer an accelerated format that shortens this time.

Admission Requirements for an Online Biology Bachelor’s Degree

1. 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.

2. High School Diploma

One of the most basic requirements for college admission 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.

3. ACT or SAT Scores

Your ACT or SAT score 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 in fully assessing your potential for online learning.

You can freely choose the most suitable mentor, professor, or work supervisor who can back you up regarding your character, skills, and work ethic.

Typical Courses for Online Biology Degree Programs

Online biology degree programs offer diverse courses designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of biological sciences. Here are the typical courses that students may encounter in an online biology degree program:

Core Biology Courses

Introductory Biology: This foundational course covers the basic principles of biology, including cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, and ecology. It sets the stage for all subsequent biology courses.
Molecular and Cellular Biology: Students delve into the structure and function of cells, as well as the molecular basis of biological activity, including DNA replication, transcription, and protein synthesis.
Genetics: This course explores the principles of heredity, genetic variation, and how genes are passed down through generations. It often includes topics such as Mendelian genetics, population genetics, and molecular genetics.
Evolution: Evolutionary theory, the history of life, natural selection, and speciation are central topics in this course, providing students with an understanding of how organisms change over time.
Ecology: Focusing on interactions between organisms and their environments, ecology courses cover ecosystems, biodiversity, conservation, and environmental biology.
Anatomy and Physiology: Students learn about the structure and function of the human body, often including dissection or virtual simulations to study organ systems and their interrelationships.

Specialized and Elective Courses

Microbiology: This course covers the biology of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, with an emphasis on their roles in human health and disease.
Biochemistry: The chemical processes within and related to living organisms are explored, including the structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Plant Biology: This elective may focus on plant structure, function, reproduction, and the importance of plants in ecosystems, agriculture, and human society.
Marine Biology: Students explore ocean ecosystems, marine organisms, and the environmental challenges faced by marine life.
Conservation Biology: This course examines the principles of conservation science, focusing on the preservation of biodiversity, endangered species, and habitat conservation.

Laboratory and Research

Online Laboratory Courses: Many online biology programs incorporate virtual labs to simulate hands-on experience with experiments and data analysis.
Research Methods: Students learn about experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis, which are essential for conducting scientific research.

Capstone or Thesis

Senior Capstone or Thesis: In their final year, students may be required to complete a capstone project or thesis that demonstrates their ability to conduct independent research and synthesize their knowledge.

The courses mentioned above, such as Cell and Molecular Biology and Introductory Biology, are essential components of an online biology degree program. Some programs may also offer career-focused courses, such as Biology Career Planning, to help students prepare for their future in the field.

The specific courses offered and their titles may vary between institutions, but the core concepts remain consistent across accredited biology degree programs.

Where Can an Online Biology Degree Take You After College?

There are many career fields that 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 study for a master’s or doctoral degree.

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 $63,906. However, it usually falls between $53,617 as the lowest and $75,512 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Biology Degree to Get?

For those seeking a broad entry into various biological sciences careers, a Bachelor of Science in Biology provides a strong foundation and is often preferred for its focus on scientific principles and research.

For specialization or advancement in a particular area, such as genetics, marine biology, or environmental science, a master’s or doctoral degree in that specific field would be more beneficial.

Should You Look for an Accredited School When Getting a Biology Degree Online?

Yes, you should look for an accredited school when getting a biology degree online. Accreditation ensures that the educational institution meets rigorous quality standards, which is important for the recognition of your degree by employers and for the potential transfer of credits if you decide to pursue further education.

Accreditation is a key factor in ensuring that the program meets high standards for faculty, educational resources, and coursework.

Conclusion

When getting a bachelor’s in biology, online students have several options for reputable universities to get their degrees from. Hopefully, this list helps make your decision a little easier!