Earning an Online Biology Bachelor’s Degree

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of environmental scientists and specialists will grow by 11% through 2026. In addition, the median environmental scientist earned $69,400 in 2017, which is roughly $30,000 more than the national median salary for all workers.

To take advantage of these and other lucrative opportunities in the life sciences, you need at least a bachelor’s in a field like biology. This page provides an overview of online biology degrees, including admission requirements, curricula, accreditation standards, and potential career paths.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

In researching online biology degrees, students may struggle to find unbiased comparisons between colleges. This search tool is an easy way for students to sort programs based on student population, location, acceptance rate and type of institution. 

An online biology degree can set graduates up for a career in a wide range of fields, depending on the specific area of study, and degrees can range from two-year programs to the master’s level and beyond. A degree in the field allows professionals to grow into a higher-level career and command a higher salary within their job. But finding a quality program in the field can be a challenge if you don’t know what to look for. We’ve done some of the research for you and compiled our list of best colleges for biology majors in 2019.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Biology is the study of life. Students pursuing a degree in this area learn about how that life functions at the cellular level, how living organisms interact with one another in ecosystems, and how humans can influence the environments around them.

A bachelor’s in biology helps students develop foundational knowledge on topics like evolution, genetics, and taxonomy. This foundation enables them to work in general life science roles after graduation, such as environmental engineer or conservation scientist. Students may also opt to pursue more specialized knowledge at the graduate level, preparing for careers as biochemists or microbiologists.

Some students seek out their undergraduate degree directly after finishing high school, while others return to college in order to change direction in their career. Online programs, in particular, cater to working professionals, as students can often watch lectures, complete assignments, and take exams entirely on their own schedules and from the comfort of their own homes.

Careers in biology should see strong growth in the near future. For example, the BLS projects a 10% job growth rate for both biotechnicians and natural science managers through 2026. Experts attribute much of this increase in demand to the growing role of biotechnology in our daily lives.

To earn a bachelor’s in biology, you must first hold a high school diploma or GED. Most colleges require that you maintain a certain GPA in high school, usually between 2 and 2.5. To request your transcripts, contact your high school guidance counselor or your equivalency provider.

Many schools ask students to submit scores from either the SAT or ACT, though some online programs allow those with a strong academic record to waive this requirement. You should also plan to submit up to three letters of recommendation, ideally from former teachers, employers, and community leaders. You may also need to write a personal essay outlining your academic qualifications and plans after graduation.

Once you submit your application, an admissions officer may ask to schedule an interview. Consider this an opportunity to provide context to any weaknesses in your materials and reiterate your desire to study at their institution.

After your interview, a school may choose to admit you, deny your application, or place you on the waitlist, meaning you may ultimately gain admission if another student drops out.

Most bachelor’s programs in biology consist of 120 credits. Between 40 and 50 of these credits cover general education topics, such as psychology, math, and English. An additional 40-50 credits cover foundational topics within your major, like general biology and anatomy. You can use the remaining 20-40 credits to explore specialized subjects in biology or pursue an interest in an entirely unrelated field.

Students who score a three or higher on the Advanced Placement biology exam may test out of one or more of their introductory courses. If you hold an associate degree, you may not need to take as many general education courses and can potentially graduate in as few as two years. Full-time students with no prior credits usually can earn their bachelor’s degree in about four years. Part-time students may need anywhere from six to eight years to finish an undergraduate program.

Six courses commonly offered in online bachelor’s in biology programs are detailed below.

An online degree in biology opens up numerous career paths. By developing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in an undergraduate program, you can qualify for entry-level roles such as botanist, wildlife zoologist, and biotechnician.

Many students who earn a bachelor’s in biology choose to continue their education at the graduate level. Many medical schools require previous coursework in biology, as do master’s programs in areas like microbiology, biochemistry, and epidemiology.

Students pursuing a biology degree online develop skills in three primary areas: comprehending complex information, working in a laboratory setting, and writing.

Organic chemistry famously serves to weed out potential medical school applicants, as it requires students to understand, recall, and apply extremely complex information. The same can be said for many other courses in biology, meaning students in this major must quickly learn how to analyze and synthesize complicated concepts.

Many of the courses taken as an undergraduate student require some form of lab work, such as examining single-celled organisms under a microscope or dissecting larger organisms to learn about their anatomy. While online programs may rely less heavily on actual lab work than their on-campus counterparts, distance learners must still study the proper safety procedures and best practices for working in a laboratory setting.

Finally, biology students must develop strong writing skills. Much of the work of a biologist involves conveying information to those without a scientific background, and writing clearly and succinctly plays an important role in translating findings to the public. Students who hope to pursue an advanced degree also need to prepare to write either a master’s thesis or a doctoral dissertation.

Biology is a broad field with many practical applications. The nature of your work, as well as the kind of compensation you can expect, depends greatly on the career path you choose.

For example, you may want to work as a zoologist, observing animals in their natural habitat to gain a better understanding of their behavior. You may instead choose a role less reliant on field work, such as helping doctors and other scientists conduct experiments as a biotechnician. Or you may feel drawn to policy, using your understanding of biological principles to help shape legislation aimed at protecting and restoring certain habitats.

Many biologists work in research or academic positions, often at colleges and universities. A large number also work in the private sector, usually for pharmaceutical companies or biotechnology firms. Still, others work at government agencies or nonprofit organizations dedicated to environmental issues. You can read more about five common careers in biology below.

BROWSE BACHELOR’S IN BIOLOGY CAREERS

Biologist

Biologists study living organisms, whether to help cure disease, safeguard a threatened species, or simply contribute to basic research. Biologists require exceptional observational, analytical, and communication skills. Some specialized and senior-level positions may require an advanced degree.

Annual Median Salary

$52,844 per year

Plant Biologist

Plant biologists work specifically with flora, usually specializing in a certain species or type of plant life, such as trees. Many plant biologists serve as agricultural and food scientists, helping to boost crop yields or control pests. Some study plants with the hope of discovering new medicines.

Annual Median Salary

$51,552 per year

Human Biologist

Human biologists possess a broad understanding of the structure and function of the human body. They can apply this knowledge in many different pursuits, whether collaborating with doctors to create new treatments for illness or injury, counseling prospective parents on the likelihood of passing along a genetic disorder, or educating the public about healthy behaviors.

Annual Median Salary

$51,633 per year

Environmental Biologist

While many environmental biologists work in a pure research capacity, some monitor environmental conditions in order to write environmental impact reports. These reports detail the changes that a current or planned development project might bring to an ecosystem. Biologists specializing in environmental impact often work for government agencies.

Annual Median Salary

$46,744 per year

Computational Biologist

Computational biologists use biological data to create algorithms and other computer models, allowing them to better understand biological processes and relationships. The field of bioinformatics holds tremendous promise for treating disease, reducing hunger, and combating environmental threats like climate change.

Annual Median Salary

$93,302 per year

You can take on many entry-level roles in the life sciences with just an undergraduate degree in biology. However, if you want to pursue a career as a physician, professor, or more specialized researcher, you may need to earn an advanced degree as well.

Through elective coursework, bachelor’s programs give you the opportunity to explore fields in which you might continue your education. For example, a course in organic chemistry can help you determine if you want to apply to medical school or earn a Ph.D. in biochemistry. Classes in public health and virology can prepare you for graduate-level study in epidemiology.

If you remain unsure about whether you want to seek another degree, consider pursuing a graduate certificate instead. Certificate programs can help you develop new skills and knowledge, giving you a competitive edge in the job market without requiring as much time or money as a degree program. In many cases, you can even transfer credits from a certificate program toward a graduate degree should you choose to earn one later.

Accredited schools must demonstrate that they meet certain academic standards and prepare their students for careers after graduation. If you attend an unaccredited school, future employers may not recognize your degree, and other institutions may not accept your transfer credits. You may even miss out on some financial aid opportunities.

At the undergraduate level, you should make sure that your college or university holds either regional or national accreditation. Most nonprofit schools receive regional accreditation, generally considered the more prestigious of the two forms. Examples of regional accreditors include the Higher Learning Commission and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

For-profit and vocational schools usually receive national accreditation. Examples of national accreditors include the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools and the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. Due to different standards, some regionally accredited schools may not accept transfer credits from nationally accredited institutions.

To determine if your program holds either regional or national accreditation, check the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s online directory.

Joining a professional organization in biology after graduation can help jumpstart your career. Through regional and national events, these groups create opportunities for their members to network and discuss the latest developments in biological research. Many also offer professional development programs, helping you gain proficiency with a new technology or prepare to continue your education more formally. These organizations can also serve as an excellent resource for graduates seeking their first job, as many host online career centers or administer mentorship programs to recent graduates.

American Society of Plant Biologists

ASPB devotes itself to the advancement of the plant sciences. It publishes three scholarly journals, provides research fellowships and grants, and organizes educational programming for both plant biologists and K-12 students. The group also advocates for increased federal funding for research and more science-driven legislation.

Genetics Society of America

Founded in 1931, GSA now represents more than 5,500 genetics researchers and educators. It hosts close to a dozen national conferences each year and curates research for two scholarly journals. The group’s website also features resources specifically for biology undergraduates.

ASCB

Now serving as an international forum for cellular biologists, ASCB offers a wealth of resources to its members, including a research portal, job board, and service awards. ASCB also organizes committees to support underrepresented groups in cellular biology, such as women, minorities, and members of the LGBTQ community.