Finding accredited online science courses with laboratory components that transfer to your target institution can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a non-degree seeking student completing prerequisites, a professional returning to education, or someone needing to fulfill science requirements, understanding how online lab courses work and ensuring your credits transfer is crucial.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about taking online science courses with labs, verifying transferability, enrolling as a non-degree student, and successfully completing science prerequisites through flexible online learning.
Traditional science education requires hands-on laboratory work to develop experimental skills, understand the scientific method, and connect theoretical concepts to practical applications. For decades, this requirement meant students had to attend classes in person. Today, online science courses with lab components offer legitimate alternatives that meet the same educational standards.
According to GetEducated’s guide to online science courses, modern online science labs typically use one of three approaches:
Physical Lab Kits: Students receive lab kits containing all necessary materials, equipment, and specimens to conduct experiments at home. These kits allow for authentic hands-on experience with real materials and equipment.
Virtual Simulations: Interactive computer simulations allow students to manipulate variables, observe outcomes, and collect data in virtual laboratory environments. While lacking physical materials, high-quality simulations develop critical thinking and experimental design skills.
Hybrid Models: Some programs combine online coursework with occasional on-campus intensive lab weekends or summer sessions, offering both flexibility and hands-on experience.
Online prerequisite science courses commonly include:
General Chemistry with Lab: Two-semester sequence covering atomic structure, bonding, thermodynamics, and kinetics with accompanying laboratory work.
Organic Chemistry with Lab: Comprehensive coverage of carbon-based compounds, reaction mechanisms, and synthesis with extensive lab components.
Biology with Lab: General biology covering cells, genetics, evolution, and ecology with laboratory exercises including dissections and microscopy.
Anatomy and Physiology with Lab: Detailed study of human body systems with virtual dissections, anatomical models, and physiological experiments.
Microbiology with Lab: Study of microorganisms, sterile technique, and microbial identification with home laboratory equipment.
Physics with Lab: Mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism with experimental demonstrations and measurements.
The most critical factor determining whether your online science courses transfer is accreditation. Credits from non-accredited institutions rarely transfer to degree-granting colleges and universities.
Regional accreditation by organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is the gold standard. The seven regional accrediting bodies (now operating as institutional accreditors) include:
According to Oregon State University Ecampus, one of the leading providers of online chemistry courses, their regional accreditation ensures credits transfer widely to other institutions.
The American Council on Education (ACE) evaluates courses from non-traditional providers and recommends college credit equivalencies. StraighterLine, for example, offers ACE-recommended courses that have been accepted by over 3,000 colleges and universities.
Before enrolling in any online course, verify the institution’s accreditation status through:
Check our accreditation information to ensure your credits will transfer.
Many students taking prerequisite science courses don’t need another degree—they simply need specific courses for graduate school applications, career changes, or professional requirements. Non-degree seeking status (also called non-matriculated or special student status) allows you to take courses without committing to a full degree program.
Flexibility: Take only the courses you need without unnecessary general education requirements.
Simplified Admissions: Non-degree admission typically requires minimal documentation—often just proof of high school diploma or previous bachelor’s degree.
No Application Fees: Many institutions waive application fees for non-degree students.
Immediate Enrollment: Begin taking courses quickly without lengthy admissions processes.
Professional Development: Complete courses for career advancement, licensure, or personal enrichment.
According to information from State College of Florida and University of Connecticut, non-degree students face certain restrictions:
No Financial Aid: Non-degree students typically aren’t eligible for federal financial aid through FAFSA. Private student loans may be available.
Limited Credit Transfer: If you later pursue a degree at the same institution, there are limits on how many non-degree credits can apply. Oregon State University allows maximum 36 credits, while University of Arizona allows 15 undergraduate credits.
Space-Available Registration: Non-degree students often register after degree-seeking students, potentially limiting course availability.
No Student Housing: Most institutions don’t provide housing for non-degree students during regular semesters.
Prerequisites Still Apply: You must meet course prerequisites just like degree-seeking students.
Start your non-degree enrollment process today.
The frustration of completing courses only to discover credits won’t transfer is preventable with proper research and planning.
According to University of California’s transfer credit practices, institutions have specific policies about which courses transfer and how they apply to degrees.
Contact the Registrar: Email or call your target institution’s registrar office with specific course information (course number, title, credits, syllabus) to confirm transferability before enrollment.
Check Articulation Agreements: Many institutions maintain databases of approved transfer courses. Oregon State University provides a transfer course search database showing common equivalent courses.
Review Course Equivalency Tools: Search for “course equivalency” or “transfer credit” on your target institution’s website. Many schools provide online tools comparing courses between institutions.
Get It in Writing: Request written confirmation from the registrar about course transferability and save all correspondence.
Most institutions have policies limiting transfer credits:
Maximum Transfer Credits: University of Washington allows maximum 90 lower-division transfer credits and 135 total transfer credits toward their 180-credit degree requirement.
Time Limits: Science courses with labs often expire after 5-7 years. Verify your target program’s policies about prerequisite age, especially for medical, nursing, and PA programs.
Grade Requirements: Most institutions require C or better (some require C- or better) for transfer credit. Stanford University requires C- or better for transfer credits.
GPA Exclusion: Transfer course grades typically don’t affect your GPA at the receiving institution—only the credits transfer, not the grades.
Some institutions (like Oregon State University, Stanford, and many UC schools) operate on quarter systems while others use semesters. Understanding conversion is essential.
Standard Conversion: Generally, 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits, though institutions handle conversions individually.
Verify Conversion: Confirm with your target institution how they convert credits from different systems.
Use our credit conversion calculator to plan your coursework.
Several institutions have established reputations for high-quality online science education with laboratory components.
Oregon State University Ecampus offers comprehensive online chemistry sequences developed by world-class faculty. Their regional accreditation by NWCCU and reputation ensure wide credit transfer acceptance. OSU operates on quarters, offering courses every term including summer.
Cost: Approximately $384 per credit (2024-2025)
Lab Format: Physical lab kits shipped to students
Notable Programs: Complete general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry sequences
StraighterLine provides affordable ACE-recommended courses including microbiology, organic chemistry, and other science labs. According to their website, credits have been accepted by over 3,000 institutions.
Cost: Monthly membership ($99) plus course fees ($59-$119 per course) plus lab kit costs ($79-$219)
Lab Format: Physical lab kits from eScience Labs or Science Interactive
Advantage: Self-paced, no rigid deadlines
Mayville State University offers asynchronous online science courses with labs through their Learning Management System. Non-degree students can enroll to complete prerequisites.
Cost: $347.38 per credit (2025-2026), capped at 12 credits
Lab Format: Physical lab kits purchased or leased through bookstore
Courses Available: Biology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology, and more
SCU Accelerated Sciences offers accelerated 5-week science courses specifically designed for students pursuing healthcare careers. Courses include lecture and lab components.
Cost: Varies; lab fees and equipment included
Lab Format: Hybrid – combination of on-campus labs and remote work
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Advantage: Extremely accelerated format allows rapid prerequisite completion
Our platform offers comprehensive online science courses with laboratories specifically designed for graduate school prerequisites. All courses are regionally accredited and accepted widely.
Features:
Browse our science courses with lab.
Physical lab kits make home laboratory work possible. Understanding what’s included helps you prepare for successful online lab experiences.
According to StraighterLine’s information about online science labs, lab kits typically include:
Equipment: Beakers, test tubes, graduated cylinders, pipettes, thermometers, pH paper, safety goggles, gloves, and specialized equipment depending on the course.
Chemicals and Reagents: Pre-measured quantities of necessary chemicals, indicators, and solutions.
Biological Materials: Preserved specimens for dissection (for biology), slides, culture media (for microbiology), or models (for anatomy).
Instructions: Detailed experiment protocols, safety guidelines, and data recording sheets.
Lab kit costs vary by course complexity:
Some institutions include lab kit costs in tuition; others require separate purchase from providers like eScience Labs or Science Interactive.
Home laboratory work requires safety consciousness:
If you’re taking prerequisites for graduate school, understanding which lab formats your target programs accept is crucial.
Most medical schools prefer or require in-person laboratory experiences for prerequisite courses. According to Harvard Medical School’s prerequisite policies, online courses are acceptable on a case-by-case basis, but laboratory sciences should not be taken in online format.
Recommendation: If pursuing medical school, strongly prefer:
Always verify specific medical school policies before enrolling in online science courses.
Nursing and physician assistant programs have varying policies. Some accelerated BSN programs accept online prerequisites with physical lab components, while others require traditional in-person labs.
Strategy: Contact admissions offices at your target programs before enrolling in online science courses to verify their specific policies.
Pharmacy, dental, veterinary, physical therapy, and occupational therapy programs similarly prefer traditional labs but may accept high-quality online courses with physical lab components. Graduate programs in public health, health administration, or healthcare policy often have more flexible requirements.
Check program-specific requirements before enrolling.
Online science courses with labs require discipline, organization, and effective study strategies.
Allocate Sufficient Study Time: Online courses require equal or greater time commitment than traditional courses. Plan for 6-9 hours per week per course (lecture and lab combined).
Create a Study Schedule: Establish regular study blocks and stick to them. Asynchronous flexibility can become procrastination without structure.
Plan Lab Time: Experiments require uninterrupted blocks of time. Schedule 2-3 hour sessions for laboratory work.
Set Up Dedicated Space: Create a workspace exclusively for laboratory work with adequate lighting, ventilation, and room for equipment.
Review Protocols Before Starting: Read entire experiment procedures before beginning. Prepare all materials and understand each step.
Document Thoroughly: Take detailed notes, photographs, and measurements. Laboratory notebooks are essential for data analysis and reports.
Follow Safety Guidelines: Never skip safety procedures, even when working at home.
Engage with Instructors: Utilize virtual office hours, email communication, and discussion forums. Building relationships with online instructors is possible and valuable.
Form Study Groups: Connect with classmates through course platforms, social media, or video conferencing to discuss concepts and troubleshoot challenges.
Complete Practice Problems: Science courses require practice. Work through all available problems, not just assigned ones.
Review Regularly: Don’t wait until exams to review. Regular, spaced repetition solidifies understanding and retention.
Access our study resources and tutoring for online science courses.
Understanding costs helps with budgeting and financial planning.
Tuition: $300-$500 per credit hour at most institutions Lab Kits: $100-$220 depending on course Textbooks: $150-$300 per course Technology Requirements: Computer, webcam, reliable internet
Total Per Course: Expect $1,500-$2,500 per 4-credit science course with lab
View our transparent pricing for all-inclusive course costs.
Since non-degree students typically can’t access federal financial aid:
Payment Plans: Many institutions and platforms offer monthly payment plans spreading costs over the term.
Private Student Loans: Some lenders offer loans for non-degree-seeking students. Compare interest rates carefully.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Check if your employer offers education benefits for professional development courses.
Military Benefits: Veterans may use GI Bill benefits for certain non-degree programs. Check with your institution about eligibility.
Personal Savings: Many students self-fund prerequisite courses while maintaining employment, benefiting from online flexibility.
Apply for payment plans to make prerequisites affordable.
After completing online science prerequisites, ensuring credits transfer to your graduate program is the final crucial step.
Graduate programs require official transcripts showing completed coursework. Request official transcripts from the institution where you completed courses and have them sent directly to:
Timeline: Request transcripts well before application deadlines. Processing can take 1-3 weeks.
Most graduate programs have minimum grade requirements for prerequisite courses:
Strong performance in online prerequisites demonstrates academic readiness regardless of format.
If applications ask about online coursework, be prepared to explain:
Most admissions committees understand that legitimate online courses from accredited institutions provide equivalent education to traditional formats.
Ready to begin completing science prerequisites online?
Determine exactly which prerequisites your target graduate programs require. Make a comprehensive list including:
Contact registrar offices at your target institutions to confirm:
Select a regionally accredited institution offering the courses you need with:
Complete non-degree admission process:
Commit to strong performance:
After course completion:
High-quality online science courses with laboratory components from accredited institutions provide legitimate, transferable credits accepted by most graduate programs. Success requires careful research about transfer policies, choosing appropriately accredited providers, and excellent academic performance.
Whether you’re completing prerequisites while working full-time, returning to education after time away, or need flexible options for other reasons, online science courses make graduate school preparation accessible.
Start your prerequisite journey today by exploring our comprehensive catalog of online science courses with lab, scheduling an advising consultation, or requesting a personalized prerequisite plan.
Your path to graduate school doesn’t require putting life on hold. With accredited online science prerequisites, you can prepare for your future while maintaining your present commitments.
Ready to begin? Browse science courses with lab | Verify course transferability | Enroll as non-degree student | Contact academic advisors
