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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Biology, Forensic Emphasis

If you are interested in criminal justice or medical investigation, biology with a forensic emphasis is a major for you. In this program, you will explore cutting-edge knowledge and develop hands-on technical training in our state-of-the-art laboratories. As a student, you will study cellular and tissue samples, as well as collect and analyze data in areas related to DNA and other crucial specimens.

Jennifer Santos

Class of 2023

“Gaining a quality education from OBU, coupled with extensive lab experience, prepared me to continue to graduate school. I am now pursuing a master’s degree in forensic science with an emphasis in biology/DNA.”

Benefits of OBU Forensic Biology Program

Diverse Job Opportunities

A degree from OBU’s biology forensic program provides the groundwork and specialized training needed to work in the areas of criminal forensics, law enforcement, scientific laboratories, criminal justice, pathology, toxicology, research, crime scene investigation, DNA analysis and more.

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

Specialized Training

The knowledge and skills gained through these programs equip graduates with exceptional expertise in specialized fields that foster advancements in medicine, science, research and criminal justice. This rewarding field of work involves careful analysis, new discoveries, continued progress and scientific growth.

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

An OBU Biology: Forensic degree will prepare you to find employment in the fields of biological investigation analysis, scientific laboratories, criminal justice, pathology, toxicology, research, crime scene investigation and forensics, DNA analysis and more.

Biology forensic graduates are now working at:

  • Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
  • Grand Canyon University, Master of Science in Public Health

Program Options

Bachelor of Science (BS)

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. Michael Jordan

Dr. Michael Jordan

Professor of Chemistry

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