Biology is one of the most flexible bachelor’s degrees, giving graduates a path to everything from medicine to pharmaceuticals to criminal justice. If a person wants to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology, they may want to consider a bachelor’s degree via the online format. With a bachelor’s degree obtained online, a person can learn about the world around them from the convenience of home. He or she can gain knowledge that will help them become a career biologist with only the basic requirement of a bachelor’s degree. It could also be the step toward earning a master’s degree or working in a variety of other biology-related fields.
A person can earn a high salary with a biology degree obtained online. An online biology bachelor’s degree can also be a way to further a person’s education without having to attend classes in-person. Being able to earn a biology bachelor’s degree online can also be ideal if the student has family obligations. Most programs offer the opportunity for the student to complete the coursework of an online biology bachelor degree completely virtually.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Online Biology Degree Programs
Bachelor’s Degree Center is committed to pointing students to programs that will have a positive impact on their careers. That’s why we feature only accredited, trustworthy institutions. Programs are ranked according to current IPEDS and Niche data on cost, reputation, and salary potential.
1. University of Florida
The University of Florida offers a BA in Biology that is listed among Florida’s best online biology bachelor degree programs. Florida’s best online biology degree programs prepare students for rewarding careers as a pharmaceutical researcher, a conservation biologist, a biometrician, or an epidemiologist, to name a few. It is noted that the University of Florida’s baccalaureate degree in biology is not designed for those with an academic objective of entering a graduate or professional program in dental, medical, or veterinary school.
The University of Florida is a public university that was established under the Morrill Act in 1853. Additionally, the University of Florida serves more than 55,950 students online and on-campus as a space-grant and sea-grant school.
What We Like: The University of Florida, by enrollment, is considered the 3rd largest of all institutions of higher education in the Sunshine State.
Degree: BA in Biology
University of Florida BA in Biology
2. Washington State University
Washington State University offers a BS in Biology that is listed among the nation’s best online biology bachelor degree programs as noted by US News. These best online biology degree programs require applicants to transfer previously earned credits from accredited institutions that do not include Wazzu’s distance learning platform and Global Campus. Ultimately, students enrolled in this bachelor’s degree in biology must complete the degree with 120 credit units, of which 40 must be upper-division coursework.
Washington State University is a multiple-campus higher learning institution that was established in 1890. The Global Campus of Washington State University has been in operation since 1992, offering education opportunities to students across the world.
What We Like: Washington State University is recognized among the oldest of all land-grant institutions of higher education across the American West.
Degree: BS in Biology
Washington State University offers a BS in Biology
3. Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University offers a BS in Biology that is one of the best online biology bachelor degree programs in the state of Texas. Students enrolled in Texas Tech University’s best online biology degree programs must complete 120 semester units to graduate. Degree candidates for this undergraduate degree in biology from Tech’s eLearning have the option of completing the first two years of classes at McLennan Community College. Students typically graduate and continue their studies in med or pharmacy school, while some move on to biological research, among other options.
Texas Tech University was established in 1923. Texas Tech University is one of four member-schools that comprise the TTUS – the Texas Tech University System.
What We Like: Texas Tech University is recognized by the Carnegie Classification as a school within the very high research activity level.
Degree: BS in Biology
Texas Tech University BS in Biology
4. Oregon State University
Oregon State University offers one of the best online biology bachelor degree programs on the West Coast (and the nation) with its undergraduate degree program with a biology minor. Students enrolled in Oregon State University’s accredited best online biology degree programs must finish 28 to 32 semester credits in classes pulled from the biology curriculum directly. Classes include environmental physiology, behavioral neurobiology, aquatic entomology, general microbiology, and plant systematics, among others.
Oregon State University is a sun-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant school that was established in 1868 as a land-grant school. Oregon State University offers more than 190 academic and diploma programs from its dual campuses.
What We Like: Oregon State University holds the distinction of having the highest funded research across the state of Oregon. Oregon State University (OSU) is one of only two institutions of higher learning that hold all four university designations.
Degree: Biology Minor
Oregon State University Biology Minor
5. Ball State University
Ball State University offers two of Indiana’s best online biology degree programs with its Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Biology or its Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) in Biology programs options. Students enrolled in one of Ball State University’s best online biology bachelor degree programs are required to complete 120 semester units to meet the biology program’s graduation requirements. The core classes for this biology from Ball State include cell biology, ecology, cell methods, and principles of biology 1 & 2, among others.
Ball State University is a multi-campus public university that was established in 1918 to teachers for public education schools in the expanding American West. Ball State University’s campus serves more than 19,900 students vying for academic degrees offered by the university’s seven schools/colleges.
What We Like: Ball State University was established by five education visionaries who were industrial entrepreneurs – the five Ball Brothers. – William, Edmund, George, Lucius, and Frank.
Degree: BS/BA in Biology
Ball State University BS/BA in Biology
6. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a BS in Biotechnology that is recognized to be one of the best online biology degree programs available in the marketplace. Degree candidates enrolled in UM Global Campus’s best online biology bachelor degree programs must complete 120 semester units, which is done online except for an on-site component. Classes for this undergraduate degree in biotechnology include bioinformatics, laboratory management, workplace learning in biology, and inquiries in biological science, among others.
The University of Maryland Global Campus, originally called UM’s University College, was established in 1947. In addition to the elite academic standing of the University of Maryland, the Global Campus has garnered significant awards and recognitions for its educational offerings.
What We Like: Neary 51,000 undergraduate and graduate students attend classes offered by the University of Maryland’s Global Campus.
Degree: BS in Biotechnology
University of Maryland Global Campus BS in Biotechnology
7. Southeastern Louisiana University
Southeastern Louisiana University offers the state of Louisiana’s best online biology bachelor degree programs with its Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Biology. Students graduate from Southeastern Louisiana University’s best online biology degree programs and enter the workforce as a botanist, biology teacher, cell biologist, geneticist, or entomologist, to name a few. Degree candidates have the option of selecting an academic concentration within the degree in integrative biology, plant science, biology education, microbiology or ecology, environmental/evolutional biology.
Southeastern Louisiana University was established as a junior college in 1925 by local residents and voters. Southeastern Louisiana University’s urban campus in Hammond is a member school of the state’s university system, a space-grant school that is home to approximately 14,150 students.
What We Like: Southeastern Louisiana University holds the distinction of being Louisiana’s 3rd largest institution of higher education, behind UL Lafayette and Louisiana State University.
Degree: BS in Biology
Southeastern Louisiana University BS in Biology
8. Tennessee Technological University
Tennessee Technological University offers one of Tennessee’s best online biology bachelor degree programs by providing a Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Biology with several academic emphases in health sciences, environmental biology, biology, zoology, conservation biology, or cellular biology. Core curriculum to be completed by students enrolled in Tennessee Technological University’s best online biology degree programs includes classes in field botany, general genetics, behavioral sciences, general ecology, physical geology, and elementary organic chemistry, among others.
Tennessee Technological University was established as the University of Dixie in 1909. The university’s Cookeville campus is home to more than 10,150 students, of which ten percent of undergraduate students are studying part-time. Tennessee Technological University is consistently ranked atop of the best national university list.
What We Like: Tennessee Technological University’s average student to faculty ratio across the university is 18 students to one faculty member.
Degree: BS in Biology
Tennessee Technological University BS in Biology
9. Bemidji State University
Bemidji State University offers two of Minnesota’s best online biology bachelor degree programs with its Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) in Biology or its Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Biology program options. Each of these best online biology degree programs from Bemidji State University requires the completion of core classes in cellular principles, diversity of life, general ecology, biochemistry, and biochemistry labs, to name a few. Additionally, there is a baccalaureate degree option for biology majors with an emphasis in medical sciences.
Bemidji State University is located in north-central Minnesota and was established in 1919 as a teacher’s school. Bemidji State University offers more than 60 undergraduate degree programs (and pre-professional programs) from its Bemidji campus and online.
What We Like: The school is situated by Bemidji Lake, which, when frozen, is used as a parking lot in winter.
Degree: BS/BA in Biology
Bemidji State University BS/BA in Biology
10. Davenport University
Davenport University offers a BS in Biological Laboratory Science that requires degree candidates to complete 120 semester units to graduate. Davenport University’s best online biology bachelor degree programs do require some campus visits. However, Davenport’s best online biology degree programs are among the only kind in the state of Michigan. Classes for this undergraduate degree in biology include microbiology, organic chemistry, biostatistics, bioinformatics, advanced microbiology, and forensic science, plus a capstone project, to name a few.
Davenport University is a private school that was founded in 1866. Davenport University operates multiple campuses that serve approximately 7,050 students, which compares mightily to the school’s first class of 16 students.
What We Like: Davenport University holds the distinction of being the first school in Michigan to be award the Performance Excellence Award (MIPEx).
Degree: BS in Biological Laboratory Science
Davenport University BS in Biological Laboratory Science
11. Life University
Life University offers a BS in Biology that is ranked among Georgia’s best online biology bachelor degree programs. Students enrolled in Life University’s best online biology degree programs are required to finish 188 quarter credits across eight semesters. Biology core class requirements include endocrinology, biochemistry, histology, cell biology, embryology, and cell, neural & muscle physiology, to name a few. Other classes available to students include anatomy & physiology, visceral physiology, immunology, and disease patterns, and vertebrate biology, among others.
Life University was established as a specialized chiropractic college in 1974. The university offers more than 15 accredited degree programs from its campus and online. The school’s student enrollment exceeds 2,550 students.
What We Like: Life University holds the distinction of being a pioneering institution of higher education dedicated to vitalistic health.
Degree: BS in Biology
Life University BS in Biology
12. Unity College
Unity College offers one of Maine’s best online biology bachelor degree programs with its Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture. Students enrolled in Unity College’s best online biology degree programs graduate and enter the workforce as marine mammologists, fisher biologists, field scientists, microbiologists, or ichthyologists, to name a few. Degree candidates must finish 120 semester units to graduate in classes that include sustainable aquaculture techniques, marine mammals, fish health, and seabird biology, to name a few.
Unity College was established as a private liberal arts school in 1965. Students who choose to study at Unity College are interested in learning about the principles of sustainability and related environmental issues. The student to faculty ratio for Unity College is fifteen students to one faculty member.
What We Like: Unity College’s mission is revealed in its school motto – America’s Environmental College.
Degree: BS in Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture
Unity College BS in Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture
13. Logan University
Logan University offers one of the nation’s best online biology bachelor degree programs with its Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Human Biology as noted by collegechoice.net and bestcolleges.com. Additionally, students enrolled in Logan University’s best online biology degree programs will find that the program is ranked among the most affordable programs in the nation. Students must complete 122 semester units in classes that include general biology (plus labs), general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and introduction to public health, to name a few.
Logan University was established in 1935 as a private chiropractic college. The university’s 100+-acre campus in Chesterfield is home to approximately 1,250 students.
What We Like: Logan University’s mission to educate health care professions who are dedicated to advancing health care from varying levels.
Degree: BS in Human Biology
Logan University BS in Human Biology
14. Excelsior College
Excelsior College offers a BS in Natural Sciences: Biology that is recognized as one of the Empire State’s best online biology bachelor degree programs. Students enrolled in Excelsior College’s best online biology degree programs are mandated to finish 120 semester units. However, students transfer, on average of 69 credits when applying as transfer students. The core curriculum for biology majors within the natural sciences degree program includes classes in evolutionary biology, biodiversity, human genetics, plant anatomy, and human genetics, among others.
Excelsior College was established as Regents college in 1971. This private institution of higher education is located in the capital region of Upstate New York and is home to approximately 30,050 students.
What We Like: Excelsior College was founded by the state’s regent board with grants from the Carnegie Corporation and the Ford Motor Corporation.
Degree: BS in Natural Sciences: Biology
Excelsior College BS in Natural Sciences: Biology
15. University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix offers a BS in Environmental Science that is ranked among the marketplace’s best online biology bachelor degree programs.Students enrolled in the University of Phoenix’s best online biology degree programs typically complete the 120 semester credits over eight semesters or four years. Classes are offered one at a time and last from five to seven weeks. Students graduate from this undergraduate degree in environmental biology and enter the workforce as environmental specialists, a programs expert, or an environmental analyst, among others.
The University of Phoenix (Phoenix) was established in 1976 as a for-profit school. The University of Phoenix provides more than 100 degrees and certificate programs – through the school’s distance learning platform.
What We Like: The University of Phoenix is considered a pioneer in adult education, having innovated the delivery of accessible degrees for the past four-plus decades.
Degree: BS in Environmental science
University of Phoenix BS in Environmental Science
Why Should I Get My Biology Degree Online?
A biology bachelor degree online also gives a person the ability to earn a degree without having to travel back and forth, which can sometimes pose a problem for some people. A person can also earn a biology bachelor degree online without the need to go to a school. Therefore, a biology bachelor degree online can allow a person who isn’t the traditional image of a student who is earning a degree.
Moreover, a person may be able to work at his or her own pace since some online bachelor degree in biology programs are designed to work at a person’s pace. Ultimately, this means a person can earn a bachelor in biology online in less time, and he or she can either choose to go to work in the field with the degree or use the bachelor in biology online credits to earn a master’s sooner.
What Do Biologists Do?
Before a person earns a biology degree, he or she should understand the answer to what does a biologist do. To understand the answer to what does a biologist do, a person should first understand the biologist job description. First and foremost, a person should know that a biologist job description includes the fact that a person studies living things around him or her.
Although biologist job descriptions vary based on the specialty, a person can expect to research. He or she will conduct laboratory experiments and may work with other scientists or technicians to solve problems. In terms of biology specialty biologist job descriptions, a person may research microorganisms to learn more about pathogens. The person can then work on finding a solution to treating the infection.
Part of the job description for a biologist may include looking at studies from other scientists. Additionally, the job description for a biologist may also include attending conferences to further his or her knowledge or to speak about his or her findings.
A person could choose to become a zoologist, which would change the job description of biologist a bit. The job description of biologist in this area of study may include finding ways to save a habitat of an endangered animal.
How Do I Become a Biologist?
The answer to how to become a biologist specifically deals with what a person wants to do with his or her career as a biologist. For instance, how to become a biologist may only require a bachelor’s degree if a person doesn’t want to conduct experiments on his or her own or complete investigative or scientific work.
However, if a person wants to know how to become a biologist and wants to conduct investigative and scientific work, he or she will want to earn at least a master’s degree in biology. If a person wants to know how to become a biologist and conduct his or her own research, he or she will need to earn a doctorate degree.
Ultimately, how long does it take to become a biologist depends on the desired level of education a person wants to earn. For example, how long does it take to become a biologist could be as little as four years if a person wants to earn a bachelor’s degree. If a person wants to further his or her education and earn a master’s degree, it usually takes an additional 1.5 to two hours in addition to the time it takes a person to earn a bachelor’s degree. In addition, if a person wants to earn a doctorate degree in biology, it usually takes another two years on top of that. Therefore, how long does it take to become a biologist could take anywhere from four years to eight years for a person to complete his or her education to become a biologist, depending on what he or she wants to do.
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