Biology is a natural science subject that focuses on the study of life and living organisms. The major is particularly ideal for prospective students eager to learn about plants, animals, fungi, and/or bacteria. As an incredibly expansive field, it consists of a wide variety of specializations that can lead to engaging and impactful career opportunities. In fact, research and development in every biology sub-discipline has the ability to influences the nation and world as a whole. Discoveries and advancements are regularly capable of changing the very way society functions.
Many colleges and universities offer master’s degrees in biology and other related subjects. Online biology programs are also becoming increasingly common, with opportunities to study from nearly anywhere with reliable internet access. Whether enrolled traditionally or remotely, students should anticipate concentrating their studies in a particular area. While employment is available across numerous industries, graduates are most likely to find work in healthcare, management, educational instruction, business, and the sciences.
Master’s degrees are necessary to obtain many life, physical, and social science occupations in the United States. This is especially true for upper-level research and management positions. While individuals with less education are still likely to find entry-level work in the field, graduate school often leads to more career opportunities and higher pay.
Earning a biology master’s degree is not the best solution for everyone, however. Those deciding whether or not to pursue one of these programs should keep the following advantages and disadvantages in mind:
Top 20 Best Online Masters in Biology Programs
Johns Hopkins University
Score: 89.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $63,340
- Out-of-State:$63,340
- Net Price: $24,034
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 94%
- Total Enrollment: 31,275
- Undergrad Students: 6,044
- Graduate Students: 25,231
- Grads Salary: $94,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Score: 84.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,004
- Out-of-State:$34,501
- Net Price: $14,544
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 56,916
- Undergrad Students: 35,120
- Graduate Students: 21,796
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Indiana University-Bloomington
Score: 77.51
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,790
- Out-of-State:$40,482
- Net Price: $16,234
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 81%
- Total Enrollment: 47,005
- Undergrad Students: 35,660
- Graduate Students: 11,345
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Clemson University
Score: 74.97
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,554
- Out-of-State:$39,498
- Net Price: $24,577
- Acceptance Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 28,466
- Undergrad Students: 22,566
- Graduate Students: 5,900
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
George Mason University
Score: 74.97
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,815
- Out-of-State:$39,397
- Net Price: $18,479
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Total Enrollment: 39,049
- Undergrad Students: 27,014
- Graduate Students: 12,035
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Arizona State University
Score: 74.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,051
- Out-of-State:$32,193
- Net Price: $14,808
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 80,065
- Undergrad Students: 65,492
- Graduate Students: 14,573
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Score: 72.9
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,026
- Out-of-State:$22,626
- Net Price: $13,025
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 11,306
- Undergrad Students: 7,383
- Graduate Students: 3,923
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Mississippi State University
Score: 71.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,815
- Out-of-State:$26,580
- Net Price: $15,364
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 22,649
- Undergrad Students: 18,305
- Graduate Students: 4,344
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of Saint Joseph
Score: 70.71
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $45,908
- Out-of-State:$45,908
- Net Price: $25,860
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 1,992
- Undergrad Students: 831
- Graduate Students: 1,161
- Grads Salary: $88,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
Eastern Illinois University
Score: 68.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,403
- Out-of-State:$15,879
- Net Price: $13,380
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 8,857
- Undergrad Students: 6,916
- Graduate Students: 1,941
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Indiana Wesleyan University
Score: 68.41
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,168
- Out-of-State:$31,168
- Net Price: $21,755
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 2,603
- Undergrad Students: 2,236
- Graduate Students: 367
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Western Governors University
Score: 68.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,300
- Out-of-State:$8,300
- Net Price: $9,207
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 156,935
- Undergrad Students: 112,807
- Graduate Students: 44,128
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 42:1
Alcorn State University
Score: 67.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,549
- Out-of-State:$8,549
- Net Price: $14,864
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 2,933
- Undergrad Students: 2,431
- Graduate Students: 502
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Bemidji State University
Score: 66.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,164
- Out-of-State:$10,164
- Net Price: $15,561
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 4,023
- Undergrad Students: 3,677
- Graduate Students: 346
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Score: 65.8
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,302
- Out-of-State:$14,260
- Net Price: $16,564
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 6,041
- Undergrad Students: 4,269
- Graduate Students: 1,772
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Western Kentucky University
Score: 65.61
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,436
- Out-of-State:$27,000
- Net Price: $12,625
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 16,493
- Undergrad Students: 14,440
- Graduate Students: 2,053
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Indiana State University
Score: 65.03
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,992
- Out-of-State:$21,734
- Net Price: $12,688
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 8,658
- Undergrad Students: 6,965
- Graduate Students: 1,693
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Score: 65.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,336
- Out-of-State:$10,336
- Net Price: $17,939
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 4,682
- Undergrad Students: 3,729
- Graduate Students: 953
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of Northern Colorado
Score: 64.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,010
- Out-of-State:$26,204
- Net Price: $18,310
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 9,380
- Undergrad Students: 6,728
- Graduate Students: 2,652
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Nova Southeastern University
Score: 63.57
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,080
- Out-of-State:$37,080
- Net Price: $29,589
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 20,948
- Undergrad Students: 6,971
- Graduate Students: 13,977
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
