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Online Biology/Biochemistry Degrees

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A degree in biology or biochemistry is a very rewarding option for those who want to make a difference in the world through their research and discoveries. It is a highly flourishing industry due to new research discoveries that need to be further developed, as well as the emergence of many new firms and mergers. Students interested in pursuing a career in this field must have strong science, math, chemistry and biology skills. Computer science is another skill that will greatly help students along the way. People in this career spend a great deal of time in laboratories with science lab equipment conducting important research. It is important for students to develop appropriate research skills in order to succeed in this industry. It is also important for students to follow all safety measures within the laboratory in case they are working with hazardous or harmful chemicals and materials.

People in this field have the option of being employed by private companies, universities, colleges, and government agencies to conduct their work. Many scientists develop research proposals and present them to companies and foundations with the hope that they will fund their research. Most scientists have a goal of delving deeper into research that they started during graduate school or their PhD program, but it is only possible if the work and the research can be funded. Many people in the biology and biochemistry fields specialize in certain areas and spend their lives work working toward a goal in that specific area. Many of these goals revolve around solving a specific problem within that field.

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  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
Accredited Schools Offering Online Biology/Biochemistry Degrees
School School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Walden University For-Profit $9,480 61% (77 reviews)
Western Governors University Non-Profit $5,870 77% (77 reviews)

What are some of the specializations within this degree program?

Degree specializations within the fields of biology and biochemistry include aquatic biology, agricultural and food biology, medical science, biochemistry, biophysics, microbiology, physiology, botany, zoology, and ecology.

What degree levels are available?

  • Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
  • Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
  • PhD Degree: 2-3 years to complete

What are the educational and certification requirements?

In order for students to pursue an advanced career as a biology or biochemistry research scientist, they must graduate from a PhD program. In order to accomplish this, they must first obtain their bachelor's from a four-year accredited university. There are jobs available for people wishing to pursue a career in this field with just a bachelor's degree, but they often don't include direct hands-on research.

Students must take many courses that have a strong concentrations in mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering, computer science, and laboratory equipment. These courses will have the most emphasis in students' future careers. It is also beneficial for students to work as a teacher in their field while attending school. In addition, students opting to obtain their PhD must write a dissertation and defend it to a group of scholars in order to graduate from the program. (BLS) Once students receive their degree in biology or biochemistry, they will be able to begin working in their specific field of study without an additional certification requirements.

What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?

  • Chemistry: Chemistry and biology are probably the the most intertwined of all the natural sciences. You will learn about the chemical process that prove relevant to your labs, research, and more.
  • Computer Science: Learning about computers is incredibly crucial to your sucess in biology, no matter how you end up using your education in this field. Bioinformatics, laboratory equipment management, and models and simulations of biological processes will appear in this coursework. 
  • Immunology: This branch of science focuses on the functions, processes, and problems of the immune system. Disease, the nature of immune response, and assessing immunologic techniques are this course's primary elements. 
  • Genetics: This field, the science of heredity, is themed on the ways in which genes interact, and the myriad ramifications of these interactions. Count on genetics having influence not just in this class, but in many others in your biology major as well.
  • Ecology: This field is actually a specialization within the larger discipline of biology, focusing on how various organisms interact with their environment, as well as with one another. Look to take courses like this one in the latter half of your biology education.

Is on-site training required if I pursue this degree online?

The majority of online biology degree programs will not require you to be physically present at some point during the experience. This, however, can change depending on your level of study. Master's and doctoral students, for example, may need to complete on-site work for lab research, thesis and dissertation presentations, and other such tasks. 

What are some other degrees that are related to this program?

Students studying medical science spend their time researching diseases that affect humans. Their main goal is to improve human health. Most medical scientists are looking to improve past research on viruses, bacteria, and living organisms to utilize as cures for modern-day medical problems.

A degree in engineering and natural science management teaches students to oversee the work of engineers, scientists, and technicians. Graduates will be in charge of managing and planning all activities within their company and supervising how the employees are working. There is a large administrative emphasis in this field.

Students in conservation science degree programs learn how to restore and manage natural resources. They have the option to specialize in different areas of conservation and will study the ways in which many areas of forest, wood, soil, and minerals are conserved.

Food science degrees teach students effective ways to maintain the nation's food supply; they will learn to improve the overall quantity and quality of food while maintaining food safety and productivity.

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Ask An Expert: Real Questions, Expert Answers

Is it possible to get a biology degree online?
Submitted on: May 14, 2012

Walden University and Western Governors University both offer online programs in Biology.

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