Best Accelerated Online Biology Degree Programs of 2023

• Accelerated biology degrees provide a broadly applicable education in a condensed format.
• These programs feature different majors, degree types, and levels.
• Bachelor's degrees can lead to technologist and technician roles and more advanced degrees.
• Graduate degrees offer specialization opportunities and lead to careers in laboratories and research.

One of the more versatile programs available, an online biology degree lays the groundwork for various scientific and medical degrees and careers. The online delivery format allows you to choose from many programs and build the coursework around your schedule.

With an accelerated online degree, you can reach your goals even quicker. Use this guide to learn more about the degree and career options in biology and what schools offer the best accelerated biology degrees.

Look through the different types of accelerated biology degrees to find the best one for your unique needs.

Types of Online Accelerated Biology Degrees

You might encounter different program types when pursuing an accelerated bachelor's degree in biology online. You may also see multiple degree types, such as an interdisciplinary BA, practical BAS, or a science-based BS.

Along with a straightforward biology major, you may find related majors and concentrations. Listed here are some of the possibilities:

• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Forensic Science

Accelerated Bachelor's Degree in Biology

An online bachelor's in biology teaches you scientific thinking and methodologies and how to apply that when problem-solving. You'll take didactic courses, research classes, and labs that delve into experimentation.

Accelerated biology degrees at the bachelor's level can shave off more than a year of the four-year length of traditional programs.

The time savings results from condensing your study sessions or taking on a heavier course load. In both scenarios, you should expect more intensive studies.

Accelerated Master's Degree in Biology

At the master's level, accelerated online biology degrees are more advanced and specific. The research gets much more in depth, and you will likely spend more time tackling experiments and analyses.

You will also have a better opportunity to specialize your studies, such as in a master's in marine biology or a master's in biotechnology.

With an accelerated biology degree, you can fast-track your path to a doctorate, a promotion, or a career in research and development.

Careers With a Degree in Biology

The applicability of this discipline can lead to many jobs for biology majors. With a bachelor's degree, you can access entry-level technologist careers or continue your training.

With a graduate degree, you can access clinical science and research roles.

In the following sections, we further break down the career opportunities by degree level.

Careers With a Bachelor's Degree in Biology

While many use a bachelor's in biology as a stepping stone to more specialized training, you can access many careers after graduation.

Along with technologist and technician roles, you can pursue entry-level research careers in wildlife and microbiology.

• Biological Technician
• Biomedical Engineer
• Microbiologist
• Wildlife Biologist
• Forensic Science Technician

Careers With a Master's Degree in Biology

A master's degree prepares you to take on more clinical and leadership positions. In addition to the above bachelor's degree careers, you can access more research and laboratory roles.

The following list highlights available careers for master's and doctoral degree graduates.

• Natural Sciences Manager
• Biochemist or Biophysicist
• Medical Scientist
• Epidemiologist
• Postsecondary Teacher

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting an Accelerated Biology Degree

How long does it take to get an accelerated degree in biology?

Program lengths vary for accelerated biology degrees. An accelerated bachelor's typically spans three years, whereas a traditional program takes four years. Some schools may offer even shorter timelines.

The shorter the program length, the more intense the studies will be. Try to find the right balance for you.

What can I do with an accelerated online bachelor's in biology degree?

An accelerated bachelor's degree in biology online can get you into various labs as a technician or technologist. Some labs hire bachelor's graduates for entry-level wildlife biology and microbiology research roles.

Most people use a bachelor's degree in biology as the foundation for further studies. These programs can lead you to graduate degrees in biology, science, or engineering. You can also pursue medical degrees and careers.

What courses will I take in an accelerated online bachelor's in biology program?

Bachelor's level biology programs may feature foundational courses that teach biological principles, chemistry, and genetics. Many programs offer specialized courses, including botany, zoology, physiology, and biotechnology.

Your programs will likely have experiential learning opportunities as well. These may include internships, labs, and independent research courses.