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Schreiner University offers courses leading to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with a major in Chemistry. The Chemistry program is committed to the liberal arts tradition with emphasis upon Chemistry as an area of free inquiry. Students are not expected simply to master current chemistry knowledge. Rather, they are encouraged to understand chemistry as a dynamic body of knowledge. Methods of producing new knowledge and using concepts to further understanding are two major goals of the program.

A student with a BA degree in Chemistry with additional work in biology will meet all the requirements for medical, dental, veterinary and pharmacy schools. Those students wishing to pursue graduate studies in chemistry are encouraged to follow the BS degree plan. The Chemistry program includes courses and experiences that will give the student a wide variety of laboratory techniques that are essential for further investigations either in education or industry.

Degree Plans Offered

BA Chemistry – Integrative track

The BA Chemistry – Integrative track focuses Chemistry. Students earning this degree complete 33 hours of the Schreiner University Core Curriculum; 24-30 hours of lower level (2000 or below) Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics; and 28 hours of upper-level Chemistry. There are 6 hours of upper-level electives where students can take Quantum Mechanics or Biochemistry. This leaves a substantial number of hours (29-35) dedicated to electives for students to be able to minor in another subject of their choosing.

BA Chemistry – Biochemistry track

The BA Chemistry – Biochemistry track focuses on the interaction of Biology and Chemistry. Students earning this degree complete 33 hours of the Schreiner University Core Curriculum; 23-29 hours of lower level (2000 or below) Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics; and 24 hours of upper-level Chemistry (which includes Biochemistry) and/or Biology. There are 6 hours of upper-level electives where students can take Instrumental Analysis, Thermodynamics, Quantum Mechanics or Inorganic Chemistry. This leaves a substantial number of hours (34-40) dedicated to electives for students to be able to minor in another subject of their choosing.

BS Chemistry – Integrative track

The BS Chemistry – Integrative track focuses on Chemistry. Students earning this degree complete 33 hours of the Schreiner University Core Curriculum; 32-38 hours of lower level (2000 or below) Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics; and 30 hours of upper-level Chemistry. This leaves 19-25 hours dedicated to electives for students to explore further a variety of subjects or a specific subject of their choosing.

BS Chemistry – Biochemistry track

The BS Chemistry – Biochemistry track focuses on the interaction of Biology and Chemistry. Students earning this degree complete 33 hours of the Schreiner University Core Curriculum; 35-41 hours of lower level (2000 or below) Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics; and 26 hours of upper-level Biology and Chemistry (which includes Biochemistry). There are 4 hours of upper-level electives where students can explore Cellular or Molecular Biology. This leaves 20-26 hours dedicated to electives for students to explore further a variety of subjects or a specific subject of their choosing.

Chemistry Faculty Members

Kiley Miller, PhD – Hi, my name is Kiley Miller. I am a former Schreiner University student (Class of 2000). I have been back on campus since 2006 with an opportunity to make an impact of the live of Schreiner University students, the same way that my faculty members here impacted me. I teach a variety of Chemistry courses from General Chemistry lecture and lab to upper-level Chemistry courses (Quantitative Analysis, Instrumental Analysis, Biochemistry 1/2, Intro to Chemical Research, and Internship/Senior Project in Chemistry). I am enthusiastic about the material because I think that the better, we understand matter and the changes it undergoes (Chemistry), the better we will be at making decisions about our own nutrition, health, environment, as well as the informing those around us to make more informed decisions about their lives. My research interests revolve around Environmental Analysis. From the chemical characterization of the invasive Chinaberry tree fruit to the evaluation of the degradation of plastics used for fish habitats. I am actively involved in coaching, refereeing, and playing world football at our local club Hill Country United.

PhD in Bioengineering – Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2005

MA in Analytical Chemistry – University of Texas at Austin, 2002

BS in Chemistry – Schreiner University, 2000

Danette Vines, PhD – Hi, my name is Danette R. Vines. I have 19 years teaching experience with 14 of them at Schreiner University. I teach General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry. My research interests are in the synthesis of small biologically active compounds.

PhD Organic Chemistry, Iowa State University

BSc Chemistry, McNeese State University

Victor A. Salinas, M.S. – My name is Victor Salinas, and I am a Schreiner alumnus (Class of 2012). After receiving a B.S. in Biology from Schreiner University, I earned an M.S. in Molecular Biology from Lehigh University in 2018. I’m thrilled to return to the Schreiner campus to share my passion for science through my role as instructor for General Chemistry lab. In my previous positions as classroom teacher and curriculum developer, as well as in my current positions as the K-12 science coordinator for Boerne ISD and Schreiner faculty, my goal has always been to make science engaging and accessible to all students. My Schreiner professors were instrumental in my development as a scientist and educator, and I’m thankful to have the opportunity to have an impact on the learning and Schreiner experience of this generation of students. Outside of work, most of my time is spent with my wife and two children, partaking in community theater productions and other community events.

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