Online Biology Degrees

In 2004, biology scientists held 77,000 jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Biology degree programs teach the core components of biology (the name means "the science of life") and often provide the basis for later specialization in a particular area of biology.

Biology degree programs focus on living organisms and how they interact with their environments--unlike biochemistry programs, which focus more on the chemical components of life. Biology courses cover a broad range of topics. In many degree programs, these include:

• Cell biology
• Plant biology
• Animal physiology
• Anatomy

Bachelor's degree programs in biology often require coursework in related disciplines, such as mathematics, chemistry, physics, and computer science. Master's and Ph.D. programs often emphasize a subfield of biology, like botany or marine biology. Universities teach varying biology subfields, and larger universities may offer a number of specialized degrees.

In 2005, the starting salary for professionals with bachelor's degrees in biology was $31,258, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. The median earnings for professionals with advanced biology degrees ranged from about $55,000 to $74,000. No degree can guarantee a particular job or salary, but those with biology degrees will benefit from growing opportunities in non-research jobs through 2014, according to the BLS.

Available features universities and colleges offering online associate degree programs in the following disciplines: