If you are passionate about studying biological sciences but need a flexible program that is well-suited to your life, you might consider earning an online PhD in Biology.
Online programs allow you to complete work from anywhere with internet access, and biology PhD programs also offer various specializations within biology.
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Most programs are research focused, allowing you to gain in-depth knowledge and acquire specialized research skills according to your interests. One benefit of an online PhD in Biology is the flexibility in tailoring a program to your needs.
Online PhD in Biology Programs
PhDs can be beneficial for a multitude of careers. Since biology is the study of life, this encompasses many areas for exploration.
Generally, PhD programs in biology are separated into three main subfields:
- Cellular and molecular biology
- Ecology, behavior, and evolution
- Neurobiology
An online PhD in Biology can also help you qualify for teaching or research positions at the university level. Depending on their experience and area of specialty, professionals with a Doctor of Biology may pursue the following career paths:
- University professor
- Research scientist
- Marine biologist
- Zoologist
- Neurobiologist
- Biochemist
- Cellular and molecular biologist
- Animal scientist
- Wildlife biologist
- Microbiologist
- Natural sciences manager
A terminal degree program can also encompass a variety of different topics. Here are some subjects that may be included in an online PhD in Biology program:
- Genetics
- Neurobiology
- Biochemistry
- Cell and molecular biology
- Enzymology
- Gene structures
- Medical image processing
- Wildlife
- Zoology
- Ecology
- Marine biology
- Advanced research methods
- Virology
- Statistics
- Toxicology
- Mammalogy
- Genomics
PhD programs can help you advance your professional qualifications as you complete specialized research in topics that matter to you.
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Online biology PhD programs can also help you develop research and scientific writing skills that are necessary to work in research settings, such as government-funded research labs. Most universities also require professors to hold a PhD.
Biology Careers & Salaries
Professionals with a PhD in Biology can work in a variety of positions and fields, depending on their area of specialty.
Some qualify for senior or leadership positions in the field. Natural science managers often supervise the work of biologists and other scientists. Biophysicists study biological processes using the principles of physics, while microbiologists study microorganisms and often help research disease prevention.
Medical scientists investigate diseases in humans and work on prevention efforts. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here’s a range of careers related to the field of biology.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $179,520 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $137,900 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists | $102,270 |
| Medical Scientists | $95,310 |
| Postsecondary Biological Science Teachers | $81,440 |
| Microbiologists | $79,260 |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | $78,340 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists | $76,530 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $66,750 |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | $64,650 |
There is a wide range of salaries for different specialties across the biological sciences. Life scientists study the physiology and anatomy of plants, animals, and humans as well as their environmental interactions.
Zoologists specifically study various animal species and their interactions with the environment. Wildlife biologists are similar to zoologists and research animal behavior, habitats, and biology. A PhD in Biology can also help you qualify for positions in academia. Postsecondary teachers in the field of biology often work at the college or university level, teaching biology courses and conducting research.
Biology PhD Curriculum & Courses
If you are considering a PhD in Biology, you may wonder what type of courses you’ll take. The study of biology involves studying the cellular makeup of living organisms and plants. You can also learn about the composition of molecules, germs, and bacteria.
In biology doctoral courses, you’ll often learn how to write scientifically and acquire skills to do laboratory research. Here are some standard courses associated with a PhD in Biology:
- Ecology: This type of course studies organisms and how they interact with their environment.
- Advanced Research Methods: This type of course covers how to conduct and assess research within the biological field.
- Microbiology: In this type of course, you’ll study microorganisms and their genetic structures.
- Zoology: This course topic deals with the scientific study of animals.
- Genetics: This type of course studies genes and heredity.
- Scientific Writing: You’ll learn how to write specifically for science-related fields.
- Enzymology: This type of course covers the study of enzymes, including their functions and interactions.
- Bacteriology: This course topic is the study of bacteria, exploring the identification and classification of bacterial species.
- Molecular Biology: This type of course studies molecular interactions between cells, including their chemical and physical structures.
- Cell Biology: This course is concerned with the study of cells and their structures and functions.
The courses you take for a doctoral degree in biology can vary according to your academic institution and program specialization.
Ph.D. in Biology Admissions Requirements
Each biology PhD program will have different admissions requirements, but there are some commonalities. Here are some typical admission requirements for a PhD in Biology:
- GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
- Letters of recommendation
- Professional statement outlining research experience
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree (dependent on the school)
- Transcripts from undergraduate and graduate coursework
Letters of recommendation are often a crucial part of the admissions process. These can help the admissions team get to know your professional strengths and accomplishments through the lens of other professionals. Other requirements for admissions could include an interview and an application fee, depending on your program.
Biology Doctorate Programs Accreditation
When looking for an online degree program, it’s crucial to consider the school’s accreditation status. Accrediting bodies such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) help keep schools and programs accountable for meeting high-quality educational standards.
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Regional accreditation is a mark of a high-quality school, and employers are more likely to recognize a degree that’s accredited. Accreditation can be a precondition for certain forms of financial aid as well. Attending an accredited school can give you the confidence that your time and effort is being invested in a credible degree.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you are considering getting a PhD in Biology, you may wonder what options are available to help you pay for school.
To apply for federal student aid, you can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many students qualify for student loans. Other forms of aid for PhD programs in biology might include state aid, scholarships, and employer programs. You may even be able to find scholarships specific to your area of specialization.
Your program may also offer teaching or research stipends to help with tuition. If you need help figuring out your financial aid options, you can talk with your financial aid office or academic advisor.
What Can You Do with a PhD in Biology?
Earning a PhD in Biology can help you qualify for career opportunities in multiple sectors. Some professionals with a PhD in Biology work in universities, government jobs, or non-profit sectors. Some choose to focus heavily on research relevant to the natural sciences, while others focus on biological research at the cellular level.
Biology positions that typically require a PhD or doctorate include medical scientist, biochemist, and biophysicist. Biology experts may also pursue management or C-suite roles. What you can do with your PhD in Biology is primarily based on your prior experience and specialty area.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Biology Online?
A PhD program generally takes anywhere from 3 years to 5 years to complete. The time it takes to obtain your degree may be dependent on:
- The number of credit hours required by your program
- Your full-time or part-time enrollment status
- Your dissertation timeline
If your doctoral program does not require a dissertation, you can often complete it in as little as 3 years if you are a full-time student and enroll year-round. If you attend part-time, it will often take longer for you to complete your program.
Is a PhD in Biology Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Biology is worth it for many students. Biological research is often useful for the general population. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in the life, physical, and social sciences are projected to grow 8% over the next ten years.
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Common biology career paths include medical scientist, natural sciences manager, biophysicist, biological scientist, and microbiologist. A PhD can also help you qualify for university teaching or research positions. Employment for postsecondary teachers is expected to grow 12% over the next ten years, which is faster than average growth (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Universities Offering Online PhD in Biology Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
George Mason University offers an online program for a PhD in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. It requires 72 total credits, with no campus visits required. Coursework includes Numerical Methods for Bioinformatics, Research Ethics, Biological Sequence and Genome Analysis, Protein Structure Analysis, and more. Students are also required to complete a dissertation.
George Mason University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Nova Southeastern University offers a PhD in Oceanography and Marine Biology. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and students may begin coursework in the fall, winter, or summer terms. Coursework is available both on campus and online, and the curriculum is customizable to each student’s research interests and career goals.
NSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Texas Tech University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction (Track in STEM). The program is available mostly online, with face-to-face intensives during the summer. Students must complete 63 credit hours of coursework, and new students may start in the fall. Applicants must have at least 3 years of teaching experience.
Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Florida offers a PhD in Anatomical Science Education. Some courses are taken in the College of Education and others in the College of Medicine. Coursework includes Medical Human Embryology, Anatomy of the Peripheral Nervous System, Science Curriculum Development, and more.
The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Mississippi’s College of Education offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Education with an emphasis in Secondary Education with a specialization in Science (Biology). Some courses are available online or at campus locations other than the main campus. Applicants must have at least 2 years of teaching experience to qualify.
The University of Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your PhD in Biology Online
Much like an online master’s in biology or an online masters in biotechnology, getting your PhD in Biology online is a flexible way to further your education and advance your expertise in the field. An online doctoral program in biology offers flexibility in the method of study to better suit your life and personalized education needs.
Through a terminal degree in biology, you can study your chosen specialization in depth. By the end of an online doctorate degree in biology, you have the opportunity to contribute new research to this field of study.
If you are considering a doctorate in biology, there are plenty of biology degree online options available from accredited universities. So why wait? You can start exploring your options for a PhD in Biology today.
