TL;DR
Fall biology programs for high school students range from free research internships and online university courses to paid pre-college classes, hands-on laboratory experiences, and field research. Some options are fully online, while others require you to study or work at a specific university, research center, or local organization. Costs range from free options to courses costing several thousand dollars, and eligibility can depend on your age, grade, location, GPA, or academic preparation. If you want a broader look at research opportunities, explore the Horizon Academic Research Program
Fall biology programs give you different ways to study the subject, from college-level coursework and self-paced classes to laboratory research, fieldwork, and internships. The 13 options below vary in cost, eligibility, format, and the amount of hands-on or research experience you can get. If you want to explore opportunities beyond biology, you can also browse these research programs for high school students
What can you actually do in a fall biology program?
You might take a college-level biology course, conduct research, work with biological data, perform experiments using a home lab kit, study wildlife and ecosystems, or complete a structured internship alongside scientists.
Some options are designed around coursework, while others give you a chance to contribute to ongoing research or complete your own project. The right format depends on whether you want academic coursework, practical laboratory experience, or research exposure.
If you are still deciding what area of STEM research interests you, these STEM research topics for high school students can help you narrow down a starting point.
How much do fall biology programs cost?
Several programs on this list are free, including some research internships and online biology courses. Other options charge tuition but offer scholarships or financial aid.
| Program | Format | Cost | Main experience |
| NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Programs | Remote or on-site | Free; stipend may be available | Research and professional experience |
| Cornell University Fall & Spring Study Program | In person | Varies by course | College-level biology coursework |
| Johns Hopkins CTY Online Biology | Online | Varies by course | Biology coursework |
| Dartmouth Pre-College Online Program | Online | $1,895 per course | College-level biology coursework |
| UC San Diego Bioengineering Research Scholars Program | Online | $2,700 for the Fall MCTC course | Bioengineering research and experiments |
| Rice University Precollege Program | Online | $1,795 per course | Biology-related coursework and capstone |
| Bio-Medicine Saturday Academy | In person + virtual | $125 | Medical biology and laboratory learning |
| ASU Prep Digital Biology Courses | Online | Free for Arizona public-school students | High school biology coursework |
| Internships at Dolphin Research Center | In person | Free; unpaid | Marine biology internship |
| Project TRUE | In person | Free | Urban ecology research |
| Ecampus at Oregon State University | Online | Varies by course | College-level biology coursework |
| Introduction to Biology – Open & Free | Online, self-paced | Free | University-level biology coursework |
| BIO 100 – The Living World | Online | $25 to start; $400 to add to transcript | General biology coursework |
Costs and deadlines can change between application cycles, so check the official program page before applying.
Fall biology programs worth considering
1. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Programs
Location: Available remotely or on-site at one of NASA’s 10 field centers, depending on the project
Cost: Free; interns may receive a stipend based on their academic level and session length
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. Fall: May 21
Dates: 16-week program from September to December
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old, U.S. citizens, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement offers paid internships for high school and college students interested in science, technology, engineering, and related fields. You can work in areas such as microbiology, ecology, space science, aeronautics, robotics, and information technology. You may assist with data analysis, support ongoing research, contribute to technology development, or help with mission planning while working alongside NASA professionals or in small teams.
Who is it right for? You want a structured internship where you can contribute to real projects alongside science and technology professionals.
2. Cornell University Fall & Spring Study Program
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: Varies by course; tuition is charged per credit
Program Dates: Varies by semester and course
Application Deadline: Varies by course and semester
Eligibility: Eligibility varies by course; some Cornell SCE courses are open to high school students
The Cornell Fall & Spring Study program lets you enroll in regular university courses alongside Cornell undergraduate and graduate students. You can choose from thousands of courses across disciplines, including biology and related fields, taught by Cornell faculty. You earn official college credits that appear on a Cornell transcript, while gaining experience with college-level material, faculty mentorship, and interaction with other students.
Who is it right for? You want to take college-level biology coursework during the fall semester.
3. Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY) – Online Biology
Location: Online
Cost: Varies by course; current online courses generally list tuition separately, with financial aid available to eligible students
Program Dates: Varies by course and session; fall courses generally run for about six weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by course; some online courses have a September 15 registration deadline
Eligibility: High school students younger than 19 who are enrolled in high school when the course starts and meet the course-specific grade requirements
CTY’s online fall courses include Introduction to Biological Sciences for high school students. The course covers genetics, evolution, cellular biology, and ecology through lectures, discussions, and collaborative group projects. You also develop analytical thinking and written scientific arguments, with successful completion earning a CTY certificate.
Who is it right for? You want a structured online biology course covering several major areas of the field.
4. Dartmouth Pre-College Online Program – Biology
Location: Online
Cost: $1,895 per course; need-based scholarships are available
Program Dates: Multiple session lengths are available throughout the year; the next Biology course starts October 4
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up who are currently enrolled in high school or are within one year of graduating
The Dartmouth Pre-College Online Program offers college-level courses remotely, including Biology, Psychology, Finance, and Regenerative Medicine. Each course includes 20 to 30 hours of content that you can complete at your own pace, along with mentor guidance, interactive material, and assignments. You finish with a capstone project and receive feedback and a certificate from Dartmouth.
Who is it right for? You want flexible online biology coursework with a capstone project at the end.
5. UC San Diego Bioengineering Research Scholars Program
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: $2,700 for the Fall Mammalian Cell and Tissue Culture course
Program Dates: October 3–November 21
Application Deadline: September 26
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12
The UC San Diego Bioengineering Research Scholars program offers a sequence of courses for high school students interested in bioengineering. You begin with BE-BOAT, which introduces core bioengineering principles through hands-on experiments using home lab kits. At the final level, BE-SHIP, you independently propose and conduct a bioengineering research project in collaboration with UCSD labs, with research and presentation phases following the proposal stage.
Who is it right for? You want to combine online instruction with hands-on experiments and eventually conduct a bioengineering research project.
6. Rice University Precollege Program
Location: Online
Cost: $1,795 per course; need-based scholarships are available
Program Dates: Courses are available year-round in 1-, 2-, or 4-week sessions
Application Deadline: Varies by course and session
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up who are currently enrolled in high school or within one year of graduating
Rice University’s Precollege Program offers online courses covering biology-related areas such as genome engineering, physiology, and medicine. Courses feature video lessons led by Rice faculty, personalized mentor support, and a capstone project that can take the form of text, video, or presentations. You also receive a Certificate of Completion after finishing the course.
Who is it right for? You want a short online course with mentor support and a final capstone project.
7. Bio-Medicine Saturday Academy – UNC Charlotte
Location: UNC Charlotte Woodward Building, Charlotte, NC, with two virtual Thursday sessions
Cost: $125 per participant
Program Dates: September 12 & 19, October 10 & 17, and November 7 & 21; virtual sessions on September 24 and December 3
Application Deadline: June 30, or until capacity is reached
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 interested in biology and medicine
This hands-on enrichment sequence covers medical biology through laboratory work, interactive seminars, and group projects. You explore topics such as disease pathology, anatomy, and pharmacology, while virtual sessions add guest speakers and lab simulations. The cohort is capped at 25 participants for personalized attention.
Who is it right for? You want an affordable, hands-on introduction to medical biology in a small group setting.
8. ASU Prep Digital – Biology Courses
Location: Online
Cost: Free for Arizona public-school students; tuition applies to students outside Arizona, with rates varying by enrollment type
Program Dates: Flexible online scheduling; enrollment dates and course start dates vary
Application Deadline: Enrollment is currently open; deadlines vary by enrollment period
Eligibility: K–12 students; the Biology course is a high school-level course, with honors available
ASU Prep Digital is an online public school connected to Arizona State University. You can take biology courses and concurrent courses that can provide both high school and university credits. The program includes live group webinars, one-on-one teacher support, and mentoring through success coaches, with university professors developing course materials and providing office-hour support.
Who is it right for? You want flexible online biology coursework with the possibility of earning college credit.
9. Internships at Dolphin Research Center
Location: Dolphin Research Center, Grassy Key, FL
Cost: Free; all internships are unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own housing, food, and transportation
Program Dates: Fall term runs September–December; internships generally last 16–18 weeks
Application Deadline: June 1 for the Fall term
Eligibility: Applicants must be 18 or older, speak and understand English, and be physically fit enough to lift 50 pounds and work outdoors in Florida heat, sunshine, and humidity
The Dolphin Research Center offers structured internships connected to marine biology and the daily operations of a marine mammal facility. Internships are assigned to individual departments and typically last 16 to 18 weeks, with interns working about 40 hours per week. Departments include Animal Care and Training, Education, Research, Medical, Information Technology, and Visual Communications.
Who is it right for? You are 18 or older and want an intensive, full-time internship in a working marine environment.
10. Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology)
Location: Bronx Zoo and Fordham University, Bronx, NY
Cost: Free; the program is funded by the Pinkerton Foundation and other private donors
Program Dates: Summer program runs June–August, followed by a fall program that meets Saturdays from September–December
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors in good standing who live in the Bronx and are comfortable in both indoor and outdoor settings
Project TRUE is a youth development and urban ecology research program focused on authentic field research. You investigate topics such as mammal distribution, bird communities, water quality, and invasive species management while using scientific methods to collect and analyze data. The fall session continues on Saturdays after the summer research period, with mentorship from Fordham University undergraduates and Wildlife Conservation Society staff.
Who is it right for? You live in the Bronx and want to conduct field research on local wildlife and ecosystems.
11. Ecampus at Oregon State University
Location: Online
Cost: Varies by course; high school students pay the same Ecampus tuition and fees as other OSU Ecampus students
Program Dates: Varies by course and academic term; Fall courses are available
Application Deadline: Varies by term; registration generally begins 5–6 weeks before the term starts
Eligibility: Academically ready high school students; OSU recommends a GPA of 3.0 or higher and successful completion of challenging high school coursework
Oregon State University’s Ecampus allows high school students to take online college-level courses and earn university credit. You enroll as a nondegree-seeking student and can choose from subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Psychology, Sociology, Economics, and Political Science. More than 100 courses are available across the program.
Who is it right for? You want to explore college-level biology online while earning university credit.
12. Introduction to Biology – Open & Free
Location: Online, self-paced
Cost: Free for independent learners
Program Dates: Self-paced; study at your own pace
Application Deadline: None; enroll anytime
Eligibility: Open to independent learners and students; no specific age or grade requirement is listed
This course introduces biology from the cellular level through ecosystems. It covers fundamental life science theories, molecular and cellular biology, evolution, genetics, and ecology through video lectures, interactive practice problems, and assessments. The course is not credit-bearing but provides university-level biology instruction for independent learners.
Who is it right for? You want a free, self-paced introduction to university-level biology without a fixed fall schedule.
13. BIO 100 – The Living World – Arizona State University Universal Learner Courses
Location: Online
Cost: $25 to start; $400 additional fee to add the course to your ASU transcript after passing
Program Dates: On-demand or 8 weeks; the next 8-week session starts October 13
Application Deadline: No fixed deadline listed; on-demand enrollment is available
Eligibility: No specific age or grade requirement is listed; course prerequisites recommend English-language fluency and computer literacy
BIO 100 introduces fundamental concepts in general biology, including biodiversity, evolution, cellular and molecular biology, ecology, and human anatomy and physiology. The course uses interactive activities, problem-solving exercises, game-like simulations, and virtual field trips. You can take it on demand or through an eight-week session.
Who is it right for? You want an affordable online biology course with flexible enrollment and the option to add it to an ASU transcript.
How do these fall biology programs differ?
The biggest difference is what you actually spend your time doing. Some options are traditional courses focused on building biology knowledge, while others involve laboratory experiments, field research, internships, or independent research projects.
| Program type | What you do | Typical format |
| College-level coursework | Study biology through lectures, assignments, and assessments | Online or in person |
| Research internships | Contribute to research or work alongside scientists | Usually in person or hybrid |
| Home laboratory learning | Conduct experiments using provided kits | Online |
| Field research | Collect and analyze data in real environments | In person |
| Self-paced biology | Work through lectures, activities, and assessments independently | Online |
| Bioengineering research | Conduct experiments and develop research projects | Online with lab components |
The format can also affect how much flexibility you have during the program. If you are comparing remote and campus-based opportunities, this guide to online and in-person research programs breaks down the main differences.
What should you look for before applying?
1. Check the eligibility requirements
Eligibility varies significantly across these programs. Some accept students from a broad range of high school grades, while others have age, GPA, location, or course-specific requirements. Read the eligibility section carefully before applying, especially if the program is tied to a specific city or state.
2. Decide whether you want coursework or research
A biology course can help you build foundational knowledge, but research internships and project-based programs give you a different type of experience. Several options on this list involve collecting data, conducting experiments, supporting ongoing research, or developing an independent project.
Think about what you want to spend your time doing before choosing between a course and a research experience.
3. Compare the total cost
The programs on this list range from free options to courses costing several thousand dollars. Some paid programs offer financial aid or scholarships, while free internships may still require you to cover costs such as housing, food, or transportation. Look at the full cost rather than tuition alone.
4. Check whether the format fits your schedule
Online programs can give you more flexibility, but the time commitment varies. Some courses are self-paced, while others have fixed sessions, live classes, or full-time internship schedules.
Check the program dates and expected workload before committing.
A final fall biology option to consider
If you are looking for a selective virtual research program in areas such as genetics, microbiology, neuroscience, and ecology, consider the Horizon Academic Research Program. It is a selective virtual research program where you can work on advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing.
Fall biology details students often check (FAQs)
Yes. Some options let high school students enroll in regular university courses alongside undergraduate or graduate students, giving you access to college-level coursework and university credit.
Yes. The options include areas such as marine biology, urban ecology, bioengineering, genetics, ecology, and medical biology. This gives you opportunities to explore a particular part of the field rather than only taking a general biology course.
Yes. Some options accept students as young as 13, while others set higher age or grade requirements. Check the eligibility requirements for each program because the minimum age varies.
Yes. Some programs include capstone projects, independent research, or other substantial final work, while others end with coursework, assessments, or certificates. If you want a selective, trimester-long 1:1 research mentorship ending in a 20-page paper, the Horizon Academic Research Program is another option.
Image source: Arizona State University