Looking for the best online biology degree programs in 2024? Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or a working professional looking to advance your career, there are various options.
These programs can provide you with a solid foundation in the biological sciences and the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to excel in various fields.
Some top schools offering online biology degrees in 2024 include respected universities and colleges with a proven track record of academic excellence and student success.
With online learning becoming increasingly popular, it’s easier than ever to earn your degree from the comfort of your own home and on a schedule that works for you.
Top 10 Best Online Biology Degrees 2024
1. University of Maryland Global Campus
- Salary Score: A+
- Online Enrollment: 47,272
- Annual Tuition: $70,030
- Locations: Adelphi (MD)
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers an online Bachelor of Science program in Biotechnology that is ideal for students interested in exploring the intersection of biology and technology.
This program is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of how biological technologies can be leveraged to solve complex issues.
The curriculum covers a range of fundamental chemistry and biology courses, including Bioinformatics, Laboratory Management and Safety, and Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Additionally, students must choose seven courses covering biotechnology and applications from various areas such as chemistry, genetics, biotechnology, and virology. To complete the program, students must complete an internship and a life sciences capstone project.
Graduates of the Biotechnology program can pursue various careers, including clinical laboratory technicians, epidemiologists, and biomanufacturing specialists.
Why we like them: The Workplace Learning in Biology course offers practical training to students by simulating real-world scenarios commonly found in the professional biotechnology industry. By participating in classroom assignments that mimic actual tasks, students can gain valuable experience and hone their skills, which can be highly beneficial when entering the job market. This course provides an opportunity to earn up to six credits while gaining practical knowledge and experience in the biotechnology field.
2. Kean University
- Salary Score: A-
- Online Enrollment: 1,453
- Annual Tuition: $56,463
- Locations: Union (NJ)
Kean University is a public university that offers an online bachelor of arts/science in biology for students interested in teaching or a career in health care.
The biology program offers many concentrations: (1) Environmental Biology, (2) Teacher Certification, (3) Cell and Molecular Biology, (4) Forensics, and (5) Health Professions.
Some sample coursework includes Intro to Environmental Science and Principles of Genetics. Graduates can choose from a wide range of professions, including those as educators, ecologists, and zoologists. They may also become biochemists or microbiologists.
Why We Like Them: Kean’s biological science program allows you to participate in immersive research experiences and travel, build a professional network, and gain practical career skills.
3. University of Florida
- Salary Score: B
- Online Enrollment: 9,153
- Annual Tuition: $50,790
- Locations: Gainesville (FL)
Students at the University of Florida can choose to pursue a degree that focuses on microbiology or cell science.
They also can study biology in general, which keeps their options open. Most students take four years to finish the Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology.
The core biology courses include Functional Vertebrate Anatomy, Plant Ecology, and Invertebrate Biodiversity.
Graduates of these programs could be biometricians or conservation biologists. Biology is a wide-ranging field that can prepare students for careers such as education, law, or journalism.
Why we like them: UF allows students to complete online coursework asynchronously using the digital learning platform Canvas. Students can complete coursework independently and fit their academic schedule to their other obligations.
4. Southern New Hampshire University Online
- Salary Score: NA
- Online Enrollment: 138,672
- Annual Tuition: NA
- Locations: Manchester (NH)
Southern New Hampshire University Online is a public university that offers an online bachelor of science in environmental science to students who wish to learn about Earth’s environmental crisis and its collective impact on biological resources.
Data Analytics in Science and National Resources and Conservation are two concentrations. The 121-credit course is usually completed in four years by full-time students.
The coursework can prepare students for certifications, licenses, and careers in various fields, from environmental scientists to conservation land managers, park rangers, and climate change analysts.
Why we like them: This program is highly interactive and includes instructor-led laboratories with custom kits mailed to distance students. These kits give students the tools and materials to apply their theoretical knowledge. This program aims to promote a deeper understanding.
5. Western Governors University
- Salary Score: NA
- Online Enrollment: 150,116
- Annual Tuition: NA
- Locations: Salt Lake City (UT)
WGU offers a Bachelor’s degree in science education for secondary biology online. This degree prepares students for their state’s teacher license exam by teaching classroom methods in biology and other science subjects.
The total number of required courses is 39, which includes core biological and professional courses. The first covers evolution, cellular and molecular biology.
The second includes classes on Assessing the Impact of Student Learning and The School as a Community of Care. Most graduates pursue teaching jobs at the middle and high school levels.
Why we like them: WGU provides you with a science lab at home that includes specimens, chemical substances, and equipment. As an online student, you can complete science experiments using this kit. You can also use augmented-reality technologies to provide virtual classrooms with mock teaching experiences.
6. Arizona State University
- Salary Score: NA
- Online Enrollment: 62,301
- Annual Tuition: $47,221
- Locations: Tempe (AZ)
Arizona State University offers an online bachelor of science in biological sciences to students interested in various branches of biology, including genetics. Canvas, a leading learning software, offers online courses in Evolution, General Genetics
and Calculus for Life Sciences. The broad range of subject matter allows graduates to enter many different professions. These include professors, scientists, dentists, veterinarians, and pharmacists.
Why we like them: Most of the program can be completed online. However, there are specific in-person requirements. A 1-week organic-chemistry lab is held on campus during the summer. This real-world experience will be invaluable to students as they begin their job search after graduation.
7. Florida International University
- Salary Score: NA
- Online Enrollment: 15,274
- Annual Tuition: $40,108
- Locations: Miami (FL)
Students at Florida International University can earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences online. The School of Environment, Arts, and Society offers this program. The Biology program has a wide range of topics. The curriculum is designed to improve critical thinking, provide advanced knowledge and skills in science, and contribute to significant scientific advances. FIU’s online degrees in biological sciences equip students with innovative methods and tools to tackle contemporary challenges using life sciences. Sample online classes include Cellular Chemistry and Evolution and Biology Career Planning.
Why we like them: This institution’s Department of Biological Sciences is known for its research-intensive culture, including over 50 faculty members with over $10 million annually in grant and contract funding. The key research areas are cell and molecular biology, ecology, climate change, and genetics. Tropical ecosystems and diseases are also a focus.
8. Oregon State University
- Salary Score: NA
- Online Enrollment: 10,888
- Annual Tuition: $44,891
- Locations: Corvallis (OR)
Students interested in a broad education in the life sciences, physical science, social sciences, and public health may pursue a Bachelor of Science in health sciences online at Oregon State University.
This 180-credit program provides a thorough exploration of human health and disease and ongoing research into potential treatments.
It also emphasizes cultural responsiveness. The courses cover topics like biomedical ethics and immunology.
They also include social and individual health factors. Many graduates choose not to pursue careers in health-related professions, but they do join the field of health sciences in other capacities.
Why we like them: Distance learners at OSU can access helpful resources ranging from library services and success coaching to free online tutoring and career guidance. This demonstrates that OSU’s online learning community is well-established.
9. University of Arizona
- Salary Score: N/A
- Online Enrollment: 8,727
- Annual Tuition:$44,480
- Locations: Tucson (AZ)
Students interested in exploring nature and learning about biodiversity can earn a 100% online Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the University of Arizona.
This program aims to cover challenging topics such as pandemics, quantitative genetics, and other forms of global change. Sample core courses in the program include Ecology and Foundations in Biochemistry.
Graduates may pursue a career or further education in the fields of medicine, education and law. They can also enter into careers such as agriculture, environmental protection, health care, and education.
Why we like them: The program offers several emphasis options, including Biomedical Science and Organismal Biology. It is essential to narrow your interests in a vast field like biology.
10. Washington State University
- Salary Score: N/A
- Online Enrollment: 4,690
- Annual Tuition: $45,859
- Locations: Pullman (WA)
Students at Washington State University interested in molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, and the development and growth of animals and plants can earn an online bachelor of science in biology.
This online degree program includes many biological disciplines, including human anatomy and genetics. It also covers taxonomy, biology, disease, ecology, evolutionary biology, and more.
Sample courses include Systems Biology of Reproduction and Contemporary Genetics. Graduates may choose to work for research centers, hospitals, and wildlife rescue centers, to name a couple.
Why we like them: At WSU, students can submit their coursework asynchronously on Canvas, the popular digital learning platform. Distance learners can study at their own pace and submit assignments.
Applying to an Online Biology Program
Admission requirements and process are the same for bachelor’s programs in biology, whether the student is planning to take courses on campus, online, or a combination of both.
Some colleges require applicants to take a few prerequisites before enrolling in the biology program. Prerequisites can vary from school to school, but they may include calculus, physics and English. To qualify, students must have at least a 2.0 GPA.
Some schools also require that new students take placement tests before they can register for classes. Colleges may ask for the following to apply to an online Biology program:
- An application form (and often an application fee)
- Official high school transcripts showing a minimum 2.5 GPA
- Official college transcripts (if applicable)
- Test scores from standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT
- One or more letters of recommendation
- An essay or personal statement
- A list of extracurricular activities and jobs, especially leadership positions
Accreditation
Students interested in online biology degrees should ensure the school they’re considering is accredited. Accreditation occurs for an institution of higher learning when the faculty, student resources, and programs are all evaluated and approved.
This independent agency is sanctioned by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education. Other approved agencies can also accredit individual programs within a school.
Some biology programs have received this additional Programmatic Accreditation from the American Society for Microchemistry and Molecular Biology.
Choose an accredited program, and you will enjoy these three benefits.
Accreditation is the most important thing for students to know. It assures them they are enrolled in an online degree program meeting high academic standards and quality.
Enrolling in an accredited institution is also necessary to be eligible for financial aid or admission into many graduate programs. Finally, licensure might be necessary depending on the student’s chosen career.
How Long Does It Take To Earn a Biology Degree Online?
The online biology program is designed to be completed within four years, but many students study longer. Students pursuing either a Bachelor of Science in Biology or a Bachelor of Arts must complete between 120 and 126 credits.
The general education credits comprise about half the 120-126 credit hours. The biology credits, on the other hand, are usually half. It is helpful for students to know the average graduation rate of each school and program to estimate how long they might need to complete their degree.
These rates show how many students have graduated within a specific period. Most graduation rates are based on how many students complete their bachelor’s degree within six years after enrolling.
This information can be found on the websites of individual schools or using the College Navigator by the National Center for Education Statistics.
Is an Online Biology Degree Worth It?
Considering the pros and cons of an online bachelor’s in biology is essential. Students may consider the advantages and disadvantages of online biology bachelor’s degrees.
- A bachelor’s in biology is a degree that can be used in various fields, including healthcare and science. Students pursuing a biology degree develop analytical thinking, communication, and critical thinking skills.
- The number of careers in biology is growing. A bachelor’s in biology may increase your chances of finding employment. Seven of the top 10 careers that bachelor’s degrees can lead to have higher-than-average growth expectations. The median salary in biology-related fields is 65,000, which is higher than the average.
- Online Biology programs are convenient. Students can enroll in the program that best suits their academic and financial interests without moving to another location.
- A Bachelor’s Degree may be limited compared to other advanced degrees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 60% of professionals in biology have advanced degrees. Graduates may want to earn a Master’s in Biology to compete in this field.
- Online courses can isolate students. Some students may feel isolated by online programs. They may need to do more to connect with other students through online forums.
- The COVID-19 pandemic will affect society for many decades. A 2020 study by Genome Biology found that 77% of institutions shut down at the start of the pandemic, and 49% reported their research had been slowed. Working and researching at home has become more accessible thanks to new and improved collaborative online platforms. However, some drawbacks remain due to travel restrictions and dangers associated with in-person experiments.
Students should also consider personal circumstances such as budget restrictions and work and family commitments. Individuals must ultimately decide whether they believe the benefits of a biology degree will be worth their time, money, and energy.
