Best Online Biology Degree Programs

What can you do with a bachelor’s in biology? Explore online biology degree programs and careers for biology majors.
Whitney Sandoval

By

Edited by
Updated September 19, 2024
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Did you know a bachelor’s in biology is the top major choice for physicians and surgeons? It can help you prepare for careers beyond the medical field, and its focus on biology, math, and other sciences prepares you for jobs in diverse areas. It’s also the perfect major if you enjoy learning about the building blocks of living organisms and testing hypotheses.

Learn more about the different types of biology degrees you can pick from and what to expect from an online biology degree program. Explore the interesting career options available to biology majors.

Popular Online Bachelor’s Programs in Biology

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

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Best Online Biology Degree Programs

#1

Florida International University

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$4,721

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$16,529

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

58%

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$8,912

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,393

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

58,711

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,721

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,529

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,721

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,529

Acceptance Rate

58%

Online Enrollment

68%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$8,912

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,393

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

58,711

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

University of Florida-Online

Gainesville, FL4 yearOnline

$3,358

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

32%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

63%

Students Enrolled

3,926

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,358

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,000

Gainesville, FL4 yearOnline

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,358

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,000

Acceptance Rate

32%

Online Enrollment

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

63%

Students Enrolled

3,926

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#3

Logan University

Chesterfield, MO4 yearCampus + Online

$6,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

67%

Acceptance Rate

79%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$9,900

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,900

Retention Rate

50%

Students Enrolled

1,664

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,600

Chesterfield, MO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,600

Acceptance Rate

67%

Online Enrollment

79%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$9,900

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,900

Retention Rate

50%

Students Enrolled

1,664

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#4

Ottawa University-Surprise

Surprise, AZ4 yearCampus + Online

$27,350

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$27,350

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

43%

Acceptance Rate

100%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$11,682

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,682

Retention Rate

36%

Students Enrolled

806

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$27,350

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,350

Surprise, AZ4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$27,350

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,350

Acceptance Rate

43%

Online Enrollment

100%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$11,682

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,682

Retention Rate

36%

Students Enrolled

806

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#5

Washington State University

Pullman, WA4 yearCampus + Online

$9,953

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$24,531

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

76%

Acceptance Rate

21%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$11,493

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,248

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

31,607

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,953

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,531

Pullman, WA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,953

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,531

Acceptance Rate

76%

Online Enrollment

21%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$11,493

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,248

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

31,607

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#6

Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ4 yearCampus + Online

$10,710

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$28,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

82%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$11,720

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,160

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

11,420

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,710

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,800

Phoenix, AZ4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,710

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,800

Acceptance Rate

82%

Online Enrollment

57%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$11,720

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,160

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

11,420

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#7

Life University

Marietta, GA4 yearCampus + Online

$11,610

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,610

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

96%

Acceptance Rate

31%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$7,667

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,667

Retention Rate

65%

Students Enrolled

2,724

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,610

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,610

Marietta, GA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,610

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,610

Acceptance Rate

96%

Online Enrollment

31%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$7,667

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,667

Retention Rate

65%

Students Enrolled

2,724

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#8

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ4 yearCampus + Online

$10,990

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,273

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

85%

Acceptance Rate

42%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$11,938

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,065

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

44,577

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,990

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,273

Tucson, AZ4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,990

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,273

Acceptance Rate

85%

Online Enrollment

42%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$11,938

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,065

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

44,577

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

BA vs. BS in Biology: What’s the Difference?

Universities all over the country offer bachelor’s in biology degrees. Depending on the college, you may be looking at pursuing a bachelor of arts in biology or a bachelor of science in biology. Although both degree programs will emphasize biology and prepare you for a career in biological sciences, there are some key differences.

BA in Biology

A BA in biology is a more well-rounded degree program with more interdisciplinary studies. A BA in biology program requires you to take more liberal arts courses. You will have to complete minimum credit hours in English, arts, history, and philosophy.

  • More liberal arts requirements with a well-rounded, interdisciplinary focus
  • May have a foreign language credit requirement
  • May be easier to double major or minor in a non-science field
  • Programs may require a capstone project or a thesis in order to graduate

BS in Biology

A BS in biology is more math and science focused. You will still have to complete English courses and may be required to take some art and history credits, but the bulk of your coursework will be in math and science subjects.

  • Core classes are still required but typically require fewer credits than a BA in biology
  • May be easier to double major or minor in a related science field
  • May be able to specialize in a specific area of biology
  • Courses may be more research-based
  • Programs may require a research project or paper to graduate
  • More lab opportunities

What Is an Online Bachelor’s in Biology?

Wondering what to expect from an online degree? Earning your degree online is flexible and affordable. Online programs often offer a flat tuition rate regardless of residency. Bachelor’s degrees require a minimum of 120 credits in order to graduate. Colleges usually allow you to enroll part-time or full-time.

Depending on the online program, you may have asynchronous coursework that you can complete at your own pace, or you may have lectures and classes that are synchronous and require you to log on at specific times. Because biology majors have lab requirements, you may have to complete some coursework in person.

Many colleges have flexible options for you to complete your labs. For instance, Louisiana State University hosts week-long summer lab intensives on campus or you can partner with a local college and complete your labs with your local college and transfer in your credits.

Completing a degree online does require you to manage your own time. Although many colleges offer online students access to tutoring, IT help, and other student resources, you may find it more challenging to connect with other students and professors.

Core Courses for Online Biology Degrees

Each online bachelor’s in biology program will have its own specific requirement, and those requirements will differ depending on whether you enroll in a BA or a BS degree. Your specific course map will also depend on the electives you choose and if you decide to specialize in your degree.

Regardless of the program, there are courses you should expect to take. Your program will have basic biology classes and will require you to take other core science classes as well.

Biology

  • Biology 101: Fundamental biological concepts and terms
  • Labs: Putting scientific research and methodology into practice while applying learned concepts
  • Evolutionary biology: The history of evolution and its effects on species
  • Cell biology: Cell structure and physiology as well as how it interacts with its environment
  • Genetics: DNA and the genetic makeup of organisms

Other Sciences

  • Chemistry: How elements interact by understanding the periodic table, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions
  • Physics: Major concepts such as gravity, motion, and electricity with an emphasis on mathematical equations
  • Organic chemistry: A branch of chemistry that focuses on compounds that contain carbon

Math

Biologists must be able to quantify their research. You must be comfortable interpreting data and graphs and be prepared to account for statistics and probability.

  • Calculus 101: fundamental theorems of calculus and its application
  • Statistics: interpret and describe data while applying probability

What Can I Do with a BA or BS in Biology?

Majoring in biology can lead to lucrative careers in a variety of job sectors. You can find employment opportunities in the areas of life science, physical science, and social science. From food science to healthcare to zoology, jobs for biology majors are everywhere.

Many biology career options pay higher-than-average wages. The median annual wage of biological scientists was $91,100 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly twice the median annual wage for all occupations. Between 2023-2033, job positions in life, physical, and social science occupations are projected to grow faster than average for all occupations.

Continuing your education and earning a graduate degree can increase your earnings and lead to more advanced positions. In fact, 60% of biology majors hold an advanced degree.

BA in Biology Careers

Obtaining a BA in biology can lead to many careers, depending on the courses you take. Because of its interdisciplinary nature, a BA in biology can lead to careers in education, writing, and government service. Some jobs with above-average pay include park rangers and technical or grant writers.

Sample Careers with a BA in Biology
JobMedian Salary (2023)Job Outlook (2023-2033)
Science Teacher$65,220-1%
Park Ranger$68,3005%
Public Relations Specialist$66,7006%
Science Journalist$57,500-3%
Technical writer$80,0504%
Source: BLS

BS in Biology Careers

If you are interested in pursuing a career in science, a BS in biology will prepare you for professions in science settings. Many careers in science are more lucrative than average. You can pursue jobs in healthcare, forensics, or environmental science. Forensic science careers are projected to have a good job outlook.

Sample Careers with a BS in Biology
JobMedian Salary (2023)Job Outlook (2023-2033)
Medical Laboratory Technologist$60,7805%
Forensic Science Technician$64,94014%
Wildlife Biologist$70,6004%
Environmental Scientist$78,9807%
Microbiologist$85,4707%
Source: BLS

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Biology Degrees

Whether it is better for you to get a BA or a BS in biology depends upon your individual strengths, interests, and career goals. If science and math are not strong subjects for you, you may be better off pursuing a BA in biology. If you want to work in research or in a lab, a BS in biology would be better.

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