Best Online Associate Degrees in Biology 2024

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An online associate degree in biology is an excellent way to begin an academic career. This two-year community college program combines core college courses with a strong foundation in biology. Students benefit from lower costs and the flexibility of online education, allowing them to work or manage family responsibilities.

Biology students can use their associate degree courses to explore key areas of the field, including laboratory work. Surprisingly, students can even take remote lab courses, gaining hands-on experience and conducting experiments. Depending on the course, students may need additional equipment or biological samples for assignments.

PROS

An associate degree allows students to start their college career without disrupting their life. In just two years, students can complete a degree program online, avoiding the need to relocate or attend in-person classes. Online courses let students study biology through any community college offering online learning, saving on relocation and living expenses.
Community college degree programs offer significant financial benefits, as credit hours are generally much cheaper than those at four-year colleges or universities. While some online students may incur extra costs if they take courses from out-of-state colleges, certain online biology programs do not charge out-of-state premiums.

CONS

Students should weigh both the pros and cons of an online biology degree. A major challenge is the lack of structured classes—without set sessions, due dates can be flexible, making it easy to delay essential reading and studying. The self-discipline required for online courses can be tough, but with strong study habits, students can succeed in this format.
Online biology courses may lack hands-on learning, as virtual labs can’t replace the tactile experience some students need. Additionally, students may miss having an instructor present during lab time. However, instructors are typically accessible via email, and some may provide a phone number for texts or calls.

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Top 5 Best Online Associate in Biology Programs

1

Barton Community College

Score: 79.12

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,904
- Out-of-State:$4,832
Net Price: $9,073
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 50%

Graduation Rate: 41%
Total Enrollment: 4,269
Undergrad Students: 4,269
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $38,350
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

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2

Lone Star College System

Score: 74.42

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,930
- Out-of-State:$8,700
Net Price: $10,188
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 48%

Graduation Rate: 18%
Total Enrollment: 68,415
Undergrad Students: 68,415
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $57,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

3

Allen Community College

Score: 72.78

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,200
- Out-of-State:$4,480
Net Price: $9,225
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 51%

Graduation Rate: 33%
Total Enrollment: 2,007
Undergrad Students: 2,007
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $36,300
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

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4

Texas State Technical College

Score: 69.58

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,192
- Out-of-State:$11,842
Net Price: $17,306
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 55%

Graduation Rate: 37%
Total Enrollment: 10,601
Undergrad Students: 10,601
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $38,500
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

5

Midlands Technical College

Score: 64.96

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,916
- Out-of-State:$13,812
Net Price: $6,323
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 47%

Graduation Rate: 15%
Total Enrollment: 9,091
Undergrad Students: 9,091
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $35,300
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

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What Programs are Available Online?

Associate of Science in Biology:
This degree option takes a traditional scholarly approach to its subject matter. Students focus on established, scholarly sources for their work and abide by the standards of academic scholarship when it comes to citing sources, etc. AS degrees are usually STEM related including degrees in mathematics, biology, biological sciences, computer science, health sciences, and information technology.
Associate of Applied Science in Biology:
This degree option focuses on practical matters. In an associate of applied science degree program for biology, for instance, students may have their courses focus on laboratory techniques or job-related functions. While this is a great option for those who want to launch a career in a mere two years, those who wish to pursue a full bachelor's degree may have to re-take some classes or otherwise fill in some gaps to make up for the lack of scholarly rigor. This degree may also be available in majors such as biology, biological sciences, health sciences, other natural sciences, etc.
Associate of Arts in Biological Sciences:
This degree option generally goes to students who study subjects in the arts and humanities. Thus, students of English, political science, philosophy, or history, to name a few, may earn an AA degree. Some fields, such as some business degrees, may offer the option to have their diploma reflect either an associate of arts or an associate of science.

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Admission Requirements to Enter an Associate in Biology

The admission requirements for most online biology degree programs at the associate level are generally not very stringent. Students can often enroll in a community college with a high school diploma, or a general equivalency degree, and no exam scores. Community colleges also work with students no matter their grade point average.

Typically, a college's admissions standards for traditional courses are the same as for their online degree programs. Most will require that students take a battery of tests to measure their overall ability. The results will determine whether students need more remedial help in areas such as writing, reading, and mathematics or if their skills allow them to exempt introductory coursework.

How long Does it Take to Earn A Degree in This Field?

An online associate college degree in biology is designed to take students two years. This assumes a full-time courseload and a summer vacation. However, students may finish sooner if they are allowed to take extra courses and if they take summer courses. This applies to both online and traditional students alike.

Some students may find that they can complete their associate biology degree in less time when they choose online courses. This is because there are fewer, if any, scheduling conflicts involved with online learning. Students can even take their laptops on travels and keep up with classes.

What Can I Do with an Associate Degree in Biology?

Laboratory Assistant:
Lab assistants are a vital part of any laboratory environment. Lab assistants keep inventories of lab equipment to make sure everything is accounted for. They then manage the orders for new equipment. Lab assistants are also in charge of cleaning all the equipment to ensure maximum sterility for lab experiments.
Research Assistant:
This is a great way to gain field experience in biology. While some research assistants are stuck in the office pouring over data sets or organizing their professor's materials, others are in the field. Often there are long-term studies where research assistants may be involved with environmental surveys, for instance.
Pharmacy Technician:
This is a great way for a biology student to gain exposure to a career in pharmacy. Pharmacy technicians are often the primary point of contact for customers who need a friendly and helpful person to work with them. While there are specialized credentials for pharmacy technicians, a biology major could land an entry-level position in a pharmacy, with the assumption that they will go on to complete a certificate program.
Veterinary Assistant:
Animal lovers with an associate biology degree should consider a career as a veterinary assistant. Veterinary assistants should have a calm demeanor and the ability to work with animals who may be less than thrilled with their visit to the veterinarian. Biology students who want to work in the veterinary field may consider focusing their studies on animal anatomy and zoology.
Dental Assistant:
These dental health workers assist their dentist through a variety of tasks including dental x-rays, cavity filling, and some oral surgeries. Dental assistants can benefit from their biology degree because they have exposure to scientific methods as well as aspects of anatomy that may impact their work. Dental assistants may decide to earn credentials to become a hygienist, or they might decide to build on their associate degree coursework to become a dentist themselves.

How to Choose the Right Program for You

Choosing the right online associate biology degree program is crucial. To determine which suits your needs, consider your long-term goals. If you plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree, an Associate of Science program is ideal. If you prefer to enter the workforce after two years, an Associate of Applied Science degree may be a better fit.

Students should align their biology degree with their career goals. Those pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, or other health fields should focus on programs with courses in human anatomy and systems. Students interested in animals should seek programs that include zoology and animal anatomy courses.

Since biology requires lab courses, students should consider the virtual lab options offered by each program. Not all programs handle online lab work the same way, so it's important to research how each department approaches this aspect. Different virtual lab methods may appeal to students in varying ways.

Students should also consider the broader associate degree courses that support their intellectual growth. At least half of an associate degree program involves core curriculum courses like mathematics, composition, and history. Those planning to pursue a bachelor's biology degree will need calculus and physics, so taking these courses at a community college can be beneficial.

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Sample Courses for an AS

Composition and Rhetoric:
This course is the proverbial English 101 that teaches students how to write academic papers.
Biology 101:
This introductory course presents fundamental principles of biology and is often a broad overview that includes anatomy, botany, zoology, cell biology, and more.
Human Anatomy:
This may be part of a biology degree or an allied health certificate or degree program.
Organic Chemistry:
This is a vital part of biological studies. It's often considered one of the toughest courses and serves as a major hurdle for pre-med students.

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