BestOnlineCollege.org is an advertising-supported website. Many of the school and program listings that appear on this site are from partners who compensate us, and this compensation may affect how, where, and in what order listings appear (such as featured placements). This compensation does not influence our editorial content, evaluations, or rankings, which are determined independently using publicly available data. We do not review or feature every school or program available in the marketplace. Our goal is to provide accurate, unbiased information so you can make informed decisions. Read our full Advertiser Disclosure.
Online Biology Bachelor's Degree
An online biology bachelor’s degree is a broad, foundational way to build undergraduate knowledge of living systems, from molecular biology through ecology. Most programs cover core coursework and then let you tailor electives toward a pre-health, environmental, or general life-sciences focus based on your goals.
BA stands for Bachelor of Arts and BS stands for Bachelor of Science. Some schools award a BA in biology with fewer required lab and quantitative credits, while others award a BS with a heavier science and math load; compare curriculum requirements at each school since titles are not standardized.
Quick Answers
What is an online bachelor’s in biology?
It is an undergraduate program covering the science of living organisms, typically 120 credits, combining lecture coursework delivered online with a lab component completed through a kit, partner lab, or on-campus intensive.
What degree titles are common?
Common titles include Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology, with the BS generally including more required lab science and mathematics coursework.
How are labs completed in an online biology bachelor’s program?
Labs are typically completed through an at-home lab kit mailed by the school, a local partner-lab arrangement, virtual lab simulation software, or a short on-campus intensive weekend. Format varies by school, so confirm before enrolling.
Can an online biology bachelor’s prepare me for graduate or professional school?
It can serve as a foundation, but admission to nursing, medical, dental, veterinary, or other professional programs depends on the specific prerequisite courses completed, not the degree title alone. Confirm required prerequisite coursework with your target program directly.
What do admissions requirements usually include?
Requirements vary by school but commonly include a high school transcript or equivalent, standardized test scores (where required), and any placement testing for math or science readiness.
At a Glance
- Degree type: Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology
- Typical duration: 4 years full-time
- Credits: Approximately 120 semester hours
- Lab format: At-home kits, partner labs, virtual simulations, or on-campus intensives (varies by school)
- Accreditation: Confirm recognized institutional accreditation
See schools offering biology programs on the Biology Program Guide.
Typical topics in a bachelor’s program
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| General Biology I & II | Foundational principles of cell biology, genetics, and evolution |
| Cell and Molecular Biology | Structure and function of cells and molecular processes |
| Genetics | Inheritance patterns, gene expression, and molecular genetics |
| Ecology and Evolution | Species interactions, ecosystems, and evolutionary theory |
| Anatomy and Physiology | Structure and function of organ systems |
| Microbiology | Microorganisms and their role in health, disease, and the environment |
| Statistics or Research Methods | Data analysis and experimental design for scientific research |
Skills and outcomes to compare
Outcomes vary by program, but you can compare:
- Depth of lab coursework and how labs are delivered
- Availability of a pre-health, environmental, or research-focused track
- Research or capstone project requirements
- Advising support for students planning to apply to graduate or professional programs
For pacing and delivery details, see: How Online Biology Degrees Work
How to compare online bachelor’s programs
- Confirm how lab requirements are delivered and what they cost beyond tuition.
- Review the core curriculum and whether a track or concentration is offered.
- Check transfer credit policies if you have prior coursework.
- Confirm admissions requirements and any prerequisite testing.
- Compare pacing options, including accelerated formats.
- Verify institutional accreditation before applying.
Admissions requirements
Requirements vary by school, but most undergraduate programs require a high school transcript or equivalent. Some schools request standardized test scores or placement testing in math and science, particularly for students without recent coursework in those subjects.
Compare related pages:
For a value and fit discussion, see: Is a Biology Degree Worth It
Data verified: July 30, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.
Back to Online Biology Degrees Guide: Levels and Career Paths