2020 Accredited Online Biology Degrees

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.

Most Popular Accredited Online Schools for Biology Degrees

Online Biology Degree Overview & Career Information

Students in associate and 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 Associate Degrees in Biology

Online associate degrees in biology and biochemistry prepare students for a wide range of entry-level positions in the life sciences. Studies focus on a broad range of life fundamentals, including animals, bacteria, fungi, and plants. Prerequisites may include biology, calculus, chemistry, and physics. Most programs require completion of 60 to 67 credits, which typically takes 2 years of full-time study to complete. An associate degree program in biology is used almost exclusively to prepare students to transfer to a four-year degree program. By choosing to complete an associate degree before a bachelor's degree, students may be able to bypass several very challenging courses, get extra help when they need it, and avoid taking classes in large lecture halls.

Students develop a comprehensive knowledge base of principles in the fields of biology and build foundational skills for practice. The coursework covers areas such as anatomy and physiology, animal biology, biology of plants and fungi, biology of sexually transmitted diseases, biotechnology techniques, botany, cell and molecular biology, cell culture techniques, ecological systems, general botany, genetics, history of life, human ecology, human physiology, microbiology, and organismal biology and ecology. Training also includes laboratory practice, which gives students the opportunity to build research competencies in the biological sciences.

Graduates may pursue a wide range of entry-level careers in biochemistry, biology, botany, forestry, microbiology, and zoology. Employment opportunities are also available in the fields of medical technology and pollution control. They may take up positions such as laboratory technicians or research assistants in biological and medical laboratories. Online associate degrees in biology also help to lay a strong foundation for individuals who wish to pursue upper-division studies in biology, botany, wildlife science, zoology, or other programs in the natural sciences. Others opt to pursue medical-related studies such as dentistry, medicine, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine.

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.

Online Master's Degrees in Biology

The online biology master's degree allows students to delve into advanced natural science topics and conduct original research. Applicants to these degrees need an accredited bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline. To learn more about online master's programs in biology, see our master's overview which includes a list of the best programs.

Online Doctoral Degrees in Biology

Students who are seeking doctoral degrees in biology usually have a master's degrees in a related area. A strong resume with experience in research and applied biology is important for applicants. Students will spend between four and six years earning a doctorate in biology.

Doctoral students take only one or two courses per semester for two to four years. The coursework is demanding and will include major research and laboratory components. The curriculum is designed to enhance student creativity and problem-solving skills. During their final year (sometimes during their final two years) students will complete their dissertations. Dissertations are extensive research papers on an original topic that is preferably related to the student's future research interests or career experiences.

Biology doctorate students are typically expected to hold part-time jobs or participate in internships or research fellowships that enhance their education and resumes. Some schools give students credit for internships. Those attending major research universities often find their place right there on campus, participating in major research studies in their school's laboratories or hospitals. Graduates of a biology doctorate programs may pursue positions in medical research or academia.

Online Certificates in Biology

Online undergraduate certificates in biology introduce students to concepts in the life sciences. These programs generally include three to eight courses and can be completed in one to two semesters. To apply, candidates need a high school diploma or the equivalent, along with high school natural science coursework.

The required coursework in the biology program will vary, depending on the certificate's focus. Students enrolled in a general biology certificate program may take courses in human biology, microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology. Other certificates specialize in areas like plant biology, marine biology, aquaculture and fisheries, or animal behavior. Depending on the program, students may have the option to choose elective courses to complete the requirements for their certificate. Offerings may include courses in bioethics, bioinformatics, and biometry.

Online biology programs must rely on bookwork, videos, and prerecorded lectures to reach students. This can be extremely challenging, as traditional students will spend a considerable amount of time gaining exposure to laboratory equipment and research, and they have direct access to professors and instructors. Traditional students learn in a group-based environment. Online students must be very comfortable learning alone.

The graduate biology certificate is generally used to support a student's current profession or to prepare for additional study. For example, current technicians in fisheries or aquaculture settings could use a biology certificate to improve the health of their fish. Others use the undergraduate certificate to see if they might like to study biology in a longer associate or bachelor's degree program.

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.