Online Biology Degrees
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Studying biology — the science of living organisms — provides students with a comprehensive understanding of life, natural sciences, and biological processes. Due to extensive coursework across diverse subject areas, the degree gives students the flexibility to pursue many advanced career paths in the sciences. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), zoologists and wildlife biologists earn a median salary of $62,290; microbiologists average $69,960. Students who leverage their bachelor’s in biology towards a healthcare occupation can go on to a career with a projected job growth of 18% by 2026. This growth makes now a great time to pursue a degree that offers so many lucrative and stable career opportunities.
This guide covers everything students need to know about earning an online biology degree, from curriculum and concentration offerings to potential jobs and their associated salaries. We also discuss financial aid and available scholarships to fund an online biology degree.
For our ranking of the best online bachelor’s degrees in biology, we culled data from IPEDs concerning each school’s graduation rates, online course availability, total tuition cost, and other determinants of student success. While many factors go into making an excellent bachelor’s program, these characteristics contribute significantly to both student experience and student outcomes.
Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Biology
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The Bachelor of Arts in Biology degree at the University of Florida prepares students for careers in fields such as bioinformatics, pharmaceutical research and food safety. Students explore major topics in organismal biology, ecology and evolution and diversity. UF requires all online students to complete an original capstone project. In total, distance learners must complete 120 credits of online classes with a "C" or higher. Online students typically complete this degree in 8 semesters.Â
- In-State$4,477
- Out-of-state$25,694
- In-State$10,770
- Out-of-state$27,335
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate30%
- Students Enrolled55,781
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Davenport University
- Grand Rapids, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Online students at Davenport University can earn a Bachelor of Science in Biological Laboratory Science in 4 years or less. This 120-credit curriculum can serve as a degree completion program for those who already hold an associate degree. Online learners at DU explore cell and molecular biology, forensic science and additional topics in genetics and biology. Upon completion of the program students are prepared to work in lab settings as technicians or research associates. Applicants should submit their high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. Upon admission, incoming students must take an entrance exam to help DU place them in the appropriate general education courses.Â
- In-State$20,064
- Out-of-state$20,064
- In-State$16,308
- Out-of-state$16,308
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate98%
- Students Enrolled5,384
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
Logan University
- Chesterfield, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Distance learners at Logan University can earn a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. Students need 122 credits for graduation which span degree-related topics in mathematics, Communications, Behavioral Sciences, humanities and physical sciences. Upper division major courses include organic chemistry, physics, microbiology and biostatistics. Online classes are delivered over the course of 3 15-week trimesters. Prospective students must have a 2.0 high school GPA or higher and submit their ACT or SAT scores. Regular tuition for online students is $275 per credit hour. Students with a 3.5 GPA or higher receive a merit-based tuition rate at $150 per credit hour.Â
- In-State$6,600
- Out-of-state$6,600
- In-State$8,100
- Out-of-state$8,100
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled1,878
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Adelphi, MD
- 4 year
- Online
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology. In this program, online students learn ethical standards of practice and modern approaches to conducting academic research or developing products and services. Major-specific courses in this curriculum include molecular and cellular biology, bioinformatics and lab safety. In-state and out-of-state students pay $294 and $499 per credit, respectively. Graduates of this program typically go on to pursue careers in biomedical research industries, agricultural studies, lab technology development and bioinformatics.Â
- In-State$7,344
- Out-of-state$11,976
- In-State$9,072
- Out-of-state$11,862
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled55,323
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
What Courses Can be Taken for an Online Biology Degree?
Earning a bachelor’s degree in biology requires comprehensive coursework in the natural sciences. Learners typically take both theory and laboratory courses to best develop their scientific competency and problem-solving skills. Students can also take elective courses that interest them.
General Biology
This class introduces biology as a natural science and covers the structure and function of life from molecules to organisms. One major focus of general biology is cellular organization and how cells shape different life forms.Evolution
The study of evolution looks at how biological populations change over time through different generations. The class examines adaptation, gene expression, natural selection, and cellular mutation.Organic Chemistry
Students taking organic chemistry study the fundamentals of carbon compounds, from basic bonding to molecular interactions. Learners analyze the structure of organic compounds and learn to name and classify ions and molecules.Microbiology
Microbiology explores the structure and function of microorganisms. Through laboratory work and research, students analyze microbes and how they grow, reproduce, and cause human disease.Human Physiology
Learners taking human physiology delve into the structure and function of the body’s tissues and organs. Coursework covers human body systems and how they interact as well as internal mechanisms that maintain bodily health.
How Much Can You Make in a Biology Career?
As biology studies life and living organisms, the broad umbrella of its subject matter opens the door to many possible career opportunities that are projected to grow at a steady pace until 2026. Biology students can go on to gain employment as biologists or microbiologists. They may also pursue work in health occupations, environmental science, agriculture, or research, all of which require a solid foundation in natural science.
The following table outlines common careers that graduates of an online biology degree may pursue, including salary potential and job growth projections. Keep in mind that earning this bachelor’s degree does not necessarily make you eligible for these roles.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists use the knowledge gleaned from their degree to study animals and their ecosystems. A typical day may require studying animal behavior or examining how humans are affecting a specific animal population’s livelihood. Depending on their area of focus, zoologists may work in the field or in research centers.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Biology Programs
While undertaking higher education presents a significant expense, a variety of options exist to offset the cost. Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to check your eligibility for federal funding. Personal loans may also help, but keep in mind that both federal and personal loans need to be repaid. Scholarships are particularly favorable as recipients do not need to pay the money back. Read on to learn more about five of the many available scholarships tailored to students earning their degree in biology.
| Scholarship | Amount | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|
EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship | $45,000 | This undergraduate scholarship provides two years of funding to rising juniors studying in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Their studies need to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) mission to be applicable. Students also need to be enrolled full time at an accredited minority-serving institution, maintain a GPA of at least 3.2, and spend two summers interning at NOAA institutions to receive the funding. |
Gallagher Student Health Careers Scholarship Program | Six scholarships worth $7,500 | Open to juniors and seniors studying a topic relevant to a future career in health sciences, Gallagher Student offers six scholarships to learners demonstrating academic excellence and financial need. Applicants must currently be attending a four-year accredited institution. To apply, students need to submit an essay detailing their future health-related career goals as well as two letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a financial aid form. |
National Garden Clubs Scholarship | $4,000 to up to 41 undergraduate and graduate students | This scholarship is available to juniors and seniors at accredited undergraduate institutions who currently study a field related to horticulture or the environment. Preference is given to students studying plant biology who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2. Applicants also need to be planning a career in horticulture, environmental science and preservation, or botany. |
Wildlife Leadership Awards | $3,000 and 1-year RMEF membership | The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) offers Wildlife Leadership Awards to outstanding college students studying natural sciences and interested in wildlife science. The scholarship and one-year RMEF membership goes to applicants who demonstrate leadership abilities, a commitment to wildlife preservation, and a dedication to environmental conservation. Many scholarship recipients go on to pursue careers in wildlife management and several have found employment through RMEF itself. |
William F. Helms Internship Program | $5,000 annually in tuition assistance, mentorship opportunities, and potential paid work experience | Offered through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), this award is tailored for learners studying biological sciences who want to pursue a career in protecting the U.S. agriculture and environment. Applicants must be a sophomore or junior at an accredited school and possess a minimum GPA of 2.5 to apply for the program. |
How to Choose the Best Online Biology Program
Students should consider multiple variables when deciding which online bachelor’s degree in biology program is right for them. Important factors include tuition cost, prerequisites, program requirements, and graduation and retention rates. Learners should also choose a program that offers the degree and concentration they want to pursue. Moreover, each school’s accreditation status and reputation plays a major role in career outcomes. The next section answers some of the most commonly asked questions about pursuing an online biology degree.
Two types of school accreditation exist: regional and national. Regional accreditation, as awarded by the Northwest Accreditation Commission, is the most widely recognized. National accreditation focuses on technical and vocational schools. National accrediting agencies include the the Distance Education and Training Council. In some cases, programmatic accrediting agencies like the American Institute of Biological Sciences may also endorse specific programs.
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