Biology Degree Guide
What is biology?
Biology is the study of life, of organisms, and how they survive, function, grow and interact.
What should I look for in an online biology school?
The best online biology schools should either possess regional or national accreditation from an accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
In addition, you can often recognize top online biology schools based on:
- The school’s name and status
- The school’s history
- Teacher credentials
- Alumni network
- Admission requirements
- Residency requirements
- Class and teaching style
- Testing methods used
- Course content and presentation
- Program length
- Class size
- Student-teacher interaction
- Technology use
- Tuition and financial aid
- Transferability of credits
- Availability of a dedicated administration team and resources
What levels of online biology programs are available?
The following levels of biology degree online programs are available:
- Online Biology Certificate Programs
- Online Associates in Biology
- Online Bachelor in Biology
- Online Masters in Biology
- Online PhD in Biology
How long does it take to get an online biology degree?
The amount of time it takes a student to earn an accredited online biology degree depends on the level of biology degree being pursued and the pace of the student.
Typically, the breakdown is as follows:
- Online Biology Certification Programs – 6 months to 1 year
- Online Biology Associates Degree – 2 years
- Online Biology Bachelor Degree – 4 years
- Online Biology Masters – 2 years
- Online Biology PhD – 2 to 5 years
What are some examples of online biology courses?
b Some of the best career-oriented courses you could take in an accredited online Biology degree program include:
- Microbiology
Microbiology, the study of microscopic organisms, is a key introductory course in the best online biology degree programs, and focuses on the functions, respiration, and reproduction on the cellular level. - Genetics and the Development of Organisms
In this top online biology course, students will study the principles of genetics, fundamentals of Mendel’s laws, to form an understanding of how genes combine to dictate the traits of offspring. - Neurobiology
An integral part of good online biology programs, neurobiology studies the nervous system and the brain, and will discuss different sensory systems, ion channels, as well as various biochemical and physiological bases of condition and memory. - Environmental Toxicology
This popular online biology course focuses on the effects of organic and non-organic pollutants on different environments, how to recognize the effects, the toxins involved, and the impact that these factors have on an ecosystem at large. - Ecology and Evolution
An environmental focus for students majoring in biology, this course illustrates the growth of active ecosystems, how they spread, interact, and influence one another, and how the organisms within adapt to the changes presented.
What areas of biology specialization are available?
The best online biology degree programs can work towards any of the following specializations:
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Cellular Biology
- Ecology
- Environmentalism
- Genetic Engineering
- Integrative Biology
- Medical Science
- Microbiology
- Neurobiology
- Zoology
What can I do with a biology degree?
The set of skills provided by good online biology programs can lead to biologist work in an equally wide range of positions, the majority of which are field of lab jobs and include:
- Soil and Plant Specialist
- Biochemist
- Biophysicist
- Microbiologist
- Zoologist/Wildlife Biologist
- Medical Scientist
- Biological Technician
- Forest and Conservation Scientist/Technician
- Environmental Scientist
What is a biologist?
A biologist is a scientist who studies life, its function, its emergence and decay, and its effect on surrounding life.
What does a biologist do?
Biologists commonly work in one of two places: laboratories in which small specimens and samples can be tested studied in expertly controlled conditions, or out in the field, in the natural habitat of whatever plant, animal, or fungus they study. Biologists are concerned with taking notes, making observations, drawing theories from data, and generally understanding the specific applications and ramifications of their subject. Biologists’ research can be responsible for pointing out environmental trends, discovering emerging pathogens, or testing health properties of indigenous species.
How much does a biologist earn?
Field biologists earn a mean annual wage of $60,670. However, integrated and specialized biologists like biochemists or biophysicist can earn a mean annual wage of $88,550. The employment is supposed to grow 1.3% in the coming year. Careers in biology will continue to grow steadily as the technology used to research become more precise and can indicate trends that were unobservable just ten years ago.
How do I become a biologist?
Biologists must be very focused and driven, with keen attention to detail, a willingness to get their hands dirty, and extreme patience during observation. Though a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited program is important, the most essential item on a biologist’s résumé is his fieldwork, usually gained through an internship, an independent study or personal venture project, or an intensive which removes the prospective scientist from all other influences than his research subject. Most paying lab or field positions are gained in aftermath of a non-paying student internship and recommendations from the project leaders.