Best Online Master’s in Biology

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Find top-ranked online master’s in biology degree programs to prepare students for roles as marine biologists, biochemists, educators, public health officials, and more.

Top 10 Online Master's in Biology Degrees

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  1. University of Missouri
  2. North Carolina State University
  3. University of Nebraska at Kearney
  4. Clemson University
  5. Nova Southeastern University
  6. Western Kentucky University
  7. West Liberty University
  8. Alcorn State University
  9. Liberty University
  10. Troy University
  1. University of Missouri
  2. North Carolina State University
  3. Miami University
  4. Clemson University
  5. University of Alabama in Huntsville
  6. Liberty University
  7. Nova Southeastern University
  8. Western Kentucky University
  9. Jackson State University
  10. Troy University
  1. Liberty University 99%
  2. Columbia College 98%
  3. Western Kentucky University 97%
  4. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 96%
  5. Troy University 95%
  6. Concord University 91%
  7. Jackson State University 89%
  8. Miami University 88%
  9. Columbus State University 88%
  10. University of Nebraska at Kearney 86%
  1. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 20 to 1
  2. University of Missouri 18 to 1
  3. Liberty University 18 to 1
  4. Western Kentucky University 18 to 1
  5. SUNY Brockport 18 to 1
  6. University of West Alabama 18 to 1
  7. Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
  8. Columbus State University 17 to 1
  9. University of Alabama in Huntsville 17 to 1
  10. Troy University 16 to 1
  1. University of Saint Joseph $44,366
  2. Stevenson University $38,738
  3. Lewis University $36,530
  4. Nova Southeastern University $36,300
  5. Faulkner University $23,920
  6. Liberty University $22,511
  7. Columbia College $22,050
  8. Clemson University $14,118
  9. Miami University $13,678
  10. Western Kentucky University $11,112
  1. Nova Southeastern University $22,062
  2. Faulkner University $15,325
  3. University of Saint Joseph $14,850
  4. Lewis University $14,760
  5. Miami University $13,396
  6. Columbia College $13,232
  7. Western Kentucky University $12,140
  8. SUNY Brockport $11,310
  9. Clemson University $10,858
  10. University of Alabama in Huntsville $10,632
  1. Faulkner University
  2. Columbus State University
  3. Columbia College
  4. SUNY Brockport
  5. Concord University
  6. Jackson State University
  7. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
  8. University of Alabama in Huntsville
  9. Miami University
  10. University of Saint Joseph
  1. Columbia College
  2. University of Saint Joseph
  3. University of West Alabama
  4. Concord University
  5. Columbus State University
  6. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
  7. Lewis University
  8. West Liberty University
  9. Stevenson University
  10. SUNY Brockport
  1. Alcorn State University 30%
  2. Clemson University 43%
  3. North Carolina State University 47%
  4. SUNY Brockport 68%
  5. University of West Alabama 69%
  6. West Liberty University 74%
  7. Lewis University 74%
  8. University of Saint Joseph 75%
  9. Nova Southeastern University 76%
  10. University of Alabama in Huntsville 78%
  1. University of Saint Joseph 8 to 1
  2. Columbia College 11 to 1
  3. West Liberty University 12 to 1
  4. University of Nebraska at Kearney 13 to 1
  5. Faulkner University 13 to 1
  6. Lewis University 14 to 1
  7. Concord University 15 to 1
  8. Stevenson University 15 to 1
  9. Miami University 15 to 1
  10. Jackson State University 15 to 1
  1. Columbus State University $4,371
  2. University of Nebraska at Kearney $6,270
  3. North Carolina State University $6,535
  4. SUNY Brockport $7,070
  5. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania $7,716
  6. Jackson State University $8,270
  7. Concord University $8,540
  8. Alcorn State University $8,549
  9. West Liberty University $8,716
  10. University of West Alabama $9,100
  1. University of Nebraska at Kearney $6,216
  2. Columbus State University $6,300
  3. University of West Alabama $6,678
  4. West Liberty University $7,080
  5. Liberty University $7,893
  6. Alcorn State University $8,174
  7. Jackson State University $8,270
  8. Stevenson University $8,340
  9. Troy University $8,550
  10. North Carolina State University $9,095

A master’s degree in biology is an advanced degree designed for students who plan to work in fields like pharmacology, healthcare, environmental sciences, epidemiology, science education, and more. This advanced degree is typically research-intensive, and provides students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding in a specific area of biology such as biophysics, microbiology, biochemistry, marine biology, genetics, and much more.

The master’s degree in biology can usually be earned either online or in-person, though your program may require some in-person practicum or laboratory work. In most cases, students will earn the required 30-50 credits over a period of one to two years. Graduates will qualify to work as science educators, post-secondary adjuncts, researchers, forensics experts, public health officials, and much more.

Best Online Master's in Biology Degree Programs
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Featured Programs

Best Online Master’s in Biology Degree Programs

  1. #1

    University of Missouri

    Columbia , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/26

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Missouri

    Cost of Degree: $13,029
    Expenses: $18,142
    Starting Salary: $52,463
    Salary after 4 years: $74,289
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Biological Engineering (Non Thesis)
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/30

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at North Carolina State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,819
    Expenses: $17,709
    Starting Salary: $55,152
    Salary after 4 years: $78,095
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBAE in Biological And Agricultural Engineering
    • Required Credits: 12
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. #4

    Clemson University

    Clemson , SC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/30

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Clemson University

    Cost of Degree: $12,646
    Expenses: $19,784
    Starting Salary: $54,595
    Salary after 4 years: $77,308
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Biological Sciences
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
  4. #5

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/23

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Nova Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $24,140
    Expenses: $22,596
    Starting Salary: $32,173
    Salary after 4 years: $50,227
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Biological Sciences
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. #6

    Western Kentucky University

    Bowling Green , KY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/21

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Western Kentucky University

    Cost of Degree: $12,140
    Expenses: $15,452
    Starting Salary: $35,779
    Salary after 4 years: $50,664
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Biology
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. #7

    West Liberty University

    West Liberty , WV
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1009/7

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at West Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $11,880
    Expenses: $15,818
    Starting Salary: $36,613
    Salary after 4 years: $51,845
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Biology
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MA in Biology
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. #8

    Alcorn State University

    Alcorn State , MS
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    30%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1009/19

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Alcorn State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,263
    Expenses: $15,195
    Starting Salary: $32,442
    Salary after 4 years: $45,938
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Biology
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. #9

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $8,340
    Expenses: $21,458
    Starting Salary: $23,956
    Salary after 4 years: $37,399
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Human Biology
    • Required Credits: 34
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
  9. #10

    Troy University

    Troy , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/20

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Troy University

    Cost of Degree: $8,550
    Expenses: $14,366
    Starting Salary: $38,096
    Salary after 4 years: $53,945
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Environmental and Biological Science
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. #12

    Stevenson University

    Owings Mills , MD
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Stevenson University

    Cost of Degree: $8,460
    Expenses: $20,278
    Starting Salary: $31,594
    Salary after 4 years: $49,324
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Forensic Science Plus Biology Bs+Ms Program
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Healthcare Management Plus Biology Bs+Ms Program
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  11. #14

    University of Saint Joseph

    West Hartford , CT

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Saint Joseph

    Cost of Degree: $16,971
    Expenses: $16,416
    Starting Salary: $30,611
    Salary after 4 years: $47,788
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Biology
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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Best Online Master’s in Biology Education

  1. #1

    Miami University

    Oxford , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/28

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Miami University

    Cost of Degree: $16,264
    Expenses: $20,948
    Starting Salary: $51,351
    Salary after 4 years: $72,714
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MAT in Biology or Biological Sciences

    Concentrations

    • Advanced Inquiry Program
    • Required Credits: 35
    • Completion time: 2.5 years
    • Format: Online
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1328/27

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Alabama in Huntsville

    Cost of Degree: $11,686
    Expenses: $18,000
    Starting Salary: $48,200
    Salary after 4 years: $68,251
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MEd in Education

    Concentrations

    • Secondary Education (Biology, Chemistry, English Language, History, Mathematics, Physics) 6-12
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $11,185
    Expenses: $18,636
    Starting Salary: $40,692
    Salary after 4 years: $57,620
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MEd in Secondary Education

    Concentrations

    • Specialization: Biology
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. #5

    Troy University

    Troy , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/20

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Troy University

    Cost of Degree: $8,550
    Expenses: $14,366
    Starting Salary: $38,096
    Salary after 4 years: $53,945
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MEd in Secondary Education

    Concentrations

    • Biology, General Science, Mathematics, Social Science (6-12)
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Environmental and Biological Science
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. #6

    Concord University

    Athens , WV
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1012/21

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Concord University

    Cost of Degree: $10,370
    Expenses: $16,282
    Starting Salary: $33,091
    Salary after 4 years: $46,857
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Teaching

    Concentrations

    • Biological Sciences 9-Adult
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. #7

    Stevenson University

    Owings Mills , MD
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Stevenson University

    Cost of Degree: $8,460
    Expenses: $20,278
    Starting Salary: $31,594
    Salary after 4 years: $49,324
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MEd in Integrative Learning Plus Biology Bs+Ms Program
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Teaching Plus Biology Bs+Ms Program
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Teaching

    Concentrations

    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Earth And Space Science
    • Physical Science
    • Physics
    • Mathematics
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. #8

    SUNY Brockport

    Brockport , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/22

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at SUNY Brockport

    Cost of Degree: $12,408
    Expenses: $18,980
    Starting Salary: $42,175
    Salary after 4 years: $59,720
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MEd in Adolescence Education

    Concentrations

    • Biology
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  8. #9

    Columbia College

    Columbia , SC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    995/16

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Columbia College

    Cost of Degree: $15,216
    Expenses: $14,450
    Starting Salary: $20,947
    Salary after 4 years: $32,702
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBio in Biology For Science Educator
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 20 months
    • Format: Online
  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/19

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Columbus State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,680
    Expenses: $19,046
    Starting Salary: $35,964
    Salary after 4 years: $50,926
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MAT in Secondary Biology
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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