Biology, the study of life itself, is at the heart of some of the most impactful and important challenges facing our planet. Improving human health, growing enough food, dealing with climate change, creating and managing resources; these are just a few of the problems that we can address with the help of biology. Pursuing one of the cheapest online master’s in biology can lead to a variety of careers in these sectors.
Much will depend on the specific type and specialization, but graduates of these programs can work as biochemists, microbiologists, medical scientists, epidemiologists, and more. They can become genetic counselors, food scientists, wildlife biologists, and environmental scientists, among many other options.
That’s why you need an affordable online master’s in biology. We have identified 42 programs from 33 different schools. With so many options, there is a wide variety of specializations, allowing students to select the specific program that works best for their needs and career goals.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$32,000
Least Expensive In-state: University of Nebraska at Kearney ~$13,705
Least Expensive Out-of-state: University of Missouri-Columbia ~$15,000
With data-driven research and rankings based on total estimated cost (not just tuition), we have created the most reliable rankings available. With this list, you can select the online master’s in biology that works best for your needs.
26 Cheapest Online Master’s in Biology
The George Washington University | Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Nebraska at Kearney | (NE) | $13,705.00 $20,761.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Salisbury University | (MD) | $14,368.00 $25,819.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Indiana State University | (IN) | $14,950.00 $19,270.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $15,000.00 | All Students |
5 | University of Florida | (FL) | $15,921.00 $37,662.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Texas A & M University - Commerce | (TX) | $16,176.00 $30,864.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Alcorn State University | (MS) | $16,595.00 | All Students |
8 | University of Maine | (ME) | $18,990.00 | All Students |
9 | University of Northern Colorado | (CO) | $19,170.00 | All Students |
10 | University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $19,404.00 $24,264.00 $17,820.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
11 | University of Georgia | (GA) | $19,458.00 | All Students |
12 | Western Kentucky University | (KY) | $21,210.00 $7,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
13 | George Mason University | (VA) | $21,870.00 $49,305.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | Mount St. Mary's University | (MD) | $25,200.00 | All Students |
15 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | (AL) | $25,234.00 | All Students |
16 | George Mason University | (VA) | $25,697.00 $54,047.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 | University of Louisville | (KY) | $26,103.00 $8,250.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
18 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | (WI) | $26,350.00 | All Students |
18 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville | (WI) | $26,350.00 | All Students |
20 | University of Saint Joseph | (CT) | $26,850.00 | All Students |
21 | University of Florida | (FL) | $28,296.00 | All Students |
22 | University of Toledo | (OH) | $29,713.00 $29,913.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
23 | Colorado State University | (CO) | $29,828.00 | All Students |
24 | Purdue University | (IN) | $30,000.00 $30,900.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
25 | Clemson University | (SC) | $30,832.00 | All Students |
26 | Lehigh University | (PA) | $31,050.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Morehouse School of Medicine | (GA) | $34,000.00 | All Students | |
Brandeis University | (MA) | $36,600.00 $31,110.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine | (PA) | $36,750.00 | All Students | |
Nova Southeastern University | (FL) | $38,955.00 | All Students | |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute | (MA) | $48,300.00 | All Students | |
Southern California University of Health Sciences | (CA) | $53,325.00 | All Students | |
 Johns Hopkins University | (MD) | $54,200.00 | All Students | |
Northeastern University | (MA) | $57,312.00 | All Students | |
Johns Hopkins University | (MD) | $58,650.00 | All Students | |
Northeastern University | (MA) | $60,894.00 | All Students | |
New York University | (NY) | $70,050.00 | All Students |
Methodology for These Rankings of the Cheapest Online Master’s in Biology
These rankings of the most affordable online master’s in biology programs are based on our fall 2023 review of degrees. To calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same online biology master’s degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an affordable online master’s in biology.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online biology master’s degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the master’s in biology online must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
Online Biology Master’s Programs: How to Choose
Why should you enroll in a cheap online master’s in biology? Everyone has their own motivations, but here are some of the common reasons people enroll in one of these programs:
- An interesting career: Biology is truly fascinating. In this field, you can work at the forefront of medical science, agriculture, biotechnology, and more.
- Excellent salaries: Numerous careers in biology have noteworthy salaries. For example, the median salary for a microbiologist is $81,990.
- Personalized specializations: This field allows you to select a specific concentration that suits your interests and skills. In this database, you’ll find specializations in biostatistics, biotechnology, molecular biology, human genetics, immunology, and more.
If you think one of these degrees is right for you, keep reading to learn more about cost, accreditation, admissions, and other important factors for these online master’s biology programs.
Online Master’s in Biology Program Cost
Price is not the only factor that matters in education, but we all need an affordable degree that still meets our goals for work and life. Fortunately, there are numerous options for affordable online master’s in biology programs.
These master’s programs have an average cost of $32,000. On its face, this is a fairly large sum. But the cost is usually spread over two or three years. Assuming the average price, the typical student will pay somewhere between $10,000 to $16,000 per year, which makes the degrees far more affordable.
The cheapest online master’s in biology comes from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. This degree has an estimated in-state cost of only $13,705. The program is structured for completion over three years, so students can expect a cost of roughly $4,570 per year to complete the degree.
Numerous programs have prices below the average of $32,000. Our database includes 28 programs below the average price, including four options with in-state costs below $15,000. 12 degrees cost less than $20,000, making this an affordable option for students with different interests.
But the price can climb sharply. The most expensive online biology master’s is the Master of Science in Bioinformatics from New York University. This degree has an estimated cost of $70,050, well over double the average price.
To keep costs affordable, look for online degrees from public schools, preferably schools within your state, as in-state students often have lower tuition.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Online Biology Master’s Degrees?
Many schools offer cheap online master’s in biology degrees, but these are the three accredited institutions that offer the most affordable options:
#1. University of Nebraska at Kearney – Master of Science in Biology
Cost: $13,705 (In-state, Nebraska)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
This program is for current professionals with a biology or science background who want to advance their knowledge. The program allows for flexible customization, including electives that can be tailored to each student’s career interests. Available topics in this master’s program include molecular biology, ecology, oncology, physiology, and cellular science.
The program requires 36 credit hours, which can be completed online. Coursework includes 12 hours of required core courses and 24 hours of biology-related electives. Graduates of this program go on to careers in health and medicine, genetic research, education, conservation, and more.
The University of Nebraska at Kearney dates back to 1905, when it began as the Nebraska State Normal School. In 1921, it became the Nebraska State Teachers College, and changed to Kearney State College in 1963. When the school joined the University of Nebraska system, it became the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
#2. Salisbury University – Master of Science in Applied Biology
Cost: $14,368 (In-state, Maryland)
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
There is a growing need for specialists in biotechnology and laboratory and environmental science. Salisbury University in Maryland is hoping to meet this need by providing an affordable, convenient online education in applied biology. Applied biology is an academic discipline that focuses on the real-world application of biological knowledge.
Graduates of this program understand biological research and technological advancement and can contribute to a wide variety of industries. Many go into scientific research, but graduates also move into medical careers, Ph.D. programs, and can even become physicians.
Salisbury University began in 1921 as a teacher’s college to meet the needs of rural communities that were lacking educators. This public college now offers one of the most robust online platforms, including affordable master’s degrees in biology and other science disciplines.
#3. Indiana State University – Master of Science in Biology
Cost: $14,950 (In-state, Indiana)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
With a total price under $15,000, this program is the third-cheapest online master’s in biology. The degree is available with a thesis and non-thesis option, allowing students to tailor the program to their needs. The program requires 32 credit hours including research courses, classes, and seminars from areas like biology, life science, and ecology.
The program can lead to a variety of careers in industry or for federal and state governments. It also serves as a preparation for further schooling, such as a doctorate in biology.
Indiana State University offers a huge assortment of online programs, including numerous online graduate degrees. The school allows students to build a schedule around a busy and complicated lifestyle, all supported by the same world-class faculty who deliver on-campus learning.
Degree Program Types
The majority of programs in this database are master of science (MS) degrees. MS programs can be built around nearly any subject, but they are common in technical and scientific disciplines, such as engineering, technology, and biology. Building on a bachelor’s degree, these programs tend to concentrate on the specific subject at hand. (A master of arts, by contrast, can be more broad and generalized.)
The only exception as of this writing is the Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Although technically not an MS degree, this program shares many parallels, including a strong focus on specific scientific and biological topics; in this case, the focus is biomedical science.
For these degrees, the most important factor is your specialization or concentration. These degrees come in a vast assortment of topics, including:
- Applied biology
- Biostatistics
- Bioinformatics
- Biotechnology
- Biotechnology entrepreneurship
- Cell and microbiology
- Genomics and health
- Human genetics
- Immunology
- Molecular biology
Choosing the right specialization for your specific career goals is a key part of your education. Regardless of price, be sure to research the program’s coursework and concentrations to find a degree that matches your interests.
Accreditation for These Programs
Accreditation is an important part of the academic process. In order to be accredited, schools need to meet a standard set by the accrediting body. Schools receive reviews on a regular basis to renew their status. Accreditation is one of the primary requirements for inclusion in our database.
Colleges and universities are granted institutional accreditation, which covers the entire school. This type is granted by regional organizations. Schools in the Pacific Northwest, for example, receive accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, while schools in the Mid-Atlantic region get approval from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Specific programs can sometimes seek programmatic accreditation. However, there is no accrediting body for online biology master’s programs. While bachelor’s degrees can be accredited, there is no group that accredits master’s degrees in biology.
As long as the degree comes from an accredited institution, it will meet a high standard and have acceptance from the academic and professional community.
Typical Admission Requirements for Online Biology Master’s Degrees
A master’s degree is one of the highest levels of academics. While most people with a bachelor’s degree can find a master’s program that will accept their application, you’ll still need to prepare for a rigorous enrollment process.
Master’s programs, regardless of the subject, require a bachelor’s degree. This bachelor’s should align with the master’s program. For online biology master’s programs, bachelor’s degrees in biology, healthcare, cellular biology, biotechnology, animal science, or any of the life sciences should apply. As long as the degree relates to biology or biotechnology, it will likely be accepted.
Many schools require a specific GPA from your bachelor’s studies. A 2.5 to 3.0 may be required, although this will vary by institution and some programs do not require a bachelor’s degree.
Other requirements for an online biology master’s degree include:
- A statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation from previous supervisors and educators
- Transcripts from all former colleges
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements
Most graduates of an affordable online master’s in biotechnology or biology will not need a license. If your career remains in research and analysis, you won’t need state certification or a license.
But there are exceptions. If you become a medical scientist, for example, you may need a physician’s license, which would require a medical doctorate and successful completion of all physician testing. However, if you only work with experiments and research, and do not administer medical care, you likely won’t need a license.
Another notable exception is a soil scientist. In this career, you may need state licensing to practice your profession, although this depends on the state.
Beyond those two main exceptions, most biology experts do not need a license. This allows for a faster, more convenient track to a highly rewarding career.
Salary and Career Information
Biology is a fascinating career field that brings unique benefits that go far beyond mere salaries. That said, if you earn a master’s degree in biology, work hard, and commit yourself to improving the science, you can earn a tremendous salary.
There are numerous career options, largely depending on your specific track, so we can’t say that all professionals with online biology master’s degrees will earn a specific amount. What we can say, however, is that these experts can expect excellent earnings.
Overall, the median salary for a “life scientist,” which includes many specializations, is $83,060. Specific careers can earn even more.
The median salary for biochemists and biophysicists is $103,810, while the top 10% earn over $171,010. Medical scientists have a median salary of $99,930, and microbiologists earn a median of $81,990. Many of these careers only require a bachelor’s degree (microbiologists in particular), so graduates with a master’s can reasonably expect earnings over the median rate.
Biology experts will also be in high demand. Each career is different, but the BLS expects the life sciences to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. Medical scientists, for example, should see a 10% growth in jobs. For comparison, the overall career growth will be roughly 3%. Biochemists and biophysicists will see a 7% growth, while the occupation of agricultural and food scientist will grow by 6%.
There are many numbers to analyze, but the overall point remains the same: with an education in biology or biotechnology, you can expect strong earnings from a growing industry.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Biology Degree Program?
With over 40 options in this database, it can be hard to choose the right online master’s in biology.
Firstly, start by thinking about your interests and experience. Biology is a diverse field, so select a topic that aligns with your unique skills and abilities. For example, if you have interest in the medical field and healthcare, a master’s degree in medical biophysics may be ideal. If you love technology, a biotech program could align with your passions. Above all, start by looking internally to identify a few degrees that match your interests.
Next, research accreditation and ensure the degree comes from a regionally-accredited school. Now you can research the total cost to find a degree that meets your budget.
To advance your search, use GetEducated.com. We have the information and resources you need, so visit our site and start searching today!