Online Master’s in Biology

Featured Online Biology MS Programs

University of Northern Colorado – Master of Sciences in Biological Sciences

The University of Northern Colorado focuses on flexibility and accessibility, especially for current biology instructors. Current biology teachers who enter this program and complete at least 18 credits within the curriculum can teach college classes in the field.

This program requires an undergraduate degree in a similar field and a good standing GPA of 3.0 or above from that degree. Though most students will complete the course in three years, it can be done in as little as two years with hyper-focused work and increased hours, or as many as five with part-time instruction.

The basic program is divided into the research core and content elective courses. Research constitutes only three of the 30 hours, but is vital for the education and job preparation portion of the program. Students will better understand academic research in the field and how to compete in the current field of biologists.

Content elective courses make up the bulk of the program, with courses ranging from molecular genetics to statistics. This wide range of classes will help students bore down and find the parts of the field they enjoy the most.

If a student has chosen the non-thesis option for the program, they are expected to finish a comprehensive exam at the end of the degree.

• Location: Greenly, Colorado
• Expected Time to Completion: Two to three years
• Estimated Tuition: $609 per credit

Eastern Illinois University – Master of Sciences in Biology

EIU offers an online, accelerated MS in biology. The degree can be finished in one year and does not require GRE scores. However, a degree in a similar field and a GPA of over 2.75 is required for students to be accepted into the program.

The program will require a minimum of 32 credits, with the majority of them (at least 22) coming from biology-focused courses. Students will also take at least one seminar class. A maximum of 10 credits can focus on other science courses such as physiology and geology, chemistry, or in math classes like statistical models.

Students’ courses to fill the 22 required biology hours could include advanced molecular biology, plant ecology, conservation, animal behavior, and more.

• Location: Charleston, Illinois
• Expected Time to Completion: One year
• Estimated Tuition: $419.01 per credit

Indiana State – Master of Sciences in Biology – Non-Thesis

Indian State’s program is geared toward students looking for careers in industry and government. In addition to traditional classes focusing on ecology, microbiology, and statistics, students will also be expected to work with faculty on research projects. Indiana State’s Center for Bat Research, Outreach, and Conservation is a readily available asset for students looking to study animal behaviors, virology, and conservation.

The program has a wide range of outcomes regarding how long it may take to finish. Students who can blend face-to-face and online work in a hybrid model may finish the program in two years. Those who are looking for the most flexible, part-time program could finish in up to seven years. But most students finish in between three to five years of study.

The non-thesis option is split into six parts. The first is a research requirement that can take one to ten credits. The second focuses on biology, ecology, and organismal biology, or life sciences. It’s important for students going into this program to have a good idea of what field they want to go into before joining, as Indiana State is focused on professional development more so than exploring options. The third portion is a single seminar, but students can choose to attend more. The final three parts are directed electives, coursework outside biology classes, and a cumulative exam.

• Location: Terre Haute, Indiana
• Expected Time to Completion: Three to five years
• Estimated Tuition: $569.00 per credit

University of Missouri – Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences

Although this program is hosted through the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine, it does not mean that all students should focus on animal care or behavioral science. In fact, this degree is more likely to aid those looking to go into industry work. Classes in neuroscience and cell biology will help prospective students hone their skills that can lead to a career in the biomedical or pharmaceutical fields.

The program suggests two to four classes per semester, allowing for part-time study and a more flexible schedule. The program is split into core classes and electives. Core classes are composed of veterinary sciences and biomedical studies. Electives are still in biology, but expand to toxicology, physiology, and radiation.

Prospective students should have a related degree and at least a 3.0 GPA. There are specific course prerequisites, including credit-hours completed: biology (ten), physics (three), biochemistry (three), chemistry (ten), calculus (three). A GRE is not required.

• Location: Columbia, Missouri
• Expected Time to Completion: nine months to one year
• Estimated Tuition: $604.60 per credit