Natural Science

A degree in natural science from OBU will prepare you for a broad range of careers. Our program is Christ-centered and scientifically sound. You will be adept in scientific processes and reasoning by taking specialized courses in animal biology, organic chemistry and the history of science.

This major is broader than many science degrees and can serve as a great foundation to pursue a graduate degree in biology, chemistry, engineering or another scientific field. Our science program features an in-house planetarium that further enriches your training.

Allison Copeland

Class of 2023

“OBU’s natural science program created a pathway for me to take my interests and utilize them in a field I will be happy with for the rest of my life.”

Benefits of OBU Natural Science Program

Versatile Career Field

Graduates who selected this degree plan are working in a wide range of employment areas such as forensics, forestry, environmental science or missions. Specifically, they enjoy careers as a wildlife biologist, astronomer, oceanographer, chemist, medical laboratory technician, medical technologist, scientist, research specialist and other related fields.

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

Employment opportunities in the natural science career field can lead to rewarding jobs as a biologist, scientist, meteorologist, ecologist, geographer, wildlife biologist, veterinarian, physicist, laboratory, secondary or higher education teacher, to name a few. Many graduates continue to graduate school to receive specialized training or pursue their doctorate.

Natural Science graduates are now working at:

  • Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
  • Synaptic Resources
  • Greenville Texas High School

Program Options

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Minor

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. Albert Chen

Dr. Albert Chen

Professor of Physics

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. 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

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