James E. Hurley School of Science and Mathematics

Did you know that careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) have become some of the most influential and progressive jobs today? Employers desire graduates who can problem-solve and think analytically. OBU offers you a variety of STEM degree programs that are Christ-centered and scientifically sound. Each of these programs incorporates innovative and advanced aspects of learning.

Featured Program

Biology

Gain academic knowledge and hands-on experience to successfully prepare for a bright future.

Preparing Students for What’s Next

OBU graduates who earn degrees in STEM can pursue careers as aerospace engineers, mathematicians, civil engineers, astronomers, medical doctors, physician assistants, dentists, computer scientists, data scientists, materials scientists, food scientists, physicists, and chemists. Other areas of work include pharmacists, optometrists, statisticians, actuaries, systems analysts, science and math teachers, and professors in higher education.

Jessica Smith

Class of 2020

“My professors motivated me and made me want to learn. Besides being my instructors, I felt like they were my friends and mentors.”

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!

Scholarships and Grants

Hear from Dr. Contessa Edgar, chair of the Division of Science, and Dr. Cherith Tucker, chair of the Division of Mathematics, about how a degree from OBU will prepare you to be a future shaper.

Undergraduate Mathematics Programs

Mathematics

Earning a mathematics degree from OBU is a valuable accomplishment. In doing so, you receive a quality education in one of the most powerful and versatile majors available. Our rigorous curriculum is offered in a small, personalized class setting with your studies beginning with the calculus sequence and continuing in advanced principles and equations. Math students also earn hours towards a chosen minor in any of OBU’s academic choices.

Mathematics

Mathematics Education, Secondary

If you have an interest in teaching high school math, OBU’s math education program will thoroughly equip you to impart knowledge to the next generation of students who may be pursuing STEM fields. Your experiences will prepare you to teach in the classroom as you instruct and inspire others in the field of math.

Mathematics Education, Secondary


Undergraduate Science Programs

Biochemistry

Biochemistry combines biology and chemistry to study living matter. Much of the hands-on training you receive at OBU uses state-of-the-art equipment. You will look closely at cellular chemical reactions to understand how cells develop, behave, and react to stimuli. Many biochemistry majors pursue medical, physician assistant, dental, pharmacy or graduate schools after graduation.

Biochemistry

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 engage in many experiments, research projects, and field trips. This is a major often chosen by pre-med students who want to continue on to medical, physician assistant, dental and other graduate professional programs.

Biology

Biology, Forensic Emphasis

Biology with a forensic emphasis is a major for those who might be interested in criminal justice or medical investigation. You will explore cutting-edge knowledge and gain hands-on training with our high-quality equipment. An OBU forensic biology degree will prepare you in the fields of biological investigation analysis such as criminal forensics, pathology, forensic anthropology, and DNA analysis.

Biology, Forensic Emphasis

Chemistry

This degree explores the major fields of chemistry such as analytical, organic, physical, and inorganic chemistry. You will also study courses related to science and math including biochemistry and physics. Jobs in this field may be found in laboratories developing products such as petroleum, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. If you have an interest in pre-pharmacy, chemistry is a degree you may find beneficial.

Chemistry

Engineering

Engineering is a highly technical and diverse career field that plays an integral role in many facets of today’s workforce. Engineers are in high demand as advancements in technology continue to rely on the principles of science, technology, engineering and math. Our world-class faculty will prepare you for a successful and rewarding future.

Engineering

Natural Science

A degree in natural science from OBU will prepare you for a broad range of careers. You will be adept in scientific processes by taking specialized courses in animal biology, organic chemistry, and the history of science with a Christian worldview. Natural science is OBU’s most flexible science major and allows you to proceed in a variety of avenues to accomplish your academic and career goals.

Natural Science

Physics

As a key example of STEM learning, a physics degree from OBU will challenge you to confront complex topics and sharpen your problem-solving abilities. With a strong emphasis and foundation on math, this degree also combines the study of thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, wave motion and physical chemistry. This degree can lead you to a career as an engineer, analyst or researcher, or to pursue a medical degree.

Physics

Science Education, Secondary

For those desiring to be an education professional, OBU’s science education program will thoroughly equip you as you seek to impart important knowledge to the next generation of students who may be pursuing STEM fields. Our science program features an in-house planetarium that enriches your training. You will have the opportunity to take a broad range of science courses providing a solid foundation of knowledge to prepare you for success as a science educator.

Science Education, Secondary

Pre-Med

The James E. Hurley School of Science and Mathematics has a long history of exceptional pre-medical preparation. Each year, numerous students from OBU are admitted to medical school. The academic rigor of our science and math curriculum prepares you to successfully continue on to post-graduate education. Our team of experienced pre-med advisors guide students throughout their undergraduate experience preparing you for the steps needed when applying to medical school.

Pre-Med Options

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
Associate Professor of Biology

Dr. Cherith Tucker

Dr. Cherith Tucker

Chair of Mathematics
Associate Professor of Mathematics

Jenna Bryant

Jenna Bryant

Administrative Assistant, School of Science and Mathematics

Dr. Chuck Baukal

Dr. Chuck Baukal

Associate Professor of Engineering
Director of Engineering Program

Dr. Albert Chen

Dr. Albert Chen

Professor of Physics

Dr. Nathan Drake

Dr. Nathan Drake

Associate Professor of Mathematics

Dr. Krista B. Hands

Dr. Krista B. Hands

Professor of Mathematics

Dr. Bradley Jett

Dr. Bradley Jett

James E. Hurley Professor of Biology

Dr. Chris Jones

Dr. Chris Jones

Professor of Chemistry
Director of STEM Innovation

Dr. Michael Jordan

Dr. Michael Jordan

Professor of Chemistry

Dr. Nathan Malmberg

Dr. Nathan Malmberg

Professor of Chemistry

Dr. Patrick Marsh

Dr. Patrick Marsh

Visiting Professor of Natural Science

Dr. Sarah Marsh

Dr. Sarah Marsh

Professor of Mathematics

Dr. Yvonne Mbote

Dr. Yvonne Mbote

Associate 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