Bachelor of Science in Biology
Study the Science of Life: Bachelor’s in Biology – Online or On CampusProgram Overview
Note: If you are considering a Pre-Health Track within your online bachelor’s degree in biology program, please carefully evaluate the benefits of online learning, as some medical and veterinary programs may not accept online coursework for admission.
Curriculum
Program Requirements – 121 Total Credits
Essential Skills Core: 21 Required Credits
General Education: 22 Required Credits
Major and Concentrations: 63 Required Credits
Open Electives: 15 Required Credits
Industry-Focused Curriculum for Professional Skills
Post’s STEM-designated biology degree program is designed to help you cultivate essential professional skills that are valued in the scientific field. Through the program, you will gain expertise in:
- Biology and Life Sciences: Understanding and applying key biological principles, including evolution, structure and function, genetics, bioenergetics, and ecological systems.
- Scientific Inquiry: Developing the ability to formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, and interpret results effectively.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Accurately defining and analyzing biological phenomena using mathematical and statistical methods.
- Modeling: Learning to describe complex biological systems and make data-driven predictions.
- Scientific Communication: Mastering the use of scientific terminology and conventions to communicate effectively with other professionals in the field.
Concentrations
Biology Degree Program Concentrations
In addition to core coursework in biology fundamentals and scientific principles, you can tailor your degree to align with your career aspirations by choosing one of the following three concentrations:
General Biology — Campus and Online
This concentration offers the flexibility to explore areas of interest such as molecular biology, cellular biology, or microbiology. With personalized guidance from a dedicated student success advisor, you can select relevant upper-level electives to deepen your exploration of your chosen focus.
Bioinformatics — Campus and Online
Focusing on the intersection of biology and data science, this concentration provides coursework in statistics, data structures, and genomics. It helps students prepare to apply statistical analysis and data modeling techniques to biological data in support of scientific research and inquiry.
Health Sciences — Campus Only
Offered exclusively on campus, this concentration introduces students to health sciences with an emphasis on human anatomy, physiology, and health. Coursework includes the study of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, as well as the structure, function, and classification of microbes, microbial diseases, and immune system responses.
Sample Courses
General Biology I
General Biology I provides the foundations in biology for majors and non-majors, and is the first part of a two-semester series. The course focuses on the nature of science, origin of life, biochemistry, metabolism, photosynthesis, cell biology, genetics, the evidence and history of the theory of evolution, and how organisms are classified. Inquiry based study in the concurrent laboratory component provides hands-on application of appropriate lecture material.
Genetics
Genetics is the study of how genes are passed from one generation to the next. It explains how genetic material can be replicated and, transferred, and its role in phenotypic expression. Gene regulation and expression isare also explored. During this semesterthe term, students will look at how genetics affects our understanding of evolutionary processes, and how our knowledge of gene manipulation impacts the future of genomics. Determination of how genetic data can be used in real-life applications to solve problems regarding industrial, medical, and/or energy applications will be studied.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry explores the chemistry of the living world and will provide students with the opportunity to gain a broad understanding of the chemical and molecular events involved in biological processes. This course will cover the basic principles of organic and biological chemistry as well as molecular biology with an emphasis on a broad understanding of chemical events in living systems in terms of metabolism and structure-function relationships of biologically important molecules. Topics include organic functional groups, reactions, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, metabolism, and neurochemistry.
Ecology
Ecology is the study of how living organisms interact with the living and non-living components of their environment. Topics include population dynamics, energy flow, biological and geochemical cycles, decomposition, community structure and composition, plant and animal defenses, pest management, and environmental factors that may disrupt the global or local community.
The sample courses listed are intended to illustrate the types of coursework included in this program. Course offerings and requirements may change. Please consult the official University Catalog for current and complete program information.
Visit the University Catalog >> for Curriculum, Course Descriptions, and Program Outcomes.
Ready to Apply?
Ready to Apply?The admissions team is available to walk you through each step of the application process and clarify any remaining questions.
Accreditation
Institutional Accreditation
College (University) is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.). Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the Commission should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:
New England Commission of Higher Education
301 Edgewater Place, Suite 210, Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 425 7785
E-Mail: [email protected]
For more information on Post University's state licensure or accreditation, please visit the Accreditation page.
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
Post University’s undergraduate admissions process is structured to be accessible for students planning to study online or on campus. All applicants must complete an admissions application and demonstrate high school completion or an equivalent credential.
Acceptable documentation includes:
- An official high school transcript showing graduation
- A General Education Development (GED) certificate or equivalent diploma
- A home-school transcript recognized by the student’s state
- An associate degree transcript
- Official college-level credit, typically 60 or more semester hours, that may apply toward a bachelor’s degree
Applicants are encouraged to connect with admissions advisors, including participating in an advisory session or interview, to support their transition into their selected program.
For detailed and format-specific requirements, including documentation and enrollment steps, please visit:
Why Students Choose Post University
Tuition & Ways to Save
An education at Post University is designed to provide long-term value. Tuition is competitively structured, and financial aid opportunities are available for those who qualify. Admissions and financial aid teams work with you to review available options and explain each step of the process clearly.
With multiple funding opportunities available, you may qualify for more than you expect.
Tuition Reductions →
Tuition reductions are available for eligible active-duty military service members, veterans, public safety professionals, education partners, alumni, and others who qualify.
Scholarships →
Post University offers a variety of institutional scholarships. Dedicated scholarship advisors assist students in identifying both institutional and relevant external scholarship opportunities.
Financial Aid →
Federal financial aid programs are available for many degree programs for students who qualify.
Transfer Credits →
Post University will evaluate course credit completed at eligible institutions, as well as credit earned through approved examinations or prior learning experiences, for potential transfer.
Military Benefits →
Military education benefits extend to active-duty service members, reservists, veterans, their families, and eligible Department of Defense civilian employees.
Student Loans →
Federal and private loan programs may be available to students who qualify.
Tuition Reductions →
Tuition reductions are available for eligible active-duty military service members, veterans, public safety professionals, education partners, alumni, and others who qualify.
Scholarships →
Post University offers a variety of institutional scholarships. Dedicated scholarship advisors assist students in identifying both institutional and relevant external scholarship opportunities.
Financial Aid →
Federal financial aid programs are available for many degree programs for students who qualify.
Transfer Credits →
Post University will evaluate course credit completed at eligible institutions, as well as credit earned through approved examinations or prior learning experiences, for potential transfer.
Military Benefits →
Military education benefits extend to active-duty service members, reservists, veterans, their families, and eligible Department of Defense civilian employees.
Student Loans →
Federal and private loan programs may be available to students who qualify.
Ready to take the next steps?
Admissions advisors are available to answer your questions, explain the application process, and help you explore which program aligns with your interests and experience.
If you are considering Post University, we invite you to begin the conversation.
Why Post University?
At Post University, you are not an anonymous face in a crowded lecture hall. You are known and supported from your first conversation through program completion. That is the meaning behind Post Makes It Personal®.
Our approach is grounded in three commitments: career focus, value, and personalization. Whether you are beginning your undergraduate journey, returning to continue your education, or pursuing a graduate degree, Post University offers programs developed with professional practice in mind, led by industry-experienced faculty, and delivered in formats designed to fit into your life.
Post people come from many different backgrounds and life stages. Some are stepping onto campus for the first time, while others are learning online while balancing work, family, military service, or community commitments. Across every format, students are part of a community built on connection, structure, and shared purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Could I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology?
Coursework for your biology degree program from Post University covers the essentials of this field of science, including evolution, cellular structure and function, genetics, bioenergetics, and interacting systems. The program is designed to help refine your understanding of the scientific process. It demonstrates how to use quantitative reasoning to describe biological phenomena. It also dives into modeling and simulation, scientific communication, and ethics. In addition to core coursework, you will need to complete an independent study project or internship.
Your Bachelor of Science in Biology program offers the opportunity to build the skills and knowledge base often used within healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, education, and research settings. It could also serve as a pre-health track program to help prepare you for post-graduate degree programs in areas such as medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science. However, as with any undergraduate degree program, while the biology degree does offer several learning opportunities to prepare for post-graduate studies, completing it does not guarantee placement in a medical, dental, or veterinary program.
What Is a Bachelor of Science in Biology?
A bachelor of science in biology involves the study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. It covers a broad spectrum of disciplines, including molecular biology, genetics, ecology, physiology, microbiology, and evolution. This major provides a comprehensive understanding of life at different levels, from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Biology Degree?
Typically, it takes about four years to complete the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology at Post University. Time to completion can vary depending on whether you have eligible transfer credits, whether you choose an accelerated track, or pursue the degree online. It may take longer to complete if you opt for part-time study or integrate a co-op or internship experience into your program.
What Do You Study in Biology?
In a biology degree program om Post University, students study the structure, function, evolution, and interactions of living organisms. They study topics such as cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, physiology, microbiology, and biodiversity. Through laboratory work, field studies, research projects for on-campus learners, and simulations for online learners, students have the opportunity to develop practical skills in scientific inquiry, data analysis, experimental design, and critical thinking. Biology education also emphasizes interdisciplinary connections with chemistry, physics, mathematics, and environmental science.
What Classes Does a Biology Major Take?
Biology majors typically take a range of core courses covering foundational concepts in biology, including general biology, cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and physiology. Depending on their interests and career goals, students may choose elective courses in specialized areas such as microbiology, molecular biology, plant biology, animal behavior, or bioinformatics. Advanced coursework may include seminars, independent research projects, or internships tailored to individual interests.
Is Biology a STEM Degree?
Yes, biology is considered a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) field. It is the foundational science for fields in molecular biology, structural biology, cellular biology, microbiology and more listed on the Department of Homeland Security’s list of areas with a STEM designation. The curriculum for the bachelor’s degree program at Post University covers a wide range of topics including molecular biology, cellular biology, microbiology, genetics, botany, anatomy and physiology, zoology, and ecology.
Can You Earn a Biology Degree Online?
Yes, you can pursue a bachelor’s in biology online through Post University. This STEM-designated program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of biology through a flexible and convenient online format. Online students have access to the same curriculum, faculty support, and resources as on-campus students. This allows individuals to pursue their education while balancing work, family, or other commitments.
What Is the Hardest Class While Getting a Biology Degree?
Advanced biology classes like Genetics, Biochemistry, Genomics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy and Physiology are often considered challenging due to their complex subject matter and rigorous coursework. These courses require a deep understanding of biological principles, strong analytical skills, and the ability to integrate knowledge from various disciplines. However, they also provide valuable insights into key biological processes and contribute to a well-rounded education in biology.
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