Best Online Biology Degree Programs (BS) in Illinois

A handful of colleges and universities in the United States offer online biology degrees. We've listed our top picks below in alphabetical order.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research university in the Phoenix metro. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in biological sciences with four concentration options.

The fully-online program requires 120 total semester credits to graduate. There are 39 classes in the biology program, and classes last seven and a half weeks each.

The four concentrations available for this program are:

• biology and society
• biomedical sciences
• conservation biology and ecology
• genetics, cell, and developmental biology

While there are lab elements in this program, Arizona State uses advanced VR and XR technology so you can still learn from home.

Interested students can also take this program as part of the accelerated master's program. Students will only need one year in the master's program after graduating with their BS.

Life University

Life University is a private chiropractic and holistic health university in Marietta, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in biology degree.

This program is fully online and boasts small class sizes, allowing you flexibility but also personalized attention to help you through your courses.

180 total credits are required to complete this program. Courses include a mix of biology, chemistry, and physics courses.

Students are advised to take General Biology, General Chemistry, and College Algebra courses before starting the program.

Logan University

Logan University is a private health sciences and chiropractic university outside of St. Louis, Missouri, in the city of Chesterfield. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in human biology.

This program is fully online and offers flexible course options. It runs on a trimester schedule, allowing students to finish in as few as three years.

New trimesters start every September, January, and May, allowing you to study around your schedule.

Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University, better known as LSU, is a public research university in Baton Rouge. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in biology with a modern biology concentration.

All classes are available online. The unique program structure requires some labs, but LSU offers students multiple options for completing these labs.

120 total semester credits are required, with 52 of those as part of the major. Students in the modern biology concentration learn the most up-to-date methods available in biology today.

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is a public university based in Tucson. It offers a Bachelor of Science in biology degree online.

The program offers fully online courses. 120 total credits are required, and students must choose between two areas of emphasis.

The biomedical sciences emphasis is primarily for students interested in biomedical research and health professions. It includes all the coursework required for admission to medical school.

The organismal biology emphasis is geared toward students interested in careers as biologists or biology educators, with focuses on animal behavior, ecology, evolution, and genetics.

University of Florida

The University of Florida is a public university in the north-central Florida city of Gainesville. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in microbiology and cell science.

The program is fully online and requires a total of 120 semester credits, including transfer credits. A minimum of 28 credits are required for the major.

This program is designed as a "2+2" degree for students who already have their Associate of Science. Those students can then jump into this program and earn their BS in two years.

The program educates students on a variety of topics, including:

• bioinformatics
• cell biology
• immunology
• molecular genetics
• parasitology
• pathogenesis
• virology

Washington State University

Washington State University is a public research university in the eastern Washington city of Pullman. Through its Global Campus, it offers an online Bachelor of Science in biology.

This program is a bachelor completion program, and students must have completed the prerequisites before enrolling.

The program requires a total of 120 semester credits, including transfer credits. A minimum of 19 credits are required to complete the biology major.

The program covers a number of subjects, including:

• disease biology
• ecology
• evolutionary biology
• genetics
• human anatomy
• taxonomy

Discover answers to frequently asked questions about online biology programs and biology careers in Illinois.

Can I Major in Biology Online?

While there are no online bachelor's degrees in biology offered through colleges and universities in Illinois, there are other schools in the US that do offer them.

While you'll need to check if a program is available to students in your state, you should be able to find an online biology program to attend without needing to set foot on campus.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Degree in Biology Online?

The length of time your degree takes depends on what level of degree you're earning. Associate degrees typically take two years, bachelor's usually takes four, and master's degrees average three years.

It will also depend on if you've already earned credits from another institution. If you have transfer credits, you'll be able to complete your degree sooner.

Can You Get Into Medical School With an Online Degree?

Medical schools will accept students who have earned their bachelor's degree online. However, you'll need to have the necessary grades and pass the Medical College Admission Test first.

While Illinois doesn't offer online biology degrees, residents of the state can earn their degree through an online school in another state.

Reach out to Best Accredited Colleges today for more information about online biology degrees or for help choosing a degree program.