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Online Bachelor Degrees

5 Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Biology in 2023

The exciting field of biology… it’s a diverse field that can cover a variety of career choices. Although limited, online Bachelor of Biology degree programs can be located; however, some are considered hybrid programs meaning that some coursework, such as lab and project assignments may need to be completed on-campus.

Other teaching tools are available for online learning programs, as well. For example, you can collaborate with fellow students through email, video conferencing, and discussion boards to complete your projects. Master’s degree programs in biology are much easier to locate since hands-on requirements are completed at the undergraduate level.

Best Online Schools for Bachelor's in Biology - fact

In addition, a degree in biology can lead you down an interesting career path, without a doubt. Depending on your interests and chosen concentration, you may enter a lucrative field with salaries ranging from between $70,000 to $130,000 annually, within almost any industry, including medicine, wildlife, chemistry, microbiology, or ecology, among many others.


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A career in the field of biology affords the student an opportunity to make a real difference in the world by helping others in many ways. In return, you will be rewarded and fulfilled!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – Check out our additional FAQs section below!

Table of Contents

METHODOLOGY

At Online-Bachelor-Degrees.com, we have compiled a list of the 5 Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Biology Degree Programs. Now is an exciting time to enter the world of Biology! We have listed these programs in random order.

Why do you ask? Each highlighted school, in our opinion, has unique qualities applicable to their own school’s requirements; therefore, please consider researching each school to find an online Biology degree program that will fit your needs and career aspirations.

  • Online availability; although some programs may require occasional on-campus for lab work and seminars,
  • Degree programs designed to focus on our living systems; exploring innovative developments, researching complex biological issues, presenting applicable solutions to real-world problems, and contributing to the field of Biology,
  • Offers a wide variety of Concentrations within the broad field of Biology,
  • Prepares students for careers in healthcare administration, bioinformatics, environmental law, education, zoology, and conservation, among others,
  • Affordable Online programs; offering flexible Financial Aid options,
  • Properly Accredited,
  • Instructed by experienced practitioners in the field of Biology,
  • Designed to help students hone their analytical skills, oral and written communication skills, as well as, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Would you like some additional information to explain the criteria for our selections? If you’re interested, please see our Methodology page.

BEST ONLINE SCHOOLS FOR BACHELOR’S IN BIOLOGY

WASHBURN UNIVERSITY

WASHBURN UNIVERSITY

ONLINE BS DEGREE IN BIOLOGY PROGRAM

Washburn University was founded in 1865 and continues today to provide its students with a high-quality education at an affordable price. The Washburn University staff consists of exceptional faculty, a majority of which are doctorate degree holders themselves. Within most programs, students are encouraged to participate in internships and/or hands-on experience. 

WU takes pride in its community involvement within the Topeka, KS area, and encourages you to do the same in your own community. With over 200 academic programs to choose from, they offer a diverse Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Biology degree program to help you develop the skill set you need to be successful in your education, in addition to, your future endeavors.

Graduates of this program are prepared for entry into professional schools, such as medical schools and physician assistant programs. If you have a curiosity about the world around us, let WU’s experts, through their own dedication, help you excel in programs provided to motivate future scientists, public service personnel, educators, or researchers. Students who graduate from Washburn have a proven track record of achieving high levels of success. Professional and graduate schools accept many of their students.

You will have strong skills as a scientist with a biology generalist degree from Washburn, no matter what your career interests are. The Washburn biology program prepares all students for careers in research, so you can be confident that your skills, knowledge, and ability to think critically, communicate complex ideas will improve. Some of the topics included in this program are:

  • General Zoology,
  • Evolution,
  • General Botany,
  • Biology of Behavior,
  • and Human Physiology.

To get a bachelor’s degree in biology, you need to finish 44 total credits in Biology and 30 hours of natural sciences minor. 

CAMPUS LOCATION: Topeka, KS

ACCREDITATION: Washburn University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1441, www.hlcommission.org   Ph: (800)621-7440

TYPES OF AID: Federal Grants and Loans, Scholarships, Veterans and Military Benefits, Private Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, Student and Parent Loans, and Student Employment

ACCEPTANCE RATE: 100%

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Prospective students must complete an online application, in addition to, submitting a $20 application fee, your High School or GED equivalent transcripts, and your ACT/SAT scores.

PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY: Online classes are considered asynchronous. Your self-paced classes can be accessed anytime, from anywhere, although, assignment deadlines will be required. You’ll have access to the Information Technology Services to connect with your professors and classmates.

DEGREE OUTCOMES: Through Washburn University’s online Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree program in Biology, you will gain competencies, such as comprehension of biological principles, understanding of scientific methods and techniques, developing analytical thinking skills, as well as, honing your oral and written skills. Upon graduation, your bright future will be waiting!

LEARN MORE ABOUT WASHBURN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN BIOLOGY PROGRAM

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Washburn University has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report for its low student debt after graduation.
  • The University of Washburn offers internships to more than 1,000 students each year. A capstone project or internship in a professional work environment is often required for graduation in several majors.
  • In the Washburn faculty, 81 percent hold doctorates or the highest degree in their field. Graduate teaching assistants do not teach courses.

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UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

University of Florida

ONLINE BACHELOR OF BIOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM

The University of Florida strives to prepare its students for the world ahead through teaching, research, and thorough service. The degree you earn through an online program at UF is the same prestigious degree as their on-campus students.

They are dedicated to leading and aspiring students to reach for their career goals with strength and determination. With the University of Florida’s outstanding faculty by your side, they are prepared to enhance your college experience, by providing interesting and cutting-edge online classes for their students. 

UF offers its students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology through their online program. The program provides flexibility to allow students a broad approach to biology. Students who major in Biology will be prepared to work in fields such as:

  • education,
  • the allied health professions,
  • journalism,
  • and management in biosciences.

Students can gain a broader understanding of biology with this interdisciplinary program. However, this program is not intended for students wanting to pursue medical, dental, and veterinary practices. 

Some of the core Biology courses you’ll have access in with this program are Plant Ecology, Critical Analysis of Biological Research, Invertebrate Biodiversity, and Functional Vertebrate Anatomy. With a BA in Biology degree, students can take a wide range of life science courses across 17 academic departments and interact with a wide range of faculty members.

CAMPUS LOCATION: Gainesville, FL

ACCREDITATION: The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

TYPES OF AID: UF offers financial aid such as Grants, Scholarships, Student Employment Programs, Federal Direct Loan Programs, Florida Bright Futures, and various programs for active duty Military and Veterans.

ACCEPTANCE RATE: 31%

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: It will take about 30 minutes to complete your online application to enter a UF online program. You must submit your $37 application fee at that time. You will also need to submit your high school GPA scores, as well as, your ACT/SAT scores. You must have a satisfactory academic and conduct record. All other school records and college prep class information is also required.

PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY: Your distance learning experience will be a rigorous program, yet rewarding, however, you will have the support you need. The online coursework at the University of Florida utilizes two formats of instructional methods: asynchronous, meaning that you may access your classes at any time, and synchronous, meaning that you will need to attend an online class, most likely, at a specific time and date.

The combination of learning methods allows students the opportunity to participate in class discussions with professors and fellow students. Online classes at UF require the use of “e-Learning at UF” to attend a virtual classroom setting.

DEGREE OUTCOMES: While earning your online Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Florida, you will be encouraged to embrace your future and maximize your potential, professionally and personally. With your degree, you may choose from a wide array of career choices, such as conservation biology, environmental and biotechnology law, science journalism, or bioscience management, just to name a few career opportunities.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF BIOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM

DID YOU KNOW?

  • The University of Florida’s campus has more Gator Statues than Gainesville has statues of people.
  • A little over 22 percent of undergraduate students at UF are involved in Greek life.
  • There are more than 10,000 students who belong to the alumni association at UF, making it the largest alumni association in the country.

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ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

Arizona-State-University-

ONLINE BS IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

PROGRAM STANDOUTS:

Named #1 in Most Innovative Schools by U.S. News & World Report, Arizona State University incorporates virtual lab exercises into its curriculum. They are dedicated to teaching their students to be critical thinkers, global citizens, and how to be socially aware through their social sciences degree programs. 

At ASU, you can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences through their online program; however, some on-campus attendance may be required during the summer to complete the lab requirements. In addition, you will enjoy classes in:

  • Conceptual Approaches to Biology I  & II,
  • Animal Psychology,
  • Evolution,
  • and General Genetics.

You will study how organisms evolve, how they interact with the environment, and how these factors affect health and disease. They offer a variety of learning approaches tailored to each student, regardless of their objectives, whether they are to focus on cross-disciplinary study or to develop more insight before declaring a concentration.

Most of your classes can be completed online. The only exception is when partaking the organic chemistry lab course, as you need to physically attend the class. In-person work may be completed at an approved accredited institution close to your location or at the Tempe campus of Arizona State University.

CAMPUS LOCATION:  Tempe, AZ

ACCREDITATION: Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1441, www.hlcommission.org   Ph: (800)621-7440

TYPES OF AID: Scholarships, Federal Grants and Loans, Private Loans, Federal Work-Study On-Campus Jobs, Veterans Affairs Funds, Special Programs, and Student Jobs

ACCEPTANCE RATE: 88%

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Must have a high school diploma with a preferable 3.0 GPA and meet satisfactory ACT/SAT requirements, submit an application with a non-refundable $70 application fee. 

PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY: Typically, online coursework at ASU is offered in an asynchronous format, allowing you to attend classes at your convenience. With several start dates to choose from, working adults will find a schedule that works for them. The courses are 7 1/2 weeks in length and require 120 credit hours. Online technical support is always available. 

DEGREE OUTCOMES: Graduates from ASU’s online BS of Biological Sciences degree program are prepared for a wide array of job opportunities, such as Environmental Protection Specialist, General Biological Scientist, Dentist, or High School Teacher, plus much more. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEGREE PROGRAM.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive, thereby receiving similar diplomas and transcripts. 
  • ASU is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world by the World University Ranking and the Academic Ranking of World Universities.
  • Over the four campuses of ASU, there are 493 classrooms.

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EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

ONLINE NATURAL SCIENCES IN BIOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM

PROGRAM STANDOUTS:

Founded in 1971, Excelsior College’s main focus is providing exceptional educational opportunities to adult learners. Their online learning program combines quality education with the convenience and flexibility of distance learning to meet the student’s needs and at the level, they need to begin, all at affordable tuition costs.  

As Excelsior College promotes integrity and honesty, they welcome all students and value the relationships between the students and their faculty, therefore providing an excellent education for all who enroll. 

Excelsior College offers its students, who are interested in a biology concentration, a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Sciences, second to none. This degree can be earned completely online and is designed specifically for busy working adults.

If you have earned previous college credits or have other eligible forms of experience, you may apply them to your program to shorten your course time and minimize tuition costs. You’ll get the personalized attention you deserve for the first-rate faculty at Excelsior College.

You can transfer up to 113 credits in this program, with a median of 69 credits accepted. The Natural Sciences faculty at Excelsior uses their real-world experience to teach courses that inspire their students to be passionate and dedicated leaders.

You’ll learn how to write a grant, present data to different audiences, and work in multidisciplinary teams. You’ll have plenty of opportunities for scientific experiments, discoveries, and studies. 

A bachelor’s degree in natural sciences requires 120 credits. You must take a minimum of 33 credits of natural sciences, and 18 should be at upper level.

CAMPUS LOCATION: Albany, NY

ACCREDITATION: Excelsior College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education

TYPES OF AID: Federal Grants and Loans, Scholarships, Veterans, and Military Benefits that provide reduced tuition.

ACCEPTANCE RATE: 100%

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: You will need to create an account, through MyExcelsior. Prospective students must complete an online application, in addition to, submitting a $50 application fee, your High School or GED equivalent transcripts, and your ACT/SAT scores.

PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY: Online classes are considered asynchronous. Your classes can be accessed anytime, from anywhere, although, assignment deadlines will be required. You will be required to maintain a weekly posting requirement for online coursework. Microsoft Word is required, and coursework can be accessed through the Blackboard learning system.  

Some coursework may be obtained through CD-ROM and assignments can be submitted through fax for those who do not have Internet access.   Through your virtual classroom, you can communicate with professors and fellow students. You’ll receive exceptional support from the faculty and academic advising team.

DEGREE OUTCOMES: Through Excelsior College’s online Bachelor of Science degree program in Natural Sciences, with a concentration in biology, you can look forward to a career in a wide array of industries, such as, in healthcare, energy, or environmental science. Your degree will provide you with an exceptional career in your future or the ability to advance in your current workplace or goals.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE’S ONLINE NATURAL SCIENCES IN BIOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Over 170,000 students have earned degrees at Excelsior in the past 50 years.
  • There is always someone at Excelsior to help if you need assistance, whether it be online reading or writing labs, accessibility services, or technical support. 
  • Credit by exam is also offered, so that students can gain deeper knowledge of a subject without having to enroll in a full course.

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OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

oregon state university

ONLINE FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE SCIENCES DEGREE PROGRAM

PROGRAM STANDOUTS:

Oregon State University’s primary goal is to give their distance learning students the same quality education and resources for learning that the traditional brick-and-mortar university can provide. To ensure your success, they take pride in providing an exceptional faculty who are innovative, experienced researchers and true experts in their field.

Through the Oregon State Ecampus program, you can earn an online Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Fisheries and Wildlife. This biological field focuses on maintaining a balance between wildlife and their environments. You will have the opportunity to select a specialty area to broaden your knowledge to make important conclusions about fish and wildlife.

A bachelor’s degree in combined fisheries and wildlife sciences can be earned entirely online which is the only department in entire US to offer such a degree. In this specialization, coursework includes classes in:

  • ornithology,
  • field sampling of fish and wildlife,
  • applied community and ecosystem ecology, among others.

In addition, OSU’s Department of Integrative Biology offers major and minor degree programs in Biology and in Zoology, as well.

Their cost per credit is relatively reasonable at $331. 180 total credits are required to finish this online program. Faculty from this school develops all classes, in which their expertise and talents are recognized worldwide. This program has 4 start dates in a year, making it convenient for you to enroll at any available time.

CAMPUS LOCATION:  Corvallis, OR

ACCREDITATION: Oregon State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

TYPES OF AID: Scholarships, Federal Grants and Loans, Veterans and Military Benefits, Private Loans

ACCEPTANCE RATE: 82%

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Prospective students must complete an online application, in addition to, submitting a $60 application fee, your High School or GED equivalent transcripts, and your ACT/SAT scores. You may check your application status online after submission.

PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY: As an OSU Ecampus student, you will find that convenience and flexibility are key components to the success of their program. You can connect with professors and fellow students through email or online discussion boards.

You will have access to career guidance counselors, a library, and free online tutoring. Ecampus classes are considered asynchronous. You can access your coursework anytime, from anywhere.

DEGREE OUTCOMES: Through Oregon State University’s online program, you will be prepared for an exciting and interesting career as a Fisheries or Wildlife Biologist, an Endangered Species Biologist, Zoologist, or perhaps, a Hatchery Manager.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE SCIENCES DEGREE PROGRAM

DID YOU KNOW?

  • The city of Corvallis which houses Oregon State University, is one of America’s safest, smartest, and greenest small cities.
  • In addition to Land Grant university status, Oregon State university is one of only two universities in the US that holds Sea Grant, Space Grant, and Sun Grant designations.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What can I do with a Bachelor of Biology degree?

With such a versatile degree as the Bachelor of Biology, without a doubt, you will have a wide array of career options. So, what can you do with your degree? Check out these options:

  • Researcher
  • Biology Teacher
  • Biology Technician
  • Science Writer
  • Environmentalist
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Zoologist
  • Microbiologist
  • Agricultural/Food Scientist
  • Health Communications Specialist
  • Plus many, many more.

Can I earn a Bachelor’s degree in Biology online?

It stands to reason that earning your Bachelor of Biology degree entirely online may be a little difficult given the lab requirements needed. In most cases, bachelor’s programs in this field are considered “hybrid” programs due to the combination of online and on-campus demands. 

What is the highest paying job in the field of Biology?

The field of Biology is broad and can be difficult; therefore, to be a physician or surgeon… an extensive education is required, such as additional education and internships. They most often begin with earning an online Bachelor’s degree in Biology.

However, if hands-on patient contact is not your thing, there are many other careers to consider. If earning a lucrative living is a must, additional education may be required. Consider becoming a/an: 

  • Pharmacist
  • Health Services Manager
  • Biochemist
  • Genetic Counselor
  • Environmental Scientist

Can I earn a graduate degree in Biology?

Yes, and quite often, you will need a graduate degree to pursue advanced positions in this field.

Should I get a BA or a BS in Biology?

Depending on your career aspirations, you should choose a degree path that will suit your needs. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology degree program will give you a broader look into liberal arts; however, you will still focus, as expected, on Biology.

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology degree program will dive deep into science and math, which is crucial in most advanced fields of Biology.

What will I learn in an online Bachelor of Biology degree program?

Besides core classes required in your bachelor’s degree program, you will also be asked to complete coursework related to the field of Biology. A few to consider may include:

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics (Advanced Math in some applications)
  • Genetics
  • Molecular & Cellular Biology
  • Human Anatomy
  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology
  • And much more!

How much money can I make with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology?

According to the BLS, the following career opportunities have recorded earnings of:

Is Biology a good degree to get?

Yes, it will provide you with many types of job opportunities; primarily, if you are interested in the healthcare, environmental, or wildlife fields. It lays a great foundation to build upon. Advanced positions in medicine, teaching, or research often require a master’s or Ph.D.

How many credits will I need to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Biology?

Your online Bachelor of Biology degree will take approximately four years to complete, or 120 credit hours.

What math courses are required for a biology major?

As you know, job opportunities in the field of Biology will require a firm foundation in mathematics. Depending on the type of degree you need to earn, math classes in advanced algebra, calculus and statistics may be a requirement.

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