The 5 Best Master's in Microbiology and Biochemistry Online

We've ranked the best master in biochemistry and microbiology degree programs based on affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.
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Updated April 6, 2023

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), top earners in the field of microbiology can earn well over six figures per year and an online master's in microbiology and biochemistry degree can help prospective microbiologists achieve their financial goals while securing advanced laboratory and research positions in biotechnology and biomedical sciences. While the field is growing at a steady pace, it is still a competitive one, and an advanced degree can help applicants stand out. In this ranking, we explore the top 5 online master in biochemistry and microbiology degree programs currently available. For more general information regarding distance learning visit our ranking of the top online colleges.

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Ranking the Top Online Degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry Masters Programs

Options are still relatively scarce for those looking for an online master degree in biochemistry and microbiology. For this ranking, our editors began with an initial pool of just 17 schools. Thus, we performed a thorough review of each program, using data from the program's website, tuition information from College Navigator, and ranking numbers from U.S. News & World Report. In applying the rating and ranking methodology above, some programs received the same number of points. In these instances, we used tuition to break the tie, awarding the more affordable program with the higher ranking.

#1 The 5 Best Master’s in Microbiology and Biochemistry Online

University of Florida

  • Gainesville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Online Master of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science

Website | Points: 9

The University of Florida offers a 30-credit hour online masters in microbiology program from its College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The college’s Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology is notably the largest microbiology department in the United States. This master’s program is comprehensive and covers topics such as infectious disease, bioinformatics, genetics, virology, immunology, and metabolic regulation, for instance. Course titles include Fundamentals of Bioinformatics, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology and Genetics, Microbiology of Human Pathogens, and Infectious Disease. This fully online degree in microbiology can be completed in just one year.

In-State Tuition: $10,770

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,477
Out-of-state
$25,694
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,770
Out-of-state
$27,335
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
31%
Students Enrolled
53,372
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 The 5 Best Master’s in Microbiology and Biochemistry Online

Washington State University

  • Pullman, WA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Online Professional Master of Science in Molecular Biosciences

Website | Points: 8

Washington State University’s online master’s in microbiology offers a 33-credit hour online program through its School of Molecular Biosciences. To complete the degree requirements for this professional master’s degree, students must complete both science and professional courses. Required science courses include Cell Biology, Bioinformatics, Advanced Molecular Biology, and General Biochemistry. Students will also take required professional classes like Rhetoric of Science and Technology, Performance Management in Technical Organizations, Finance in Technical Systems, and Bioethics. A 320-hour internship is also required prior to graduation from this online degree in microbiology.

In-State Tuition: $11,224

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,202
Out-of-state
$25,145
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,781
Out-of-state
$25,879
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
31,159
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
28% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#3 The 5 Best Master’s in Microbiology and Biochemistry Online

Drexel University

  • Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Online Master’s in Microbiology

Website | Points: 7

Drexel University offers several master’s in microbiology online programs including an MS in Infectious Disease, MS in Molecular Medicine, MS in Drug Discovery and Development, and MS in Biomedicine and Law. These programs are offered through the university’s College of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies. The MS in Immunology is a 36-credit hour online degree in microbiology features courses such as Applied Statistics for Biomedical Sciences, Fundamentals of Molecular Medicine, and Advanced Molecular Biology.

In-State Tuition: $33,156

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$53,868
Out-of-state
$53,868
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$36,234
Out-of-state
$36,234
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
23,589
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
89% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#4 The 5 Best Master’s in Microbiology and Biochemistry Online

Harvard University

  • Cambridge, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Master’s in Biotechnology Online

Website | Points: 7

The master’s in microbiology and biochemistry online option from Harvard Extension School is technically a hybrid online Masters in Biotechnology as it requires at least four on-campus courses. The curriculum for the program emphasizes current research in biotechnology and includes course titles like Principles and Techniques of Molecular Biology, Medical Microbiology, Cell Biology, and Epigenetics and Gene Regulation. Students can choose from either a thesis or capstone track. This particular online degree in microbiology and biochemistry requires that applicants have not only an undergraduate degree in science but also a minimum of one year’s postbaccalaureate experience in scientific research.

In-State Tuition: $44,816

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$49,653
Out-of-state
$49,653
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$49,448
Out-of-state
$49,448
Retention Rate
76%
Acceptance Rate
5%
Students Enrolled
30,391
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
97% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#5 The 5 Best Master’s in Microbiology and Biochemistry Online

University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Adelphi, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online

MS in Biotechnology Online

Website | Points: 6

The master’s in microbiology online offering from the University of Maryland University College is a 36-credit hour MS in Biotechnology. The program is versatile, featuring four specialization options: Bioinformatics, Biosecurity and Biodefense, Biotechnology Management, and Biotechnology Regulatory Affairs. Core courses required for the general curriculum include titles such as Societal Issues in Biotechnology, Bioprocessing and the Business of Biotechnology. Online degree in microbiology students have the opportunity to complete a hands-on project with a biotechnology company. Some classes may be offered in a hybrid format for students who desire more engagement than an online course can offer.

In-State Tuition: $8,244

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,200
Out-of-state
$11,976
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,640
Out-of-state
$11,862
Retention Rate
55%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
58,526
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

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