Job seekers with a bachelor’s degree in biology can pursue diverse careers in healthcare, manufacturing, life sciences, medicine, education, veterinary medicine, nursing, pharmacology, food science, and more. Some online biology graduates use their degrees as a starting point for medical school or doctorate research programs. The expansive biology field covers molecular biology, cell biology, organismal biology, evolutionary biology, and systems biology.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment opportunities for biological technicians and microbiologists to grow by 5% through 2032. Biological technicians earn a median annual salary of $51,430, while microbiologists earn $85,470 annually.
Most bachelor’s in biology programs require a minimum of 120 credits and are designed to be completed in four years of full-time study. Tuition costs vary by school. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average undergraduate tuition is $7,998 at public universities and $34,923 at private institutions.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Biology degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
The Top 14 Online Bachelor's in Biology Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
University of Florida
Intelligent Score: 99.61In-state: $4,477
Out-of-state: $25,694
In-state: $10,770
Out-of-state: $10,770
SAT: 1290-1460
ACT: 29-33
The University of Florida's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Biology that is interdisciplinary. This program provides a comprehensive foundation in biology, combining fields such as law, journalism, bioscience management, and more. The program is not appropriate for students applying to medical, dental, or veterinary school. Courses are offered from 17 academic departments, and students can also select a minor. The University of Florida's online Bachelor of Arts in Biology is one of the 25 online undergraduate degrees the school offers. These degrees are 40% less expensive than traditional in-person programs at the Gainesville campus but afford online students with the same faculty, curriculum, and student services. On this list, the University of Florida stands out for having the most selective admissions rate (31%) and highest graduation rate (88%) of the public schools.
Resident: $112
Non-Resident: $500
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120
Florida International University
Intelligent Score: 99.4In-state: $4,721
Out-of-state: $16,529
In-state: $8,912
Out-of-state: $8,912
SAT: 1110-1260
ACT: 23-29
Florida International University - a large, public research university - offers a 120-credit hour online Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences through its School of Environment, Arts & Society. The program strongly emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills. Core courses include Cellular Chemistry, Ecology, and Statistics for Behavioral & Social Sciences. The program has three start times for the program each year, and every new student is paired with a success coach. Only first-year students are admitted to the program at this time. They are not accepting transfer students. The faculty for the online program is the same as the in-person program at the school's physical campus in Miami. The Department of Biological Sciences boasts research funding in grants and contracts worth more than $10 million annually. Faculty members' active research areas include climate change, conservation biology and biodiversity, and tropical diseases.
In-State: $236
Out-of-State: $649
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120
Washington State University
Intelligent Score: 96.94In-state: $10,202
Out-of-state: $25,145
In-state: $11,781
Out-of-state: $11,781
SAT: 1020-1210
ACT: 20-26
Resident: $584
Non-Resident: $652
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
120
Logan University
Intelligent Score: 95.74In-state: $6,600
Out-of-state: $6,600
In-state: $9,900
Out-of-state: $9,900
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
A small private school in Missouri focused on the health sciences, Logan University, offers an online Bachelor of Science in Human Biology that can be completed in three years or less. Logan University uses a trimester system with three 15-week semesters beginning in January, May, and September. This means you can start the program when it's most convenient for you. Course choices include Immunology, Introduction to Public Health, and Genetics. Admissions requirements include a high school GPA of at least 2.5. Among the jobs that graduates of Logan's program go on to include research technicians, food safety officers, lab technicians, and pharmaceutical sales reps.
$375
Online
Higher Learning Commission
122
Arizona State University
Intelligent Score: 95.18In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $28,800
In-state: $11,720
Out-of-state: $11,720
SAT: 1100-1320
ACT: 21-28
Arizona State University (ASU) - a public research institution - has one of the largest student populations in the country, with an enrollment of over 125,000. Students can take courses on several physical campuses or online. The university's ASU Online offers a 120-credit hour online Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences taught by the same distinguished faculty who also teach on-campus. The degree offers four areas of specialization: Biology and Society, Biomedical Sciences, Conservation Biology and Ecology, and Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology. While students can complete most of the program online, an organic chemistry lab portion requires in-person attendance. It can be completed in one week on ASU's physical campus in Tempe or at an approved accredited institution near your home. Students can complete other lab work from home via the school's innovative technology, such as 2D and 3D virtual reality experiences via Dreamscape Immersive.
$574
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120
Life University
Intelligent Score: 94.9In-state: $12,105
Out-of-state: $12,105
In-state: $7,802
Out-of-state: $7,802
SAT: 910-1060
ACT: 18-21
Founded in 1974, Life University is a small private institution located in Marieta, Georgia, specializing in holistic health degrees. The school also offers four online undergraduate degrees, including an online Bachelor of Science in Biology that is highly interdisciplinary. Life University's online program provides students with the foundational knowledge of biology for careers in the sciences or further education in chiropractic, medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine. It's a 188 quarter-credit-hour program with courses including Visceral Physiology, Immunology and Disease Patterns, and Organic Chemistry. Student support services for online learners include telephone counseling, virtual employer and job seekers job boards, an Online Education Programs student group, wellness events, and life coaching.
$301
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120
Kean University
Intelligent Score: 94.36In-state: $10,445
Out-of-state: $17,621
In-state: $15,752
Out-of-state: $15,752
SAT: 920-1100
ACT: 16-22
$433
Online, On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
124
University of Arizona
Intelligent Score: 94.3In-state: $10,990
Out-of-state: $33,273
In-state: $11,938
Out-of-state: $11,938
SAT: 1090-1350
ACT: 21-29
$525
Online
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
120
Western Governors University
Intelligent Score: 93.91In-state: $6,380
Out-of-state: $6,380
In-state: $7,500
Out-of-state: $7,500
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$228
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
122
Texas Tech University
Intelligent Score: 93.82In-state: $8,683
Out-of-state: $20,953
In-state: $6,788
Out-of-state: $6,788
SAT: 1070-1240
ACT: 22-27
Resident: $284
Non-Resident: $704
Hybrid
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120
Unity Environmental University
Intelligent Score: 92.62In-state: $28,087
Out-of-state: $28,087
In-state: $32,587
Out-of-state: $32,587
SAT: 980-1200
ACT: 18-25
$470
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
120
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Intelligent Score: 91.12In-state: $27,590
Out-of-state: $44,590
In-state: $29,182
Out-of-state: $29,182
SAT: 1110-1360
ACT: 17-27
Resident: $289
Non-Resident: $855
Online, On-Campus, Hybrid
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
120-128
Bemidji State University
Intelligent Score: 90.62In-state: $7,976
Out-of-state: $7,976
In-state: $8,012
Out-of-state: $8,012
SAT: N/A
ACT: 19-24
$314
Hybrid
Higher Learning Commission
120
Mayville State University
Intelligent Score: 89.39In-state: $6,025
Out-of-state: $9,038
In-state: $5,795
Out-of-state: $5,795
SAT: 880-1250
ACT: 18-23
$330
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120
How to Choose an Online Bachelor’s in Biology Degree Program
Choose your area of study
A bachelor’s degree in biology is typically offered as a Bachelor of Science. Many online bachelor’s in biology programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as ecology, biotechnology, or pre-med. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for online biology degree programs that closely match these career goals.
Research schools and programs
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Accreditation benefits students by ensuring that schools meet the highest quality standards in education. It’s also important for students who plan on pursuing graduate study or medical school, as most schools will only accept students with degrees from accredited universities.
Additional information that students should collect about online biology degree programs includes:
- What does the online bachelor’s degree program’s curriculum consist of? Does it align with your career goals?
- Does the online biology program have any in-person requirements, such as labs, or can all coursework be completed remotely?
- Who are the faculty members, and what are their qualifications?
- How do online students interact with classmates and faculty?
- How can online students access support services, such as academic and career advising, technical support, counseling, and tutoring?
To learn more about any online biology programs that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Review the application requirements on the school’s website and speak with an admissions counselor if you need to clarify anything. Each online biology degree program sets its own application requirements, procedures, and deadlines, so it can be helpful to create a spreadsheet or checklist to keep track of your applications.
The required application materials typically include:
- Completed application and required fees
- Official high school transcript showing proof of graduation or GED
- Letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, and leaders who attest to your academic potential
- Personal statement
- A resume or CV highlighting educational and professional experience, extracurricular activities, and leadership positions
Find out the school’s policies for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Some online biology degree programs still require these test scores, while others have test-optional policies.
A biology major applying as a transfer student must get official transcripts from previously attended schools. Their new school will evaluate these transcripts to determine which credits apply to their new online biology program.
Finally, you should always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding the requirements and deadlines for the online biology degree program.
Select your program
The number of online schools a student applies to is a personal choice. Some students apply to multiple online biology degree programs to increase their chances of acceptance. Others only submit one or two applications to online biology programs that meet their specific needs. Those applying to a high volume of schools should keep in mind that most charge application fees and budget accordingly or request application fee waivers.
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your bachelor’s degree program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid biology program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some online programs for biology degrees offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Students have a variety of options to help them pay for an online degree in biology, including:
- Federal student loansÂ
- Need-based scholarships and grants
- Merit-based scholarships and grants
- Federal work-study jobs
- Private education loans
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a prerequisite for determining eligibility for most types of financial aid. Students can contact their school’s financial aid office if they have questions about completing the FAFSA.
Students can also explore other avenues, such as employer tuition assistance benefits and payment plans that allow students to pay tuition in installments rather than one lump sum. Some schools offer discounted tuition to veterans and active-duty military members, and many accept GI Bill benefits.
What Can You Expect from an Online Bachelor’s in Biology Program?
A bachelor’s in biology degree prepares students for biological science careers by establishing a strong base in human health, human anatomy, wildlife biology, evolutionary biology, organismal biology, systems biology, and molecular and cell biology. The curriculum for biology degrees will also draw on other areas, such as biochemistry, physiology, and organic chemistry. Undergraduates learn about the scientific method, energy transfer, reproduction, and cell structure.
After completing introductory biology courses, students will move on to more advanced topics like genetics and cytology. Students may also have the option to choose a track for pharmacy, dentistry, or medical school. Common elective areas include psychology, botany, zoology, and microbiology.
Lab work is common in biology degree programs. For online students, schools may supply at-home lab kits. Other programs may require students to attend labs in person, even if they complete all other coursework online. The curriculum may include an internship, field study, or capstone project.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online bachelor’s in biology degree program
- General Biology. A general biology course will introduce students to a wide scope of life and living organisms and explores how hereditary information is encoded in genes.
- Organic Chemistry I and II. This course covers the techniques, theories, and principles of organic chemistry. The mechanism, properties, reactions, structure, and vocabulary of hydrocarbons are a primary focus.
- Evolution. In an evolutionary biology course, students will study the development and history of animals, plants, and single-celled organisms. Topics include genome sequencing, biological diversity, animal behavior, and natural selection. How environmental conditions can affect evolution is thoroughly detailed.
- Physics. This class discusses the basic study of physical science, the structure of matter, how objects interact, and how energy and forces influence how matter moves and acts.
- Calculus I. Enrollees learn about derivatives, continuity and limits, exponential and logarithmic functions, and definite integrals. The course will help students strengthen problem-solving and mathematical skills.
What Can I Do With an Online Biology Degree?
Career outlook
Biological sciences is a broad field that studies all aspects of animals, plants, and other organisms, and individuals who hold biology degrees work in various fields such as healthcare, education, government labs, industry, and more.
An online biology degree program can qualify graduates for many entry-level and mid-level roles in healthcare and life sciences. Students can also use a biology bachelor’s degree as the first step toward earning advanced or professional degrees, such as medical or doctoral degrees, which provide them with the necessary education and credentials for highly-skilled jobs or leadership positions.
- Biological technician — Perform tests and analyses using specialized laboratory instruments, automated equipment, robotics, and computer software to model experimental data.
- Median annual salary: $51,430
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New jobs projected: 10,600 per year
- Physical therapist — Provide personalized care for patients with physical problems stemming from underlying conditions or injuries. Employ techniques such as manual therapy, exercises, and stretching to increase mobility and prevent further pain.
- Median annual salary: $99,710
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 15%
- New jobs projected: 13,900 per year
- Physician — Examine, diagnose, and treat illnesses and injuries. Perform and analyze tests to determine the correct treatment plan and medication.
- Median annual salary: $239,200+
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New jobs projected: 24,200 per year
Online Bachelor’s in Biology Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online bachelor’s in biology degree program?
Review application procedures, requirements, and deadlines with an admissions counselor to confirm that you have the correct information. Confirm how to submit your application and supporting materials. Most schools accept all or most documents electronically.
For bachelor’s degrees, students can also use the Common Application to apply to multiple schools at once.
If you need letters of recommendation, ask individuals who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities and skills, especially as they relate to this field. If the school requires an essay or personal statement, give yourself sufficient time to craft a well-written essay and ask a trusted teacher, counselor, or friend to review it before submitting.
How much does an online bachelor’s in biology cost?
Contact schools directly and speak to a financial aid counselor about tuition, fees, and financial aid for the most accurate answer.
Costs vary from school to school, but the average undergraduate tuition at public universities is $7,998 per year. Meanwhile, private universities charge, on average, $34,923 per year.
Some of the factors that influence college costs include:
- Public versus private status – Public schools are usually less expensive than private schools, although their tuition rates may be higher for out-of-state students than in-state students
- Additional fees – Most schools will charge students additional fees beyond tuition for things like virtual classroom technology, library resources, labs, and more
How long does it take to earn an online bachelor’s in biology degree?
The majority of full-time students take four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology, based on a 120-credit program. Part-time students may take 5-6 years to earn their degree.
For students with previously earned college credits, an accelerated degree completion program may offer a faster route to earning a bachelor’s in biology. Depending on how many credits a student can transfer in, they may be able to complete their bachelor’s in as little as one year.
Is an online biology degree worth it?
A biology degree provides a comprehensive understanding of physiology, microbiology, and other sciences crucial for understanding organisms and processes. This knowledge, along with the critical thinking, ethical, research, and other skills that graduates develop, can give students a competitive edge for careers in healthcare, education, and other fields. In addition, ongoing scientific advances and growing societal needs drive the employment demand for science occupations.
Undergraduate degrees generally improve earning potential. Indeed, individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn a median weekly salary of $1,493, compared to $899 for those with only a high school diploma. Likewise, master’s degrees and doctoral degrees can increase median weekly earning potential to $1,737 and $2,109, respectively.