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If you have strong research and writing skills and an interest in the study of life, learn more about the best online master’s in biology.
In these programs, you’ll investigate the study of life. Sounds pretty broad, right? That’s because biology encompasses a wide range of fascinating fields including immunology, marine biology, biochemistry, ecology, evolutionary biology, and much more. Overall, you’ll study the structure and function of various life forms.
Earning your master’s degree in biology can lead you to dental school, medical school, doctoral study, or a career in research or education. You may also become a zoologist, biologist, geneticist, or forensic scientist. The possibilities are endless!
Of course, you may be worried about the time and sacrifice required to earn a degree. With these online master’s in Biology, there’s no need to fear. You can watch lectures and complete coursework according to your schedule, from wherever you are. That means you can continue working and taking care of other responsibilities, all while earning a high-quality degree.
What kind of master’s in biology should you get?
It’s important to choose a master’s in biology program related to your career goals. Some programs are specifically for biology teachers, while others are ideal for pre-dental or pre-medical school students. Others are more general programs that can apply to a wide variety of careers. In our program descriptions, we’ve indicated which career paths each program is suited for.
In addition, some programs will allow you to select a specialization or area of focus aligned with your goals. In other programs, you can strategically choose electives related to your career plans.
These programs are available in traditional formats and online. Of course, online programs allow you to work from anywhere, at any time. If you’re interested in the flexibility of online programs but unsure if biology is for you, check out our list of the Best Online Colleges and Universities.
How much money do people make with a master’s in biology?
Just as a master’s in biology can lead to a wide range of careers, it can lead to a wide range of salaries. Let’s take a look at some of your options and their median salaries, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Zoologist/wildlife biologist- $63,420
- Microbiologist- $71,650
- Geneticist- $80,370
- Biochemist/biophysicist- $93,280
- Forensic scientist- $58,230
- Biology teacher- $60,320
A master’s degree in biology will open the door to a variety of exciting, well-paying, and in-demand careers. The job outlook for these careers is projected to grow as fast or faster than average over the next decade. And these aren’t the only career options available to you – just a small sample. Plus, if you choose to pursue a doctoral degree, you’ll have access to even more careers with even higher salaries.
What can you do with a master’s in biology?
People who hold a master’s degree in biology teach, conduct research, and work as scientists in a range of fields. Many also go on to pursue doctorate degrees, attend medical or dental school, or complete a physician assistant’s program.
Many careers require a doctorate or a master’s. For others, you’ll need to take an additional step and earn a doctoral degree. A doctoral degree can help you land a high-level position in academia, research, or industry.
What are the requirements for an online master’s in biology?
To be accepted to a master’s in biology program, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field. Schools will require your transcripts and may also ask for letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and/or a personal statement or writing sample.
Most online master’s in biology degrees can be completed within two years. You’ll take courses in areas like cell biology, biostatistics, ecology, research/experiment design, genetics, immunology, and more. For these online programs, you will not be required to write a thesis. However, you may have to complete various projects, pass a comprehensive exam, write research papers, and/or meet minimum GPA requirements.
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#1 Best Online Master’s In Biology Degrees
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Worcester, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers biology students an online master's in biology and biotechnology that is a top-ranked program in its class. The program prepares learners for high-level careers not always available to those with a bachelor’s alone. Some master's graduates move on to a doctorate.
Many learners appreciate the school’s convenient online format. Students report being able to work and prioritize other obligations without sacrificing advanced education. Enrollees tend to do better in educational environments such as this, where personalized learning is emphasized and faculty support is available to all.
Though the department can provide more information, the application requirements include a bachelor’s degree and transcripts. School data show the acceptance rate stands at 49%, but some programs may differ. Tuition stands at around $28,188 per year for enrollees who live in Massachusetts. Students can help fund their education with grants, loans, and scholarships.
Percent Online Enrollment
14%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Online Master’s In Biology Degrees
Illinois Institute of Technology
- Chicago, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Degree-seekers can choose from a variety of online graduate degrees at Illinois Institute of Technology. A notable option is the master of science in biology for the health professions, developed for learners with a bachelor’s in biology. The program provides the rigorous education expected from a graduate program using a flexible online format.
Enrollees study in classes with a 12-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio that is conducive to personalized learning. The curriculum is steeped in advanced theoretical concepts and practices in biology. Obtaining this degree gives graduates an advantage in career advancement opportunities and higher pay negotiations.
Students can expect to pay $29,487 per year in tuition. Grants and scholarships, both from the school and from third parties, can help reduce this cost. At this institution, about 43% of enrollees use student loans to finance all or part of their program.
Percent Online Enrollment
16%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Master’s In Biology Degrees
Clemson University
- Clemson, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Busy biology students attend Clemson University because they can earn graduate degrees at an institution that prioritizes learning flexibility. Located in Clemson, South Carolina, the school offers a ranked master's in biological sciences in its catalog of 18 online master's programs. A busy schedule is no barrier to graduate education with degrees such as this one.
A bachelor’s in the major is a typical requirement for many master’s programs, but criteria vary depending on the degree. Degree candidates complete rigorous coursework they couldn’t access in a bachelor’s program alone. Preparation for a doctoral program is another benefit of this degree.
The school keeps tuition competitive, charging $10,600 per year for South Carolina enrollees, and $22,050 per year for those who live elsewhere. Learners can use resources at the financial aid department to determine if they qualify for financial aid like grants and scholarships. Loans are another way to help pay for part or all of the program's tuition.
Percent Online Enrollment
29%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Master’s In Biology Degrees
University of Nebraska at Kearney
- Kearney, NE
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Nebraska at Kearney, a public college, develops programs that provide a unique learning experience requiring little to no on-campus attendance. Students interested in graduate programs they can pursue from a distance can choose from 14 master's degrees available online. The master of science in biology is one such option for students interested in the biology field.
Online education's flexibility and adaptability make it an attractive choice for many graduate degree-seekers. Caretakers, workers, and other busy enrollees appreciate the ability to schedule instruction and coursework in a way that works with their schedules. The school boasts deep experience providing rigorous programs that emphasize both quality and flexible learning.
The admittance rate is 85% per year overall, but applicants may be accepted at varying rates for different programs. For consideration to enter this program, degree-seekers need a bachelor's degree unless otherwise stated. The department can provide more information about application requirements such as transcripts, interviews, and recommendation letters.
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Master’s In Biology Degrees
Western Kentucky University
- Bowling Green, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Western Kentucky University is a public college with many programs to offer from its Bowling Green campus. Learners interested in graduate programs they can pursue from a distance can choose from 27 master's degrees available online. The master of science in biology is a good option for biology learners who want advanced degrees.
The program can fit into busy schedules because of its adaptability and flexibility. Busy enrollees may have access to recorded videos that facilitate anytime viewing. They can also complete their assignments within a reasonable timeframe as faculty allow. Degree candidates receive the rigorous academic preparation they expect without sacrificing quality.
Based on their latest statistics, the school accepts about 97% of applicants each year. For consideration to enter this program, degree-seekers need a bachelor's degree unless otherwise stated. Contact the school to see how to apply to this program and submit the required documents.
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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