Accelerated Bachelor’s in Biology Degree Guide

According to recent reports, it’s a great time to enter the life sciences job market. A nationwide hiring trend seems to show higher demand for jobs in this field—a June 2024 ABC 11 Eyewitness News report highlighted significant growth throughout North Carolina, while a 425 Business article from the same month discussed a similar trend in Seattle, Washington.

You can join this growing sector by quickly earning a bachelor’s degree in biology via an accelerated program.

You may think it takes four years to get a degree in biology but advances in distance education make accelerated degree programs possible online. The following guide features the latest information on how to earn a bachelor’s degree quickly in biology.

It’s possible to earn an online bachelor’s degree in two years, particularly if you already have some college credits. There are many ways to earn college credit. One popular route involves transferring an associate degree or significant college credits toward an online bachelor’s-completion program. You can also apply to programs that let degree-seekers take classes in the summer or more than 18 credits per semester.

You can graduate sooner by exploring schools with a prior learning assessment (PLA) program. PLAs can take many forms that include a portfolio, College Level Examination Program test, or the Dantes Subject Standardized Tests (DSST). These and other PLAs allow learners with relevant work or life experience to skip lower-division classes.

Biology programs advertised as accelerated tend to be on-campus programs directed at students who are more certain about pursuing a career in the biological sciences. These programs allow students to get their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in about five years. Serious biology degree-seekers can qualify for management-level career opportunities with a 4+1 BS/MS program. Although few of these programs exist online, they can help you earn a graduate degree at least one year faster than traditional degree-seekers.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Like other undergraduate degrees, online bachelor’s degree programs in biology require about 120 undergraduate credits. Typical major classes include evolutionary biology, genetics, and the foundations of biochemistry. You also take general education classes in the humanities and social sciences.

Expect some in-person requirements due to the biology major’s emphasis on lab work. Schools such as Louisiana State University allow you to complete lab work at a local community or junior college and transfer the credit. Some programs, including LSU’s, require a brief on-campus residency so that you can gain hands-on experience.

Research the school’s academic flexibility to find accelerated online bachelor’s degree programs in biology. National University and other online colleges offer four-week classes. Your college may also feature academic flexibility in the form of an interdisciplinary or custom-tailored curriculum.

Once you research how you can get a biology degree online, compare an accelerated BS/MS program’s costs of attendance (COA) if that is something you are considering. Expect a lower COA at an in-state public college or university. You may find that some public schools waive tuition for out-of-state online degree-seekers.

Pay close attention to accelerated bachelor’s degree programs’ admission requirements. You may need at least a 3.5 high school or undergraduate GPA to apply. Your program may also require a high GPA to remain in good academic standing.

Working adults can take advantage of some accelerated online bachelor’s degree programs with on-campus requirements. Adelphi University’s 4+1 program lets degree-seekers complete labs in the evenings or on weekends. Colleges in your area may offer similar flexibility.

You may be wondering if accelerating your biology program is right for you. Yes, as long as you balance your accelerated degree program’s academic requirements with your other responsibilities. The benefit of an accelerated degree is that you can enter the workforce more quickly. Doing so may enable you to take advantage of a strong job market for graduates with a life sciences degree.

However, an accelerated degree program’s many requirements can lead to stress, especially if you work or care for family members while in school. Stress increases your chances of burnout. Research four-year biology degree programs if you think an accelerated program would not align with your learning style.

Consider these and other factors when researching how fast you can get a bachelor’s degree. Speaking with trusted friends, family, and coworkers can help you make an informed decision about continuing your education.