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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Chemistry

As a student in OBU’s chemistry program, you will study the major fields of chemistry, such as analytical, organic, physical and inorganic as well as other courses related to science and math, including biochemistry and physics. This training leads to work in laboratories developing products such as petroleum, plastics and pharmaceuticals. Our world-class chemistry faculty teach you in a small class setting utilizing state-of-the-art equipment.

A forensic emphasis in OBU’s chemistry program will include the intriguing study of the major fields of chemistry such as analytical, organic, physical and inorganic. You will also take courses in science and math including biochemistry and physics to discover cutting-edge knowledge.

The chemistry forensic specialization analyzes a material’s physical and chemical properties to ensure it is identified and documented properly. The need for this type of expertise is common in the medical field, research lab or with criminal investigations.

Chemistry is also a valuable field of study if you have an interest in pre-pharmacy.

Lt. Carrie Farris

Class of 2004

Lt. Farris earned a degree in chemistry and mathematics. She now serves as supervisor of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Forensic Science Center Controlled Substances Unit. She states, “My foundations in chemistry and math were critical to what I did during my training and even today as we see opportunities to advance technology to identify new drugs.”

Watch Lt. Farris' Video

Benefits of OBU Chemistry 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. In the past three years, our 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 chemistry graduates often continue on to medical school. Others are working at the Department of Environmental Quality, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) as criminalists, or at various companies as analytical chemists. Many graduates go to dental school or graduate schools in a variety of fields or seek employment with the federal government.

OBU chemistry graduates are now working at:

  • Tinker Air Force Base Chemistry Lab
  • University of Washington in St. Louis, MD/phD program
  • Valspar

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. Michael Jordan

Dr. Michael Jordan

Professor of Chemistry

Dr. Nathan Malmberg

Dr. Nathan Malmberg

Professor of Chemistry

Dr. Yvonne Mbote

Dr. Yvonne Mbote

Associate Professor of Chemistry

James E. Hurley School of Science and Mathematics