Arizona, close to the water and right next to California and Mexico, is the home of all kinds of living creatures for biology enthusiasts to study. That's part of what makes the state a great place for those thinking of pursuing a bachelor's degree in biology.
But what about students who can't study in–person? There are online biology programs in Arizona for students who need the flexibility of online learning.
Best Accredited Colleges is here to tell you all about these programs. Continue reading to find out about each one.
Top Online Schools for Biology in Arizona
As one of the most hands–on forms of science, it's hard to find fully online biology programs in Arizona. With distance learning, students are not limited by location and can pursue a degree online from anywhere.
1. Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university in Phoenix, AZ, and one of the largest public universities in the United States by enrollment. It offers over 350 degree programs through 17 colleges.
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in biological sciences offered by ASU helps students develop a broad understanding of many biology disciplines as they prepare for graduate education or a science-focused career.
Concentrations for the program include:
- biology and society
- biomedical sciences
- conservation biology and ecology
- genetics, cell, and developmental biology
Tuition for ASU Online ranges from $561 to $1,343 per credit hour depending on the program students take.
2. University of Arizona
As the first public research university in Arizona, the University of Arizona (UA) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers over 50 undergraduate degrees to national students online.
UA's BS in Biology is ranked #10 in Best Online Bachelor's Programs, according to the U.S. News and World Report. This program teaches students about the function and evolution of biological systems in the natural world and offers two degree emphases: Biomedical Sciences and Organismal Biology.
This degree can be completed 100% online, even with labs. 120 credit hours are required for graduation and tuition is $525 per credit hour.
3. Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a public research university governed by the Arizona Board of Regents and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It's federally recognized as a Hispanic–serving institution.
With NAU's BS in Biology, students can learn about living beings big and small and explore areas of interest ranging from plants to evolution to relationships between creatures.
Students must complete 120 credit hours to graduate from the program, but up to 75 credits can be transferred from accredited community colleges.
Tuition for NAU Online is $455 per credit hour.
4. University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix (UP) is a private university based in Phoenix, AZ, that offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees to students in person and online.
By pursuing a BS in Environmental Science online, students can get a solid foundation in a number of science disciplines, including chemistry, geology, and biology.
Students who are part of this 120 credit hour program will take four years to complete it on average. Graduates will be able to go to graduate school for a more specific science field or work in scientific careers of their choice.
Other Online Universities That Offer Degrees Related to Biology
Here are a few more colleges that, while not located in the state, offer bachelor's biology degrees to students living in Arizona.
American Public University
American Public University (APU) is a private online university that's part of the American Public University System based in West Virginia. It's accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
APU's Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences offers a biology concentration online that has 28 semester hours in addition to the general biology courses required by the major. Students can learn about genetics, heredity, biological evolution, and the function of organisms simple and complex.
Online classes take between eight and 16 weeks, and the program allows students to transfer up to 90 credits out of the 120 required for graduation. Tuition is $325 per credit hour.
Liberty University
Liberty University is a private Baptist university in Virginia affiliated with the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Liberty University gives students the ability to create their own unique degree program with a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies.
By combining the biology area of study with other sciences like physics or environmental science, students can create a program specifically designed for a career in the science field of their choosing.
The program is 100% online with classes taking eight weeks and 120 credit hours required over the course of 3.5 years. Liberty's tuition is $390 per credit hour for full-time undergraduate students.
FAQs about Arizona Online Biology Programs
Have more questions about online biology programs in Arizona? Check below for answers.
Can I Major in Biology Online?
Yes, you can major in biology online! While online biology bachelor's programs are harder to come by, it's still possible to find and take biology–related courses online. All of the programs mentioned above are fully online.
Is Calculus Required for Biology?
Some programs suggest at least one precalculus math course as part of the requirements for graduating from a biology degree program, but calculus itself is not needed unless by the college's general education requirements.
What Job Should I Get if I Like Biology?
There are many great biology–related career options.
If you like biology, some of the jobs you'd do well in include:
- nursing
- pharmaceutical researcher
- forensic scientist
- nature conservation specialist
- biologist
Get Your Degree in Biology Online
If you have a passion for living things but not for leaving your home, an online biology program in Arizona may be the best choice for your future. Start your science education online today so you can make an impact in the future through your biology career.
