The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology. Graduates are prepared for careers in laboratory technology, chemical technology, bioinformatics, and more. Students in this degree completion program complete laboratory coursework and a biotechnology internship to graduate. The curriculum focuses on real-world applications and
Best Online Biology Bachelor's Degrees
By the OnlineU team | Updated 2/12/2021
From examining cells to mapping the human genome, the scientific study of life itself is an endlessly fascinating and vast field. Those who earn a degree in biology will have the opportunity to study living organisms to gain a clear understanding of how humans, plants, animals, and microscopic bacteria operate. There are many concentrations within the field, including microbiology, marine biology, genetics, forensic biology, and environmental biology. There is also a wide variety of career paths in biology, and jobs in the field range from $46,000 to $80,000 per year, on average. Continue reading for our list of the top online degrees offered in biology. Students who are researching biology programs are encouraged to choose a school that is accredited by a reputable accrediting agency. Read on for more information about accreditation, as well as to learn more about career opportunities and answers to frequently asked questions about online biology degrees.
Online Bachelor's in Biology with the Highest Return on Investment
ROIs for the top online biology degrees range from $182,400 to $504,500. We calculated ROI by determining the expected alumni earnings over 10 years and subtracting payments for student debt. The top four schools on this list offer online biology degrees with ROIs above the national average of $278,300. University of Maryland Global Campus, ranked first on the list, has an annual tuition of $14,970 and a 10-year ROI of $504,500, nearly double the national average.
ROI amounts are based on data reported by the U.S. Department of Education. Tuitions are manually researched in order to determine tuition amounts specific to online degrees. Read our methodology for more details.
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Median Starting Salary | Median Debt | 10-year ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland Global Campus | $14,970 | $51,273 | $18,750 | $504,500 | |
| Kean University | $10,445 | $35,274 | $23,250 | $334,200 | |
| Washington State University | $11,829 | $31,423 | $20,265 | $298,300 | |
| Arizona State University | $18,030 | $31,284 | $19,718 | $297,500 | |
| Oregon State University | $14,310 | $29,245 | $23,297 | $271,900 | |
| Unity College | $14,100 | $25,315 | $27,000 | $260,800 | |
| Life University | $12,549 | $25,194 | $18,716 | $231,100 | |
| University of Florida | $15,000 | $22,914 | $17,063 | $214,600 | |
| Florida International University | $10,376 | $19,670 | $16,163 | $182,400 |
Best Bachelor's Degrees in Biology Rankings Details
#1
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi (MD)
- 10-Year ROI: $504,500
- Median Salary: $51,273
- Annual Tuition: $14,970
- Median Debt: $18,750
#2
Kean University
Union (NJ)
- 10-Year ROI: $334,200
- Median Salary: $35,274
- Annual Tuition: $10,445
- Median Debt: $23,250
Kean University offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Biology degree. This program is intended for students who want to pursue careers in health or teaching. Students have the opportunity to study abroad at Kean’s campus in China, become members of the Tri Beta National Biological Honor Society, and attend annual Jean Research Days events to present research conducted alongside
#3
Washington State University
Pullman (WA)
- 10-Year ROI: $298,300
- Median Salary: $31,423
- Annual Tuition: $11,829
- Median Debt: $20,265
Washington State University (WSU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Biology degree completion program. The curriculum provides students with a broad understanding of the biological sciences, including molecular and cellular biology, as well as scientific research, design, and communications. To graduate, students must complete a capstone course in contemporary genetics. The
#4
Arizona State University
Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others)
- 10-Year ROI: $297,500
- Median Salary: $31,284
- Annual Tuition: $18,030
- Median Debt: $19,718
Arizona State University (ASU) offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. The program offers concentrations in biology and society, biomedical sciences, and conservation biology and ecology. To graduate, students must complete an internship and undergraduate research course. Graduates can further their education by applying to graduate school or seek employment
#5
Oregon State University
Corvallis (OR)
- 10-Year ROI: $271,900
- Median Salary: $29,245
- Annual Tuition: $14,310
- Median Debt: $23,297
Oregon State University (OSU) offers fully online biology programs that culminate in a Bachelor of Environmental Sciences-Aquatic Biology or a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. Both programs emphasize critical thinking and hands-on learning opportunities. The BS in Zoology coursework covers genetics, physiology, ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. Online students have the
#6
Unity College
Unity (ME)
- 10-Year ROI: $260,800
- Median Salary: $25,315
- Annual Tuition: $14,100
- Median Debt: $27,000
Unity College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture. Several concentrations are available in environmental GIS and environmental justice and social change, and more. Students in the program study how to grow and preserve marine organisms and environments. Students prepare for careers as marine biologists, aquaculturists, and biological
#7
Life University
Marietta (GA)
- 10-Year ROI: $231,100
- Median Salary: $25,194
- Annual Tuition: $12,549
- Median Debt: $18,716
The online Bachelor of Science in Biology at Life University emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach and deep respect for all life. Students have the opportunity to work with other faculty and academic departments to perform independent study and research. Students complete courses in genetics, endocrinology, and immunology. Graduates can pursue advanced study in science or careers
#8
University of Florida
Gainesville (FL)
- 10-Year ROI: $214,600
- Median Salary: $22,914
- Annual Tuition: $15,000
- Median Debt: $17,063
The University of Florida (UF) offers fully online Bachelor of Arts in Biology and BS in Microbiology and Cell Science degrees. The BA program provides students with a broad and interdisciplinary approach to the field. Students are prepared for careers in the fields of allied health, education, environmental, biotechnology, science journalism, research, pharmaceutical, or bioscience,
#9
Florida International University
Miami (FL)
- 10-Year ROI: $182,400
- Median Salary: $19,670
- Annual Tuition: $10,376
- Median Debt: $16,163
Florida International University (FIU) offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Biology available only to first-year college students. Students can choose from several concentrations, including Allied Health Profession, bio entrepreneur, health policy, environmental policy, pre-law, and science communication. To graduate, students must complete a senior seminar and fulfill foreign
Online Biology Degree Overview & Career Information
Students in biology bachelor's degree programs take general education courses with an emphasis on mathematics and other sciences like chemistry and physics. Biology coursework includes classes in the origin of life, cells, genetics, organic evolution, phylogeny (the evolutionary history of organisms), plant form and function, animal form and function, and ecology. Students in bachelor's degree programs may take additional courses in biodiversity, anatomy and physiology, human genetics, microbiology, developmental biology, and bioethics.
Master's and doctoral degree programs prepare students to conduct original research in biology. Students take courses in biological statistics and learn how to design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze results, and report conclusions. Students take elective courses in advanced biology topics like scientific illustration, animal behavior, microbial diversity, environmental biology, and human evolution. Students seeking a master’s or doctoral degree in biology will find that the program concentrates on research; however, in an online setting, this is less prominent. Online graduate study concentrates on reading material and original writing, so, depending on your learning style, it can be even more challenging to earn a graduate degree online than it is in traditional school.
Online Bachelor's Degrees in Biology
Online bachelor's degrees in biology prepare students for successful careers in the biological sciences. Programs focus on building a strong foundation in cellular, ecological, evolutionary, molecular, and organismal biology. Prerequisites include calculus, physics, and statistics. Bachelor's degree programs require completion of 120 to 128 credits, which takes four years of full-time study.
Many students choose to major in biology because they are planning on going into a medical field like veterinary medicine, pharmacology, or nursing. Several different biology courses are included in the curriculum, and in some programs, students can choose to specialize in one particular area of biology. There will also be electives offered in everything from pharmacology and psychology to physiology and environmental sciences. Students can often choose to structure their degree program in a way that leads to further medical and graduate study.
The bachelor’s curriculum combines content from biology, biochemistry, and chemistry. Coursework covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, biology of sex, cancer biology, cell and molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, field ecology, medical terminology, molecular modeling, organic chemistry, organic evolution, and vertebrate physiology. The curriculum also teaches students about laboratory techniques in the field. Bachelor's programs usually require completion of a capstone course. Graduates of online programs may increase their job prospects by gaining laboratory experience through internships in a biological, medical, research, or other similar approved facility.
Employment opportunities for bachelor's graduates are available in agriculture, animal science, biotechnology, ecology, human medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and wildlife management. Work settings include government agencies, industrial research facilities, and medical laboratories. Bachelor's degrees also help to establish a strong foundation for those who wish to pursue graduate studies in biochemistry, biotechnology, dentistry, forensics, medicine, or veterinary sciences.
The Importance of Accreditation
The purpose of accreditation is to provide public recognition that a school or individual degree program meets established academic standards. Attending a biology degree program provided by an accredited college or university helps ensure that you will receive a well-respected education. Students who plan to use a biology degree as the foundation for graduate study are especially encouraged to attend an accredited school. Only degrees and credits earned from accredited schools can be applied toward future degree programs.
Students can verify the accreditation status of a school on its website or via national or regional accrediting boards. The US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation also offer lists of accrediting agencies and accredited schools.
Career Opportunities for Biology Graduates
Graduates of bachelor's degree programs in biology can begin work as biological technicians helping scientists conduct research in laboratories. Biological technicians can work for colleges and universities, government agencies, research and development labs, and pharmaceutical companies. Graduates of online programs may increase their job prospects by gaining laboratory experience through internships.
Technicians looking to advance their careers may earn industry certifications. The American Society for Clinical Pathology is one professional organization that awards certification. Those who want to move into research careers or begin working in academia can earn master's and doctoral degrees.
Teaching is another career path open to graduates of bachelor's degree programs. Teacher certification requirements vary by state, but all states require high school teachers to hold at least a bachelor's degree. Prospective teachers may also be required to complete college courses in education and child psychology and complete supervised field work to earn certification. Some states require teachers to hold a master's degree in their subject area or in education.
Frequently Asked Questions About Biology Degrees
Which is better—a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in biology?
The right choice depends on what the career goals and interests of individual students are. In general, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) will offer a more well-rounded education. While focused on biology, a BA also includes liberal arts classes. If you aren’t sure what you want to do with your degree, this may be a better choice for you. The skills learned in humanities and liberal arts classes will be applicable in a wide range of careers. A Bachelor of Science is more focused on science and math classes, and will be good preparation for a technical or specified career path.
Is a BA in biology a good choice for medical school?
Yes. Data from the Association of American Medical Colleges shows more biological science majors applied and were admitted to medical schools than from any other major. Earning a biology degree is good preparation for medical school, although applicants from many other backgrounds are accepted each year, including from the humanities, math and statistics, and the social sciences.
What can graduates do with a biology degree without attending medical school?
What a biologist chooses to do in part depends on their area of expertise, specialization, and personal interests. Biology majors can find entry-level positions as research assistants, lab technicians, park rangers, physician liaisons, and science writers. Biologists may also pursue positions in ecology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, or even teaching, although these may require further credentials.
This website offers school details to prospective students as an informational resource. The appearance of a school listing on this website should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the school by this site.