Top Online Degrees in Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Biology and biomedical sciences are behind some of the most important discoveries in health, medicine, and even the environment. And here’s the thing: employers want people with life science backgrounds now more than ever.

However, not everyone can pause their lives and sit in a lab on campus for four years. Fortunately, nonprofit universities now offer flexible, accredited online degrees in biological sciences and biomedical sciences that are designed to be both affordable and practical. Parents, full-time workers, and even people in rural areas can actually get a respected degree without having to move across the country.

Featured Programs

This guide breaks down what these degrees are all about, why accreditation matters, what to look for in a program, and which schools really stand out.

Related:

What Is a Degree in Biological or Biomedical Science?

A quick breakdown:

Biological science = the study of living organisms in general. Plants, animals, microbes, and humans. Expect subjects like ecology, genetics, and evolution.
Biomedical science = the human-focused side of biology. It’s all about health, disease, and medicine. Think anatomy, microbiology, pharmacology, and pathology.

What Students Study

In accredited online degrees in biological sciences and biomedical science, students can expect to learn about the big four:

Genetics (how traits and diseases are passed on)
Anatomy & Physiology (the human body inside and out)
Microbiology (the world of bacteria, viruses, and fungi)
Biochemistry (molecules and chemical reactions that make life possible)

Why Choose an Online Accredited Program?

It’s tempting to sign up for any cheap online degree, but accreditation is what separates a real education from a useless piece of paper. Here’s a deeper dive on why students must only pursue accredited online degrees in biological sciences.

It keeps financial aid doors open. Federal student aid, like grants and loans, is only available to students enrolled in accredited schools. If a school isn’t accredited, students end up paying everything out of pocket—which often makes “cheap” programs more expensive in the long run.
It improves transfer options. Let’s say someone starts an online biology degree but later wants to switch schools. Accredited credits are more likely to transfer. Unaccredited ones? They often don’t count anywhere else, meaning students waste time and money.
Accreditation assures a solid foundation for advanced study. Many biology majors eventually apply to graduate or professional schools—medical, dental, physician assistant, or research programs. Admissions offices look closely at transcripts, and an accredited program signals that coursework meets the necessary academic rigor.

Other benefits of online biomedical science degree programs:

Flexibility: Classes fit around jobs, kids, or other responsibilities.
Affordability: Many nonprofit schools keep tuition reasonable and sometimes even charge flat rates regardless of where a student lives.
Accessibility: Perfect for students who don’t live near big universities.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Programs

Here are factors students must consider when narrowing down the best online biology degrees.

Accreditation (non-negotiable).
Cost and aid (tuition per credit, scholarships, and transfer credit policies).
Faculty expertise (professors who are researchers, not just lecturers).
Student support (advising, tutoring, career help).
Graduate outcomes (job placement rates, alumni success).

Top Accredited Online Degrees in Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Here are some standout nonprofit schools that offer solid, flexible, accredited online degrees in biological sciences and biomedical sciences:

1. University of Florida Online – BS in Biology

Accreditation: SACSCOC
Why it’s great: Strong balance of core biology areas like genetics, anatomy, and ecology; draws students interested in both pre-med and interdisciplinary careers.
Tuition: About $129/credit (in-state) or $553/credit (out-of-state)
Good to know: UF is one of the most affordable major universities offering a 100% online biology degree. Students take courses across 17 different departments.

2. Arizona State University – Online BS in Biological Sciences

Accreditation: HLC
Why it’s great: Huge range of biology electives plus online lab simulations with interactive tools like Dreamscape Learn.
Tuition: About $561/credit.
Good to know: ASU is consistently ranked #1 in innovation and offers excellent online support to its online bachelor’s in biological sciences students.

3. University of Maryland Global Campus – BS in Biotechnology

Accreditation: MSCHE
Why it’s great: Designed with employer input, this program blends biology, bioinformatics, and lab management with a required workplace learning experience.
Tuition: About $330/credit (in-state), $499/credit (out-of-state), $250/credit (military).
Good to know: UMGC accepts up to 90 transfer credits and offers multiple start dates, making it especially flexible for working adults and military students.

4. Oregon State University Ecampus – BS in Biohealth Sciences

Accreditation: NWCCU
Why it’s great: Strong focus on human health, disease, and biomedical applications with an interdisciplinary mix of biology, public health, and social sciences. Great prep for careers in healthcare, medical research, or graduate study.
Tuition: About $384/credit (quarter system).
Good to know: This online life sciences degree offers four start terms per year, plus an online honors option.

5. Colorado State University Global – BS in Healthcare Administration (with Bio electives)

Accreditation: HLC
Why it’s great: Industry-aligned curriculum covering healthcare economics, IT, patient care, and regulations. Over 90% of graduates secure jobs in their field.
Tuition: $375/credit (flat rate, no fees, no tuition hikes).
Good to know: 100% online, 8-week courses with 12 start dates per year. Transfer up to 90 credits, including military and career experience.

6. Southern New Hampshire University – BS in Health Sciences

Accreditation: NECHE
Why it’s great: Builds skills for both allied health roles and healthcare management, with courses in healthcare economics, policy, finance, and quality management. Designed for those wanting to advance into leadership or administrative roles.
Tuition: $342/credit ($250/credit for active-duty military & spouses). This is one of the most affordable online biomedical science programs.
Good to know: 100% online, 8-week terms with multiple start dates. Transfer up to 90 credits.

7. Bellevue University – BS in Biology

Accreditation: HLC
Why it’s great: Hands-on learning with small classes, faculty mentorship, and access to advanced labs with equipment like DNA sequencers and flow cytometers. Strong prep for medical school, grad school, or research careers.
Tuition: $339/credit (on-campus daytime rate); $250/credit for military.
Good to know: One of the best nonprofit colleges for biomedical science in Nebraska, with flexible scheduling and a generous transfer credit policy.

Careers with an Online Degree in Biological or Biomedical Sciences

Earning an online life sciences degree can lead to several career paths. Yet, what someone can do with the degree depends on how far they take it.

Entry-Level Careers

Lab Technician: Testing samples in medical or research labs.
Environmental Science Assistant: Helping track pollution, climate effects, or health risks.
Pharma Sales Rep: Explaining new drugs to doctors.
Health Data Analyst: Working with patient data and lab results to improve healthcare systems.

With More Education

Research Scientist: Leading projects in biomedical or pharmaceutical labs.
Physician Assistant: Providing patient care alongside doctors.
Genetic Counselor: Helping families understand genetic testing results.

Salary Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Employment: $61,220 in the U.S.
Average Pay: $99,060/year ($47.62/hr)
Range: $52K (low 10%) to $158K+ (top 10%)
Growth: Faster than average through 2032

Top Industries

Research & Development: $114K
Pharma Manufacturing: $115K
Government: $96K
Higher Ed: $73K

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Degrees in the Life Sciences

Can you really study biology online if labs are required?

Yes. Schools use lab simulation software or partner with local facilities so students don’t miss out.

Do employers respect online biology degrees?

If the school is regionally accredited, yes. On the diploma, the degree looks the same as on-campus programs.

Can these programs get someone into med school?

Usually yes. Most cover standard prerequisites, but applicants should double-check requirements with each med school.

How long does it take to complete an online accredited biomedical degree?

Around four years full-time. But transfer credits or accelerated options can shorten it.

Tips for Success in an Online Science Degree

Here are a few helpful tips to succeed in a biological science degree online.

Stay organized. Deadlines sneak up quickly. A calendar is a lifesaver.
Take labs seriously. Even virtual labs need focus—don’t treat them as side assignments.
Get involved. Use online discussions and office hours to connect with professors and classmates.
Find real-world experience. Internships, shadowing, or volunteering look great on resumes.
Lean on support services. Tutoring, writing centers, and advising are there to help.

Conclusion + Call to Action

Biology and biomedical sciences are exciting fields with endless career possibilities. And thanks to accredited nonprofit universities, students don’t have to choose between education and life responsibilities. Online programs at schools like the University of Florida, Arizona State, and Oregon State prove that even the cheapest online biology degree programs are still high quality.

Whether the goal is to land a job in a lab right after graduation or to head toward medical school, the pathway starts with choosing the right program. Comparing tuition, accreditation, and support services is the first step.

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Top Accredited Online Degrees in Biological and Biomedical Sciences: Affordable Programs You Can Trust