2025 Best Biology Master's Degrees Online
The best online biology master’s degree online must first come from an institutionally accredited school. All colleges on our list are accredited and ranked by which ones graduated the most students with biology master’s degrees online.
Key Takeaways:
- The University of Florida ranks #1, graduating 204 students from its online M.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science.
- Texas A&M University reports the highest median earnings among biology graduates at $82,327.
- Clemson University earns a 96% recommendation rate from students we surveyed.
See our methodology for details about how we rank degrees. After our analysis, we spoke with neuroscientist and scientific consultant Dr. Gregory Gasic, who explained some of the features of online biology master's programs and how to get research opportunities in this field.
2025 Best Biology Master's Degrees Online
Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Florida | 204 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $8,025 | $52,199 | 92% | |
Liberty University | 137 | $12,806 | $62,864 | 75% | |
Miami University - Oxford | 187 | $7,962 | $54,539 | 96% | |
Texas A&M University - College Station | 89 | $24,090 | $82,327 | 96% | |
Clemson University | 89 | $7,725 | $70,731 | 96% | |
University of Nebraska at Kearney | 69 | $9,720 | $61,239 | 92% | |
Drexel University | 67 | $32,940 | $72,750 | 89% | |
University of West Alabama | 33 | $12,870 | N/A | 81% | |
University of the Southwest | 28 | $10,125 | N/A | 76% | |
Texas A&M University - Commerce | 28 | $12,670 | N/A | 91% | |
Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis | 22 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $7,350 | $70,874 | 94% | |
Eastern Illinois University | 18 | $10,827 | N/A | 87% | |
Alcorn State University | 17 | $6,682 | N/A | 83% | |
Mississippi State University | 15 | $9,215 | N/A | 85% | |
University of Northern Colorado | 15 | $9,975 | $66,844 | 78% |
2025 Best Biology Master's Degrees Online - Program Details
- Graduates: 204
- Annual Tuition: 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $8,025
- Median Salary: $52,199
- Recommendation: 92%
Why we like them: Ranked #1 on our list as the best option for an online biology master's, UF graduated 204 learners from its online microbiology and cell science master’s program. There's no in-person laboratory requirement (which is rare), but there are some topical journal colloquy seminars that include COVID-19, bacteriology, and host-microbiome interactions.
- Graduates: 137
- Annual Tuition: $12,806
- Median Salary: $62,864
- Recommendation: 75%
Why we like them: Liberty's human biology master's programs allows you to get a rare pairing of graduate-level human biology with higher-education pedagogy that prepares you to teach advanced anatomy and physiology. The capstone’s requirement to assemble a teaching portfolio, grading rubrics, and lecture materials is uncommon but a job-ready deliverable that can distinguish you.
- Graduates: 187
- Annual Tuition: $7,962
- Median Salary: $54,539
- Recommendation: 96%
Why we like them: Miami’s Project Dragonfly distinguishes the GFP with locked-in reduced tuition through Spring 2027 with no out-of-state surcharge, so you get predictable pricing. The biology master's program follows a sequenced model that requires three Earth Expeditions paired with three Inquiry & Action courses.
- Graduates: 89
- Annual Tuition: $24,090
- Median Salary: $82,327
- Recommendation: 96%
Why we like them: TAMU’s online M.E. is built around a required, credit-bearing professional internship that culminates in a journal-style professional paper and a final oral exam, giving you a practice-centered capstone in place of a thesis. The online learning format concentrates on Food Engineering and processing, a distinctive specialization among online bio/ag engineering.
- Graduates: 89
- Annual Tuition: $7,725
- Median Salary: $70,731
- Recommendation: 96%
Why we like them: Clemson (which was a 96% recommendation rate, the highest on our list) tailors this master's degree to working educators through two distinct pathways, including an Advanced Student Status for non-degree upskilling and a 30-credit degree-seeking track. It requires original research, including one semester of data collection and a manuscript-caliber research report.
- Graduates: 69
- Annual Tuition: $9,720
- Median Salary: $61,239
- Recommendation: 92%
Why we like them: UNK's biology master's program online serves high school and middle school educators alongside researchers, and it's reinforced by CAEP accreditation in addition to HLC approval. You can build a 30-credit plan around customizable electives that span physiology, genetics, cellular and molecular biology, ecology, evolution, environmental and organismal biology.
- Graduates: 67
- Annual Tuition: $32,940
- Median Salary: $72,750
- Recommendation: 89%
Why we like them: Drexel delivers this program through the Colleges of Medicine and Engineering, so you approach cell and gene therapy from both biological and engineering vantage points while integrating bioprocess and manufacturing coursework. You culminate in a commercialization capstone that has you build a go-to-market plan for a novel biomedical technology.
- Graduates: 33
- Annual Tuition: $12,870
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 81%
Why we like them: UWA offers a Mentor Collective, which is one-on-one mentoring and an assigned personal success coach. The conservation biology online program is career-aligned with the National Park Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
- Graduates: 28
- Annual Tuition: $10,125
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 76%
Why we like them: USW’s genetics-only master’s program integrates molecular and cellular genetics with evolutionary genetics and genomics across microbial, plant, and animal systems. We believe this cross-taxa, bench-to-genome breadth is unique. We also note the program’s explicit connection to biotech and pharmaceutical research roles, academic and government labs, and doctoral prep.
- Graduates: 28
- Annual Tuition: $12,670
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 91%
Why we like them: With a 91% recommendation rate, TAMUC hosts a biological sciences master's program online that is designed for educators. It can qualify you to teach dual-credit and lower-division college courses. You can also select a thesis track with research anchored in the McFarland Science Building and the Biomedical Institute for Regenerative Research.
- Graduates: 22
- Annual Tuition: 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $7,350
- Median Salary: $70,874
- Recommendation: 94%
Why we like them: This is another teacher-focused online biology master’s degree online. We are impressed by the inclusion of field-forward and specialty offerings — Advanced Field Zoology, Ornithology, and Bioinformatics — that help equip students to teach dual-credit content with current, research-aligned depth.
- Graduates: 18
- Annual Tuition: $10,827
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 87%
Why we like them: EIU's online MS in biology has a 1-year completion option, a streamlined admission policy with no GRE, and it has an explicit route for students to earn hours applicable to K-12 and dual-credit teaching.
- Graduates: 17
- Annual Tuition: $6,682
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 83%
Why we like them: At ASU's program, there's a faculty-guided Special Project and an internship component, giving you applied, résumé-ready experience. You can choose a variety of "advanced" courses like Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Toxicology, Advanced Immunology, Advanced Environmental Biology, Advanced Invertebrate Zoology, and Advanced Histology.
- Graduates: 15
- Annual Tuition: $9,215
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 85%
Why we like them: The Teachers in Biology structure targets secondary educators seeking certification upgrades, pay-scale advancement, or eligibility to teach dual enrollment. You pay in-state tuition from anywhere, which is a solid pricing advantage.
- Graduates: 15
- Annual Tuition: $9,975
- Median Salary: $66,844
- Recommendation: 78%
Why we like them: Many courses overlap with UNC’s accelerated Biomedical Science MBS curriculum, letting you prepare for medical, dental, veterinary, or pharmacy pathways at a part-time cadence. There’s also special scholarship support for educators in rural Colorado districts, highlighting the program’s regional impact.
Dr. Gregory Gasic on How Online Biology Master’s Students Can Build Skills and Careers

Neuroscientist, Scientific Consultant in Physics & Theoretical Biology
What sort of undergraduate education prepares students for success in an online graduate biology program?
"An inside track is given those who possess an undergraduate education with a strong biological emphasis, or perhaps biomedical sciences, while having also completed course requirements in genetics, cell biology, chemistry, and statistics. Laboratory or research experience in some capacity will serve as an advantage."
If a biology student is enrolled in a master's program primarily offered via online classes, how can they conduct significant lab/field experiences?
"Several online programs organize in-person lab intensive opportunities or collaborations with local facilities. Students can also get practical training through internships, assistance with independent research, or volunteering at local labs, hospitals, or environmental organizations.
"Online programs afford flexibility to working professionals, their courses can be taken from anywhere, no compromise is made on academic integrity, yet the balance between work-study and personal life can be maintained."
Are there emerging areas in biology that online master's students should prioritize as they pursue their studies?
"Yes, microbiome science, climate biology, synthetic biology, conservation genomics. These are among the growing areas. Making a combination of these with data science or computing skills will bring students into further consideration.
Other possible areas of employment are biotechnology, environmental consulting, public health, science communication, regulatory affairs, and education. The degree would likewise support certain non-lab avenues of policy, grant writing, and technical writing."
EXPERT TIP
"Bioinformatics, data analysis with R and Python, molecular biology techniques such as PCR and sequencing, and use of GIS for ecological studies are in high demand. Those are the areas where there are ongoing trends in research and application."
FAQs About a Biology Master's Degree Online
What Is an Online Biology Master’s Degree?
A biology master's degree online offers advanced training in the biological sciences, covering topics like genetics, ecology, and biotechnology. Graduates may pursue occupations as diverse as biosecurity analysts, epidemiologists, research biologists, and secondary educators.
At the master's level the field of biology covers a wide variety of subjects related to life science. You'll look at every aspect of life — from the smallest organisms to the greater environments they occupy. Coursework will include microbiology, ecology, molecular biology, and physiology. You'll conduct lab work and research techniques, engage in terminology memorization, and write extensive syllabuses on different biological subjects.
Graduate programs require you to complete a bachelor's degree in biology before applying to school at the master's level. You'll find biology careers in medicine, sustainability, agriculture, conservation, and zoology. Earning a biology degree online is a respected path to a lucrative career in a number of fields, such as teaching, scientific research, and wildlife conservation. Some students use their degree as a stepping stone to a PhD, while others may jump straight into their career. Defining your career path before committing to any given concentration is important.
Before deciding on an online school, ensure they have received the proper accreditation from the U.S. Department of Education or other regional accreditation organizations. OnlineU recommends the best online biology master's programs, each of which comes from accredited institutions.
Master's degrees in biology can be earned in one to three years, depending on how much time you can allot to finishing 30 or more credits. Some students study on a full-time schedule, while others move at a slower pace because they work while attending school. Online biology master's programs may also require students to participate in an internship in order to gain real-world experience prior to graduation. If not required, you can still benefit from this practical experience by asking your school if they can set you up with an approved employer or research mentor.
What Courses Do You Take in a Biology Master’s Program?
Biology courses at the master's level build upon the foundational knowledge you gained in your bachelor's degree. This time around, there will be a heavier focus on research projects and lab work. You'll take core courses in pathology, ecology, and both molecular and cellular biological systems, among other subjects.
In the section below, we'll look more closely at specific courses that are commonly required in a master's program in biology:
- Cell and Molecular Biology: This course explores the various properties of cells, including their structures, compositions, and growth processes. It also covers DNA function as well as the molecular tools used in studying gene activity.
- Biochemistry: Biochemical principles are studied at length in this course, including the composition, structure, and properties of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Research may be conducted on enzyme reaction mechanisms and molecular genetics.
- Clinical Bacteriology: During this lab-focused class, you'll look at the techniques and tools used in handling pathogens and bacteria in a research setting, alongside diagnostic techniques for viruses.
- Community Ecology: This is the study of the biotic interactions between plants and animals. You'll learn about different community types and how they interact competitively and engage in predator-and-prey relationships.
- Evolution: The history, processes, and modern day effects of evolution will be looked at in this course. This includes adaptation, natural selection, gene flow, geographic variation, and fossil records.
What Specializations Are Available in a Biology Master’s Degree?
Master's degrees are typically focused on a specialization within an overarching subject. Biology is considered a STEM subject, therefore most programs are designated under a Master of Science. However, they aren't often labeled as a Master of Science in Biology. Instead, degree titles at this level typically include a specific discipline, such as botany, zoology, bioethics, cell science, or wildlife and fisheries.
Since master's degrees require a completed bachelor's program in a related field, it's assumed that students already have a foundational understanding of these topics. For those rare degrees labeled as a master's in biology, you may find concentrations such as molecular and cell biology, environmental and organismal biology, or integrated physiology.
Degree titles at this level typically include a specific discipline, such as botany, zoology, bioethics, cell science, or wildlife and fisheries.
What Can I Do With an Online Biology Master's Degree?
Your career path in biology depends mostly on your particular area of study. Graduates focused on environmental science, for example, may go on to work as an analyst for a government agency, while graduates who specialize in botany may find themselves hired as a naturalist for a nonprofit organization. It's important to have a career path in mind while taking courses at the master's level. This will help set you up for a promising job in the best industry for your expertise.
Let's look at some common career pathways for biology graduate students:
at the postsecondary level require a master's degree. They teach the fundamentals of biological science while administering tests, conducting field research with students, and supervising lab work. They also conduct their own original research in their given niche.
The job of is to study and understand Earth's ecosystem to protect it from harm. Alternatively, they're also responsible for protecting people from environmental hazards. They may conduct studies on natural resources, advise politicians and government agencies on environmental policy, or monitor air quality in areas with vulnerable populations. Although this role only requires a bachelor's degree to get started, the (BLS) says, "a master’s degree may be needed for advancement."
study animals in their natural habitats by looking at their physical characteristics and behaviors as well as how they interact with their environments. They often work in remote locations where they monitor animals in a live setting while compiling data in off-site labs.Although you can find an entry-level role with a bachelor's, the explains that zoologists and wildlife biologists usually need a master’s degree for investigative or scientific work.
study living organisms at the chemical and physical level. By performing scientific experiments with tools like x-rays and microscopes, they strive to understand biological processes at a deeper level. Although a PhD is required for the majority of independent research-and-development positions, the states that those with a master's degree are qualified for some entry-level positions in biochemistry and biophysics. A master's is also considered useful preparation for those most interested in working hands-on in a lab.
Is It Worth Getting a Master's in Biology Online?
Earning a biology online degree is worth it for several reasons. Graduates will find it particularly beneficial if they have a specific career path in mind, such as zoologist, ecologist, or biology teacher. Online biology graduate programs prepare you for a career by allowing you to focus on one specific area of study within biology. The coursework can be challenging and involve a lot of memorization and technical understanding, however many students are able to find a fulfilling career upon graduation.
Consider the following pros and cons as you decide whether an online master's program in biology is the right fit:
Potential Benefits
- Noble work — Help prevent the spread of dangerous diseases as a microbiologist. In a recent , the World Health Organization listed Dengue, HIV, Ebola, and Influenza as being four of the top ten threats to global health.
- Plenty of employment opportunities with a gainful salary — The BLS reports that graduates with a degree in biology earn a median salary of . In total, 3,107,000 biology degree holders are employed in the United States.
- Work in exciting locations — Graduates may find themselves working in the remote Serengeti cataloging the migration patterns of wildebeest or at a high-tech research facility studying the effects of vaccinations on the latest communicable disease.
Potential Drawbacks
- Low job growth — Many jobs in biology aren't expected to grow much in the next decade. As noted in the career section above, microbiologists, wildlife biologists, and environmental scientists will see no more than an 8% growth from 2020 to 2030.
- Cost — Master's degrees in science are expensive. According to the Education Data Initiative, master's programs today cost between .
- Potential hazards — You may encounter hazards in your work environment. Depending on what career path you take, there are often hazards — ranging from the handling of vials that hold infectious diseases, parasites, or fungi, to being in close proximity to wild animals. Many roles require workers to wear protective clothing for health and safety reasons.
Studying biology can be an exciting venture that may lead to a lucrative career. It can be a difficult degree to achieve because it involves a lot of unfamiliar terminology, and the lab work requires extensive training, but it's not considered as tough as other STEM subjects, such as chemistry and physics. After graduation, you may wind up in a fulfilling role helping to save vulnerable ecosystems through extensive environmental research or inspiring young minds through your passion for life sciences.
If you've already earned a degree in biology, you will be well-equipped to pursue an online master's in biology or a similar discipline, such as an environmental science degree. You'll use your knowledge of biology, geography, and ecological systems to study this more nuanced subject that involves protecting the earth's resources. Similarly, a master's in bioinformatics takes a data-centric approach to biology by teaching students how to analyze, catalog, and store crucial genetic information.
Student Reviews of Online Biology Programs
I had earned a bachelors and doctorate from different institutions before pursing a masters at Liberty. The online program is wonderful. Challenging yet flexible. The registrar is extremely helpful as is the tech support call center. The online program at Liberty has strict academic admissions requirements which is why, I feel, this school has one of the top online programs in the nation. Being an older student I needed guidance re navigating the online site, and Liberty provides quite a few videos... Read More
Review Date: 3/11/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My education was very rewarding and allowed me to further my career in Biology. The classes were very interesting and the professors were very accommodating and friendly. The financial aid department was very willing to answer any questions I had and helped me navigate through my options. Clemson was definitely the best choice for my masters degree.
Review Date: 12/31/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Pros Specific focus in environmental law, helpful professors, students who are very passionate about what they study. Online courses offer a lot of flexibility.Cons Limited course offerings, limited financial aid. Little to no Job in internship experiences near campus
Review Date: 8/7/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Great school! I love that there are so many classes offered in my graduate program to choose from and most of them are very intriguing! Also, the professors do a great job teaching, especially considering I took all online classes and they care about the success of their students!
Review Date: 11/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
An online biology program that is both vigorous and offers so many opportunities in the field is difficult to find. UNK offered me that opportunity. It's so convenient to have all my classes online. There are such a variety of electives offered that you could earn this generalist degree with a focus in so many different areas. Options for research provides even more flexibility and focus.
Review Date: 1/29/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The Entomology program at University of Florida is amazing. The classes are interesting and the professors really challenge you to think. Getting in touch with professors as an online student can be difficult, but when you do the opportunities with what you can do are endless (i.e. research, internships, etc.). Professors are quick to recommend old students you can talk to, which lets you network and learn about the program and research offered. Overall, I'm glad I chose this school!
Review Date: 12/11/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am a student in the Master's in Biomimicry at ASU with expected graduation end of 2017. I participated in this program exclusively on l line. The classes are very well organized, it is easy to navigate on Black Board (our in line interface) and connect with the other students and instructors in the program. The classes are challenging and rewarding. Biomimicry is a new discipline and ASU offers the only Master's level education in this new discipline. I would chose ASU again as it has been such... Read More
Review Date: 7/8/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The University of Nebraska Kearney has one of the best online Masters of Science in Biology programs in the world. I was able to pursue my career as a National Park Service biologist while obtaining the skills and certification needed to compete for career advancement. I recommend this program to anyone that wants to achieve greatness in the biological field and already has a great job you do not want to lose.
Review Date: 11/17/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I was really excited and lucky to find the online Master's of Biology program at UNK. The program is accredited, has a large range of classes from wildlife to genetics, and is very affordable. The main thing that drew me into the program was the fact that it is exactly the same as the on campus program (same classes, professors, curriculum, assignments, etc.), except the online program requires a research project and the on-campus program requires a thesis. I am three semesters into the program and... Read More
Review Date: 1/12/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Originally I was very intimidated about the idea of doing an online masters program while working full time. Online classes were new to me completely so I was very unsure how much access I would have to my teachers and other students in the program. I was very surprised to see the effort that ASU goes through in order to try and encourage interaction between student and instructor as well as between students in the program. There was a huge emphasis put on contacting the teachers or TA's for questions... Read More
Review Date: 10/16/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am a student in the Master's in Biomimicry at ASU with expected graduation end of 2017. I participated in this program exclusively on l line. The classes are very well organized, it is easy to navigate on Black Board (our in line interface) and connect with the other students and instructors in the program. The classes are challenging and rewarding. Biomimicry is a new discipline and ASU offers the only Master's level education in this new discipline. I would chose ASU again as it has been such... Read More
Review Date: 7/8/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
It is so convenient! As a working mom I can't afford to be a part of a traditional classroom. This program gives me the flexibility I need and is still challenging and rigorous. Most of the professors are very responsive and easy to work with when you have questions or need assistance. I definitely recommend it!
Review Date: 12/11/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Amazing, unique and flexible program. Would recommend to anyone.
Review Date: 10/4/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Very well taught, accessible, good education at an affordable price. It is a distance program so immediate communication with faculty is no always possible.
Review Date: 12/8/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The program is completely online which works with my crazy teaching schedule. I like the flexibility the program provides and the faculty have been very helpful all the way through.
Review Date: 3/23/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am not in the Kearney area so I appreciate the flexibility of online classes. Also, with my hectic teaching and coaching schedule accessibility is very important. Being one of the few biology programs that is available entirely on line was a huge selling point for me.
Review Date: 3/20/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
It's a really good school with too much to offer. Therefore people who get the most out of the school are those who have a set of skills they are seeking to get. I noticed that although work experience is not a requirement for admission, previous work experience is very helpful. There are also several versions of the degree so take your time to find one that is tailored to your need. Reach out! Reach out! Reach out!. The students are exceptionally helpful and the staff so ask questions via email... Read More
Review Date: 4/9/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The epidemiology program is one the best in the nation - it's an extremely rigorous program, and you learn so much in a short time. Courses are well-planned and well-thought-out; professors are busy but generally really friendly and helpful; and you will learn so much from your cohort!
Review Date: 10/17/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Overall so far Miami University is a great way to get a affordable degree. I do think that some of the online work is excessive for the number of credits the classes are worth.
Review Date: 12/16/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
pros: great use of online technology and outreach cons: none identified
Review Date: 3/8/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No