Online Bachelor of Science in Biophysics

Explore the intersection of biology and physics with a Bachelor of Science in biophysics from Arizona State University. Hone your analytical, computational and research skills as you study life from molecules to ecosystems. As a graduate, you’ll be ready to take the next step in your career or apply for top master’s programs.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 43

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered.

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What is biophysics?

Biophysics is an interdisciplinary field that combines the principles of physics and biology to understand biological systems and processes at the molecular and cellular level. In our increasingly interconnected world, biophysics has the potential to revolutionize approaches to medicine, agriculture, sustainability and more. It also provides a foundation for new therapies, diagnostics and treatments.

In this biophysics program, the first of its kind to be offered online, you’ll learn from the same renowned biophysicists who teach on campus. You’ll gain knowledge about the principles governing all scales of biological organization and the tools to drive innovative solutions.

The skills and subjects you’ll learn as a biophysics major

As you take a variety of courses in physics, mathematics, biology and chemistry, you’ll have opportunities to sharpen your independent and critical thinking. You’ll also learn how to design experiments, collect, analyze and interpret data and write scientific reports. Other skills you’ll build as a biophysics major include:

  • Cross-audience communication.
  • Data analysis and computation.
  • Interdisciplinary thinking.
  • Problem solving.
  • Scientific methodology.

What can you do with a bachelor’s in biophysics?

Earning a biophysics degree can set you on a path for a variety of careers in the health care, education, research, renewable energy and biotechnology industries. You’ll be equipped for roles ranging from health care administrator and radiologist to research assistant or pharmaceutical sales representative.

For advanced roles, such as becoming a biophysicist or researcher, you may need to pursue further studies. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for graduate programs in the fields of neuroscience, chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, data science and physics.

Additionally, while a biophysics major can be a stepping stone to medical school, you should expect to take additional coursework to meet the prerequisite requirements.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Featured biophysics courses

This biophysics program includes skill-building courses that span various scientific disciplines. In addition to general physics and biology courses, you’ll have the opportunity to study topics, such as quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, energy and momentum, molecular forces and flows, biomolecules and more. Courses may include:


CHM 233: General Organic Chemistry I


CHM 341: Elementary Physical Chemistry


PHY 312: Mechanics and Electromagnetism


PHY 314: Quantum Physics I


PHY 371: Driving Forces in Biology


PHY 472: Advanced Biophysics Lab


PHY 473: From Molecules to Cells


BIO 353: Cell Biology


The jobs you could get with a biophysics degree

This program prepares you for careers in an array of fields, such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical device development. Upon graduation, you can pursue roles, such as science writer, medical laboratory technologist, data analyst or pharmacologist. Other potential career paths include, but aren’t limited to:

Biological Technician


Growth: 4.7 %
Salary: $49,650

Clinical Trial Manager


Growth: 4.8 %
Salary: $144,440

Inside Sales Representative


Growth: 3.7 %
Salary: $97,710

Medical Lab Technician


Growth: 4.9 %
Salary: $57,380

Medical Scientist


Growth: 9.8 %
Salary: $99,930

Physicist


Growth: 4.7 %
Salary: $142,850

Radiologist


Growth: 3.6 %
Salary: $0

Scientist/Biochemist


Growth: 6.7 %
Salary: $103,810

Learn from leading faculty in biophysics

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.

  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • Nobel laureates.

Learn from leading faculty in biophysics

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.

  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • Nobel laureates.

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Competency requirements

Additional admission requirements

High school equivalency

Homeschool

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

The largest and most diverse college at ASU

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to be socially aware, critical thinkers and global citizens.

25,500+


currently enrolled students.

$140


million in research expenditures in 2018.

23


interdisciplinary schools and departments.

95+


undergraduate degrees.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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