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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Biology

Biology is the study of life, from the molecular level to entire ecosystems. The word biology comes from the Greek words “bios” meaning life and “logos” meaning study. As an OBU biology student you will study the structure, function, growth, origin and distribution of living organisms within a biblical world view and gain a deeper appreciation for God’s creation.

You will engage in experiments, independent research projects and field trips. This is a major often chosen by pre-med students who want to continue to medical school, physician assistant school, dental school, public health, graduate school and other post-graduate professional programs.

Dereck Jernigan

Class of 2023

“We are future shapers. That phrase carries a lot of weight and personally becomes more evident to me now as a graduate. A lot of the lessons that I continue to apply in my daily life are of passion, courage, and fortitude.”

Benefits of OBU Biology Program

Outstanding Pre-Med Preparation

Our team of world-class professors will guide you throughout your undergraduate experience and help as you apply to medical school. They can personally write a letter of recommendation because they know you individually, and when you earn an interview at a graduate program, our science faculty arrange a mock interview. Over the past three years, OBU science graduates have experienced a 100% acceptance rate into medical school within one year after graduation.

Pre-Med Information

Impact of Professors

While learning through lectures and laboratory settings, you will enjoy a small environment with 100% of your instruction taught by professors, not graduate students or teaching assistants. The faculty also serve as your academic and career advisors which allows them to be more engaged with your personal and academic success. Their roles as science professors extend even greater as they provide one-on-one mentoring helping you to reach your fullest potential as an individual and as a student.

Incredible Education, Affordable Cost.

OBU provides a minimum $10,000 per year scholarship to every incoming first-time freshman and $8,000 to every incoming transfer student. And you could qualify for even more financial aid! Many of our students also receive money through federal Pell grants and OBU Bison Grants.

To get an estimate of what your cost to attend OBU might be, please check out our Net Price Calculator. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how affordable an OBU education really is. Especially considering the incredible academic quality, personal mentor relationships with faculty and staff, and strong Christian commitment you will experience at OBU. You won’t find an experience like this anywhere else!

Program Information

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Scholarship and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) emphasis

Our university hosts an OBU STEM Day annually showcasing the many majors on campus that incorporate STEM skills. Students and faculty provide live demonstrations and instruction in various labs and classrooms using diverse equipment for the benefit of all who attend.

As a supporter of STEM careers, OBU has entered an agreement with Project Lead the Way to begin the fall semester of 2024. Through this agreement, OBU will offer an annual $1,000 scholarship to students who have completed at least two PLTW courses during their high school years. This applies to PLTW students who enroll in any area of study at OBU.

Equipment and Labs

OBU offers you advanced and well-equipped labs. As a student, you are provided with many opportunities to use the equipment to enhance your hands-on training.  Those learning settings include our cadaver lab, cell culture facilities, greenhouse and planetarium.  In addition, OBU undergraduate students (not graduate mentors or research assistants) are able to use a fluorescence microscope, real time PCR machine, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer and atomic absorption spectrometer. 

Faith Integration

The OBU science program is taught from a Christian worldview. It is Christ-centered and scientifically sound, supporting truth through the integration of faith and knowledge in all classes, thereby cultivating a deep appreciation and sense of responsibility for creation. OBU science professors serve as personal role models and mentors, supporting both your intellectual and spiritual development, and instill a solid foundation of faith and biblical perspective through their instruction and personal lives.

Job Opportunities and Outcomes

OBU biology graduates are finding fulfilling careers as medical doctors, dentists, field biologists, pharmaceutical researchers, marine biologists, epidemiologists, chiropractors, optometrists, speech pathologists, veterinarians, medical missionaries, university professors, anesthesiologists, dermatologists and many others.

Biology graduates continue their education at one of the following institutions:

  • New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Arkansas
  • Northeastern State University, Optometry School
  • Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences
  • Salus University, PA School
  • University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, College of Dentistry
  • University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, College of Medicine
  • University of Oklahoma Tulsa School of Community Medicine, Physician Assistant Program

 

Program Options

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Minors

World-Class Faculty

OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.

Dr. Contessa Edgar

Dr. Contessa Edgar

Chair, Division of Science
Professor of Biology

Dr. Bradley Jett

Dr. Bradley Jett

James E. Hurley Professor of Biology

Dr. Dale A. Utt Jr.

Dr. Dale A. Utt Jr.

Associate Professor of Biology

Dr. Tony Yates

Dr. Tony Yates

Professor of Science

James E. Hurley School of Science and Mathematics