Online Genetics Courses and Degrees
Find out more about genetics - what makes organic entities function, develop and reproduce - through online genetics courses or a degree program. Learn what kinds of classes are available and through what degree programs they may be offered. Get details about course and program costs, too.
What You Need to Know
Genetics courses are available in degree programs and on an individual basis. Typically, you can choose to pursue a degree in genetics at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Some of your classes may be available online, but most programs require at least some in-person work.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Online</b></td><td>Many programs offer hybrid learning opportunities</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Degrees</b></td><td>Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees are available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td>Molecular genetics and gene control, genetic technology and improvement, cellular biology and genetic engineering, evolution of plant and animal genetics, reading and modifying genetic code, DNA, RNA and cell structure</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhereCanIFindGeneticsCoursesOnline">Where Can I Find Genetics Courses Online?</h3><p>Several universities offer courses in genetics and biological sciences through distance learning. You can enroll in individual classes to learn about genetics, or you can participate in an entire degree program. Some colleges post lecture videos online, where you can access them for no charge. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology provides a free, open online course in genetics through its MIT Open Courseware online portal (<i>https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/biology/7-03-genetics-fall-2004/</i>). Other free online modules include:
</p><ul><li>Introduction to Genetics and Evolution (presented by Duke University via <i>www.coursera.org</i>)
</li><li>Molecular Biology Part 1: DNA Replication and Repair (presented by MITx via <i>www.edx.org</i>)
</li><li>Proteins: Biology's Workforce (presented by Rice University via <i>www.edx.org</i>)
</li><li>Introduction to Genomic Data Science (presented by UC San Diego via <i>www.edx.org</i>)
</li><li>Proteins: Alignment, Analysis and Structure (presented by the University of Maryland via <i>www.edx.org</i>)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatTypeOfDegreeCanIEarn">What Type of Degree Can I Earn?</h3><p>Generally, both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in genetics require at least partial on-campus or on-site education and training. However, some colleges and universities allow you to participate in courses through distance learning and perform lab work or internships at the school or affiliated learning center. You can find bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs with coursework available online.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatOnlineCoursesCanITakeInGenetics">What Online Courses Can I Take in Genetics?</h3><p>Depending on your area of interest, you can find human, animal and plant genetics courses online. If you choose to pursue a degree, most online courses allow you to obtain college credit. Some examples of Web-based courses include:
</p><ul><li>Molecular genetics and gene control
</li><li>Genetic technology and improvement
</li><li>Cellular biology and genetic engineering
</li><li>Evolution of plant and animal genetics
</li><li>Reading and modifying genetic code
</li><li>DNA, RNA and cell structure
</li><li>Meiosis and organic reproduction
</li><li>Genetic diseases and complex gene structure
</li></ul><h3 id="section---HowMuchDoOnlineCoursesAndDegreeProgramsInGeneticsCost">How Much Do Online Courses and Degree Programs in Genetics Cost?</h3><p>Individual courses may cost you more overall than full tuition, if you plan on earning a degree. Depending on the school you enroll at, charges for online courses may be based on the course or by the credit hour. Rates fluctuate anywhere from around $100 to over $1,000 per class. You may be able to find tuition-free online courses in certain states.
</p><p>As a graduate student, you may qualify for financial support, such as tuition assistance, annual stipends and research grants. You're encouraged to check with the school's admissions department for aid you may be eligible for. Undergraduate programs typically do not include grants or stipends, and tuition rates for online courses may be higher than on campus. As a genetics student, you may be eligible for grant opportunities offered through many science foundations, including:
</p><ul><li>The American Society of Human Genetics
</li><li>National Institutes of Health
</li><li>City of Hope
</li><li>National Human Genome Research Institute
</li><li>Association of University Centers on Disabilities
</li><li>The March of Dimes</li></ul>