Online Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences – Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology

Biology is the broad study of life and covers everything from ecosystems and organisms to cells and molecules. Genetics is a specialized branch of biology focused on how hereditary information is organized, expressed and passed on from one generation to the next. While biology takes in the full picture of living systems, genetics zeroes in on the molecular mechanisms that make organisms what they are.

This program builds directly on that relationship. It pairs genetics with two closely connected fields: cell biology, which examines how cells carry out the instructions genes provide, and developmental biology, which explains how those cells coordinate to build and sustain a living organism over time. Studying all three together gives you a deeper understanding of life than any one field can offer on its own.

Genetic counselors and epidemiologists are two of the strongest career destinations for graduates of this program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, genetic counselors are projected to see 9% job growth through 2034 and epidemiologists 16%, both much faster than average. 

Beyond those two paths, graduates also pursue careers as:

• Medical scientists 
• Clinical trial managers 
• Geneticists 
• Cytotechnologists 
• Biological sciences professors

The curriculum also prepares you for graduate and professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary science.

Yes. The required organic chemistry lab must be completed in person. The lab is offered in an accelerated one-week format during the summer term, typically in late May or early June, making the time commitment concentrated and manageable. The lab must be completed in person at ASU's Tempe campus or the laboratory coursework must be transferred from another institution. All other coursework is completed online and asynchronously, meaning there are no set log-in times. You work within instructor-set deadlines on your own schedule.

Developmental biology is the study of how organisms grow and change over time, from a single fertilized cell to a fully formed living being. It draws on both genetics and cell biology to explain how genes and the environment interact to shape that process across a lifetime.

No single field gives you the complete picture on its own. Genetics defines the molecular instructions for life. Cell biology explains how those instructions are carried out inside living cells. Developmental biology then shows how cells coordinate to build tissues, organs and entire organisms, and how those organisms change over time. This program integrates all three areas into a single curriculum so you can see how they work together.

Yes. This program covers the core prerequisites that most medical, dental, pharmacy and veterinary school applications require, including genetics, cell biology, chemistry, physics and statistics.

The curriculum is built at the intersection of genetics and medicine, examining how genes contribute to disease, how cells function and how organisms develop. Since these areas are central to both health science education and clinical practice, this program is a strong choice if you're planning to pursue health professional programs.