Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Major in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization (Entering with Master's Degree)
Program Overview
The College of Science and Engineering at Texas State offers a cutting-edge interdisciplinary Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization Ph.D. program. Students work with faculty in Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Engineering, Engineering Technology, and Physics on the research, development, and validation of materials to be used in the next generation of electronics, medicines, plastics, sensors, infrastructure, and renewable energy. Coupling commercialization with science and engineering, the curriculum infuses an understanding of intellectual property law, skills in business planning, competency in transforming innovations from the lab to commercial production, and the ability to organize and lead interdisciplinary research teams. Our goal is to educate the next generation of scientists and engineers who will perform interdisciplinary research and will emerge as effective entrepreneurial leaders in the advancement of high tech, 21st century global discovery and innovation.
Students are classified as either full-time (minimum of nine hours per term) or part-time. All students are required to initiate, complete, present, and publish original research.
Each student develops an appropriate degree plan to meet their career and academic goals. The degree plan will include a mix of theoretical, analytical, and elective courses that will prepare students to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
Educational Goal
The central educational goal of the Ph.D. major in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization at Texas State is to prepare doctoral students with:
- technical skills necessary to conduct high-quality research,
- an orientation toward interdisciplinary research,
- a set of business tools and knowledge of business practice, and
- technical project and business management skills.
Graduates from the program will have:
- Technical skills enabling them to conduct high-quality research. The program has students plan and carry out cutting edge research in materials science and engineering that demonstrates the ability to think through complex problems and arrive at solutions. This goal is supported by rigorous and technically oriented course work that will equip students with the fundamental science and engineering knowledge necessary to conduct research. The student will also, in consultation with his research advisor and dissertation committee, formulate a research project and produce a proposal for carrying out the research.
- The ability to conduct research across scientific and engineering disciplines. Breakthroughs occur when scientists from a variety of disciplines either individually or collaboratively work on important interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary problems. Therefore, we need a new generation of scientists with both rigorous disciplinary training and the ability to communicate and work across disciplines.
- Business skills and knowledge of business practice. Equipping our graduates with the business skills necessary to become entrepreneurs or leaders in industry is a central goal of the program. This educational goal is supported by the core courses in practical and leadership skills in commercialization and entrepreneurship and other elements dispersed throughout the program. These elements include a one-week intensive workshop to be completed in the summer prior to beginning the program. This introductory boot camp outlines fundamental aspects of business and commercialization and equips students with a common language and basic toolkit. A second one-week entrepreneur boot camp is required after the student‘s first year in the program. In addition, two of the candidacy requirements solidify business skills. The student will produce, present, and defend a full business plan for a start-up company. Students write a Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Research (SBIR/STTR) proposal. If appropriate, students are provided the opportunity to work with a small business on the proposal and to submit the final document to a funding agency. In addition, the weekly Commercialization Forum exposes students to successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. These requirements ensure that students have developed the business skills necessary to succeed.
- Technical project and business management skills. The ability to manage complex technical projects and businesses is an additional skill that is core to this program. In addition to core courses, the Commercialization Forum regularly exposes the students to examples of effective project management and cases of what not to do in managing projects or businesses. The ability of the students to manage projects is assessed based on how they manage the business plan, SBIR/STTR proposal, and the implementation of the proposed research plan.
Financial Assistance
Assistantships and scholarships are available to qualified applicants. Doctoral instructional assistantships and teaching assistantships are offered on a competitive basis to full-time students enrolled in the Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization Ph.D. program. An offer of financial support typically will be made at the time that a student is accepted into the program. The Graduate College can provide further information regarding scholarships.
Advising
Each student will develop a degree plan in consultation initially with the doctoral program director and, after selection, their Ph.D. advisor and committee, who identifies the appropriate doctoral prescribed electives necessary for achieving the degree. Students must complete 33 credits of core and prescribed elective courses and complete a business plan prior to taking a three-part Advancement to Candidacy Comprehensive Examination. The exam will consist of the following parts: SBIR/STTR Grant Proposal, Dissertation Proposal, and Oral Examination.
Each Ph.D. student is issued a preliminary degree audit by the Graduate College, which should be used to plan the student’s course of study. In the first term of enrollment, students should review the degree audit in consultation with their supervising professor and the program director.
With admission into the doctoral program, it is expected that students will pursue their course work and research activities in an efficient and timely manner. If it is determined that a student is not making adequate progress toward completion of the doctoral degree requirements, consultations will be undertaken with the student, their Ph.D. advisor and the program director to develop a remediation plan to revise the student’s program of study or research. Failure to successfully remedy documented deficiencies will result in termination of the student’s enrollment in the doctoral program at the discretion of the program director. Students removed from the doctoral program in this manner may appeal to the dean of The Graduate College for reinstatement in the program within one academic year.
Application Requirements
Application requirements consist of institutional and program requirements for applicable semesters of entry during the current academic year. Additional information and changes to admission requirements for semesters other than the current academic year can be found on The Graduate College's website.
Unless otherwise noted on The Graduate College program page, AI tools can only be used to correct spelling and grammar errors in application materials.
Institutional Requirements
Institutional requirements are the minimum standards for admission to any graduate program at Texas State. These include:
- Completed online application
- Nonrefundable application fee
- Degree Programs (Doctoral and Master’s)
- $55 fee, or
- $90 for applications with international credentials
- Post-Baccalaureate Programs (Certificate, Certification, Non-Degree, and Visiting)
- $20 fee, or
- $60 for applications with international credentials
- Degree Programs (Doctoral and Master’s)
- Official transcripts from each institution where course credit was granted. Final transcripts showing degree completion are required before the student may register for their second term of enrollment.
- GPA requirements (a higher GPA may be listed in the Program Requirements)
- Doctoral programs require a 3.00 overall GPA or a 3.00 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
- Master’s and Specialist programs require a 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
- Post-Baccalaureate programs require a 2.50 overall GPA or a 2.50 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list. Some programs may restrict acceptable tests or require higher scores than the institutional scores; this will be noted in the Program Requirements.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall if taken on or before January 21, 2026
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 4 overall if taken after January 21, 2026
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
- official Texas State Intensive English Program score of 90% or higher in the highest-level course (level 5)
The institution does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
- completed online application
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
or
- $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
- baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
- master's degree in biology, chemistry, engineering, materials science, physics, technology, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited university. Students will be required to take leveling courses if background is insufficient. Any required leveling course work must be completed with grades of B or better prior to admission.
- official transcripts from each institution where course credit was granted
- minimum 3.3 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in all completed graduate course work.
- GRE scores are not required for applicants with a minimum 3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in all completed graduate course work.
- GRE scores (general test only) required for applicants with GPA less than 3.5 on all completed graduate course work*
- interviews (conducted via phone, internet, or face-to-face) with core doctoral faculty
- resume/CV
- statement of purpose outlining the student’s personal history and life goals that are relevant to obtaining a doctoral degree, and, in particular, the rationale for pursuing the commercialization aspect of the MSEC program
- three letters of recommendation evaluating the student’s skill and potential to be successful in the MSEC Ph.D. program
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
*Additional Information
Degree and GRE Requirement
If the GPA of all completed graduate coursework is between 3.3 and 3.5, the student must submit the following:
- official GRE (general test only) with competitive scores in the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections
Degree Requirements
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree with a major in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization requires 51 semester credit hours for students entering with a master's degree. Students who do not have the appropriate background coursework may be required to complete leveling or prerequisite courses. Any required leveling coursework must be completed with grades of B or better prior to admission.
Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| MSEC 7101 | Commercialization Forum (Taken 2 times) | 2 |
| MSEC 7102 | MSEC Seminar (Taken 2 times) | 2 |
| MSEC 7301 | Practical Skills in Commercialization and Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| MSEC 7302 | Leadership Skills in Commercialization and Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| MSEC 7401 | Fundamental Materials Science and Engineering | 4 |
| MSEC 7402 | Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Concepts | 4 |
| Prescribed Electives | ||
| For students entering with a master's degree choose 15 hours from the following courses: | 15 | |
| Research in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization | ||
| Research in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization | ||
| Research in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization | ||
| Collaborative Research/Commercialization Experience | ||
| Nanoscale Systems and Devices | ||
| Materials Characterization | ||
| Quantum Mechanics for Materials Scientists | ||
| Nanocomposites | ||
| Principles of Technical Project Management | ||
| Computational Materials Science | ||
| Biomaterials and Biosensors | ||
| Frontiers of Nanoelectronics | ||
| Fluid Flow in Porous Media | ||
| Nanomaterials Processing | ||
| Advanced Polymer Science | ||
| Microwave & Power Device Physics and Materials | ||
| Thin Film Photovoltaic Devices | ||
| Materials for Sustainable Energy | ||
| Polymer Characterization and Processing | ||
| Industrial Ecology and Sustainability Engineering | ||
| Catalysis in Materials Science | ||
| Applied Plasma Physics | ||
| Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Structure and Properties of Alloys | ||
| Advanced Concrete Materials and Durability | ||
| Electrical and Magnetic Characterization Methods | ||
| Advanced Solid State Physics | ||
| Semiconductor Devices and Processing | ||
| Advanced Infrastructure Materials | ||
| Modern Concepts in Materials Science | ||
| Optical properties of solids | ||
| Scanning probe microscopy and nanoscience | ||
| Dissertation | ||
| For students entering with a master's degree choose a minimum of 18 hours from the following courses: | 18 | |
| Dissertation | ||
| Dissertation | ||
| Dissertation | ||
| Dissertation | ||
| Dissertation | ||
| Dissertation | ||
| Total Hours | 51 | |
Advancement to Candidacy
Application for Advancement to Candidacy
Students can download the “Application for Advancement to Candidacy” from The Graduate College website or they can obtain a copy from the doctoral program director. The student should complete and sign the upper portion of the form and return it to the doctoral program director. Students must complete all required course work with the exception of dissertation credit hours and pass the Advancement to Candidacy Comprehensive Examination prior to applying for candidacy. The Advancement to Candidacy Comprehensive Examination can be taken in the last semester in which the student completes all required course work (with the exception of dissertation credit hours). When all requirements for admission to candidacy have been met (completion of boot camps or equivalents, all required course work (with the exception of dissertation credit hours), prescribed electives, successful performance on the comprehensive examination, approval of dissertation advisor/committee, and submission of an approved dissertation proposal), the doctoral program director will forward the Application for Advancement to Candidacy to the dean of The Graduate College for review and approval.
The dean of The Graduate College approves advancement to candidacy once all requirements are met.
Before advancement to candidacy can be approved, students are required to complete the following:
- Completion of all required course work (with the exception of dissertation credit hours) toward the doctoral degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale with no grade earned below “B” on any graduate course work to be applied toward the Ph.D. degree.
- Satisfactory performance on the comprehensive examination consisting of the following parts: SBIR/STTR Grant Proposal, Business Plan, and Oral Examination.
- The student must select a dissertation advisor, and that advisor must be approved by the doctoral program director. The student also must select a dissertation committee comprised of three additional members of the College of Science and Engineering's doctoral faculty and at least one external member from outside the College of Science and Engineering or the university. Other committee compositions are possible but require the approval of the dissertation advisor and the doctoral program director.
- The student must choose a topic with the approval of the student’s dissertation advisor and committee.
- The student will submit a title and a written proposal for the dissertation to the student’s dissertation committee and successfully defend the proposal in an oral presentation with the dissertation committee. The proposal will include a statement of the problem to be studied, a discussion of the relevant literature, and the research method of the proposed dissertation topic.
- The doctoral program director will make a recommendation to the graduate dean who makes the final decision on the student’s advancement to candidacy. The Graduate College will notify the student once the decision has been made.
Advancement to Candidacy Time Limit
Full time students are expected to advance to candidacy at the end of two years of official enrollment in the program. All full time students are required to have advanced to candidacy by the end of their third year in the program. Requests for a time extension must be submitted to the doctoral program director by the student with the concurrence of the Ph.D. research advisor and must be approved by The Graduate College. Non-traditional, part-time students may request extensions from the doctoral program director as long as they maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and are making consistent progress toward fulfilling their degree requirements. The doctoral executive council will review part-time students’ requests for extensions on an individual, case-by-case basis.
No credit will be applied toward a student’s doctoral degree for course work completed more than five years before the date on which the student is admitted to candidacy. This time limit applies to course credit earned at Texas State, as well as course credit transferred to Texas State from other accredited institutions.
Grade-Point Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy
A minimum GPA of 3.0 on all course work undertaken as a doctoral student in the materials science, engineering, and commercialization program is required for admission to candidacy. No grade earned below “B” on any graduate course work may apply toward a Ph.D. degree at Texas State.
Incomplete grades must be cleared through the office of The Graduate College at least ten days before approval for advancement to candidacy will be granted.
Advancement to Candidacy Comprehensive Examination
The Advancement to Candidacy Comprehensive Examination can be taken as early as the last semester in which the student completes all required course work (with the exception of dissertation credit hours) and no later than the end of their third year in the program. Students will be required to pass a comprehensive examination that will assess the student‘s preparedness to carry out the proposed plan of dissertation research. To be eligible to take the comprehensive examination, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all the core course work, including any course work that is transferred from another institution. The Advancement to Candidacy Comprehensive Examination will consist of two written components and one oral component. Each student will be required to take the Advancement to Candidacy Comprehensive Examination, which will be conducted by their Ph.D. dissertation committee. All committee members must be in attendance for candidacy examinations. Results of the Advancement to Candidacy Comprehensive Examination will be reported on the Doctoral Comprehensive Examination Report form and submitted to The Graduate College. The Advancement to Candidacy Comprehensive Examination will consist of the following three parts: SBIR/STTR Grant Proposal, Business Plan, and Oral Examination.
Should a student fail the exam, he or she will have the option of taking a second examination, which must be passed by the end of the following term. Failure to pass this exam on two occasions will lead to the student's dismissal from the Ph.D. program.
Dissertation Proposal
A dissertation proposal prepared by the student and approved by the student’s Ph.D. advisor and a majority of the other members of the dissertation committee is a requirement for Advancement to Candidacy status. The proposal must outline the substance and scope of the dissertation research, present the methodology to be used, and survey the relevant literature. The dissertation proposal will be defended as part of the Oral segment of the Advancement to Candidacy Comprehensive Exam. The student’s Ph.D. advisor and other dissertation committee members must indicate approval of the dissertation proposal on the “Ph.D. Dissertation Proposal” form. This form can be downloaded from The Graduate College website or it can be obtained from the doctoral program director. A final copy of the dissertation proposal, accompanied by the signed approval form, must be turned in to the doctoral program director, who will forward it to the dean of The Graduate College for review and final approval.
Recommendation for Advancement to Candidacy
The dissertation committee recommends the applicant for Advancement to Candidacy by completing the “Advancement to Candidacy Examination Report” form which can be downloaded from The Graduate College website or obtained from the doctoral program director. The results of the Advancement to Candidacy Comprehensive Examination must be filed in the office of The Graduate College before the dean of The Graduate College gives final approval to candidacy. The doctoral program director is responsible for submitting this report to the office of The Graduate College.
Dissertation Research and Writing
All doctoral students are required to complete a dissertation. The dissertation must represent an original contribution to scholarship based on independent investigation. Preparation of the dissertation should follow the guidelines in the current edition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) or American Institute of Physics (AIP) G37 style manual or in an appropriate professional journal in the designated field, as deemed acceptable by the dissertation committee. After being admitted to candidacy, students must be continuously enrolled for dissertation hours each fall and spring term until the defense of their dissertation. If a student is utilizing university resources toward completion of the dissertation in the summer (including faculty supervision or the use of university facilities), or if the student is graduating in the summer, they must be enrolled in at least one hour of dissertation credit for that term. All candidates for graduation must be enrolled in dissertation hours during the term in which the degree is to be conferred. Students must complete a minimum of 18 semester hours of dissertation research credit.
The student must submit to The Graduate College the approved dissertation in electronic format for publication with the Alkek Library. The graduate dean must approve the dissertation.
Dissertation Enrollment Requirements
After being admitted to candidacy, students must be continuously enrolled for dissertation hours each term until the defense of their dissertation. If a student is utilizing university resources toward completion of the dissertation in the summer (including faculty supervision or the use of university facilities), or if the student is graduating in the summer, they must be enrolled in at least one hour of dissertation credit for that term. All candidates for graduation must be enrolled in dissertation hours during the term in which the degree is to be conferred. Students must complete a minimum of 18 semester hours of dissertation research and writing credit.
Dissertation Time Limit
Students are expected to complete the dissertation within two years after Advancement to Candidacy. Any exceptions to this time limit require the approval of the doctoral program director and the dean of The Graduate College. The doctoral program director will review each student annually to ascertain their progress in pursuing the degree and will consult with the student‘s Ph.D. research advisor and dissertation committee on this matter as appropriate.
Dissertation Committee
The dissertation committee will be responsible for administering the Advancement to Candidacy Comprehensive Examination and will oversee the research progress of a doctoral student and the writing of the student‘s dissertation. The committee will consist of at least five members, including the student‘s Ph.D. research advisor, three other MSEC doctoral faculty and at least one external member from outside the College of Science and Engineering or the university. Other committee compositions are possible but require the approval of the dissertation advisor and the doctoral program director. The student‘s Ph.D. research advisor will chair the committee. The student, doctoral program director, and the dean of The Graduate College will approve the composition of the dissertation committee. The Dissertation/Research Advisor form and the Dissertation Committee Request form must be completed to form the committee. These forms may be downloaded from The Graduate College‘s website.
Any changes to the dissertation committee must be submitted using the Dissertation Advisor/Committee Member Change Request form for approval to the dissertation committee chair, the doctoral program director, and the dean of The Graduate College. Changes must be submitted no later than 60 days before the dissertation defense.
The student is responsible for obtaining committee members’ signatures on the Dissertation/Research Advisor Assignment form and the Dissertation Committee Request form, which can be downloaded from The Graduate College website.
Committee Changes
Any changes to the dissertation committee must be submitted using the Dissertation Advisor/Committee Member Change Request form for approval to the dissertation committee chair, the doctoral program director, and the dean of The Graduate College. Changes must be submitted no later than 60 days before the dissertation defense.
The Research Advisor/Committee Member Change Request form may be downloaded from The Graduate College website or obtained from the doctoral program director.
Dissertation Defense
The dissertation defense will not be scheduled until all other academic and program requirements for advancement to candidacy have been fulfilled. A complete draft of the dissertation will be given to the members of the dissertation committee with sufficient time for review, typically two month before the date of commencement during the term in which the student intends to graduate. After committee members have reviewed the draft with the student and provided comments, the student, in consultation with the Ph.D. research advisor, will incorporate the recommended changes into a new draft of the dissertation. When each committee member is satisfied that the draft dissertation is defendable, the dissertation defense may be scheduled.
The dissertation defense will consist of two parts. The first part is a public presentation of the dissertation research. Notice of the defense presentation will be posted at least two weeks in advance. The second part of the defense will immediately follow the public presentation but will be restricted to the student‘s dissertation committee and entail an oral examination over the dissertation research. Approval of the dissertation requires positive votes from the student‘s Ph.D. research advisor and a majority of the remaining members of the dissertation committee. The Dissertation Defense Report form must be filed in The Graduate College before the dean of The Graduate College gives final approval to the dissertation. This form may be downloaded from The Graduate College website.
The student is expected to orally defend the dissertation in an announced public presentation within two years of the official date of being advanced to candidacy.
Approval and Submission of the Dissertation
Following approval and signing of the Thesis/Dissertation Committee Approval form by the members of the dissertation committee, the student must submit one copy of the dissertation to the office of The Graduate College for final approval. Specific guidelines for approval and submission of the dissertation can be obtained from the office of The Graduate College. Dissertations must be submitted in electronic format.
Doctoral level courses in Materials Science, Engineering and Commercialization: MSEC
Courses Offered
Materials Science, Engineering and Commercialization (MSEC)
MSEC 7100. Doctoral Assistant Development.
This course examines the roles, responsibilities, and professional practices associated with serving as a doctoral teaching assistant. Course focus rotates among three core themes: (1) classroom management and instructional support practices, (2) research‑informed teaching methods, learning objectives, and assessment strategies, and (3) teaching and research integrity, including the responsible conduct of research as defined by federal agencies such as NSF, NIH, and USDA. The course also addresses institutional policies, ethical considerations, and professional expectations relevant to supporting instruction in undergraduate and graduate settings. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Graduate Assistantship|Exclude from Graduate GPA
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
MSEC 7101. Commercialization Forum.
This course introduces students to the principles and practices of innovation translation, intellectual property management, technology transfer, and business development in science and engineering. Students engage with entrepreneurs, licensing professionals, and commercialization experts to explore how discoveries move from the laboratory to real-world applications. Topics include patenting strategies, startup formation, licensing agreements, funding mechanisms, and market assessment. Emphasis is placed on integrating technical knowledge with entrepreneurial and managerial decision-making to evaluate and advance emerging technologies in academic, industrial, and commercial settings. Repeatable two times for credit.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7102. MSEC Seminar.
This course exposes students to current research topics and technical challenges in materials science and engineering through a weekly seminar series featuring speakers from academia, industry, and government. Students critically examine emerging research, analyze scientific methodologies, and discuss implications for materials science practice and innovation. The course emphasizes the development of professional skills, including scientific communication, research critique, and engagement with experts, preparing students to integrate insights from cutting-edge research into their dissertation work, interdisciplinary collaborations, and future careers in science and engineering. Repeatable two times for credit.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7103. Research in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization.
This course provides doctoral students in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization with structured research experience prior to advancement to candidacy. Under the supervision of a PhD research advisor, students examine research problems relevant to their field and engage in scholarly inquiry supporting the development of a dissertation research agenda. The course emphasizes research planning, literature analysis, methodological development, and preliminary data collection and interpretation. Students evaluate research progress and refine research questions in preparation for the doctoral candidacy examination. This course is repeatable for doctoral credit across MSEC 7103, 7203, and 7303 for a total of up to six credit hours.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
MSEC 7199. Dissertation.
This course supports the completion of original, independent research in materials science, engineering, and commercialization under the direct supervision of the student’s PhD research advisor. Students engage in the development, execution, and documentation of doctoral-level research that contributes new knowledge to the materials science, engineering, and commercialization discipline. Continuous enrollment during long semesters ensures sustained scholarly progress, faculty mentorship, and academic oversight throughout the dissertation research and writing process. This course is a required component of the PhD with a major in materials science, engineering, and commercialization.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
MSEC 7203. Research in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization.
This course provides doctoral students in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization with structured research experience prior to advancement to candidacy. Under the supervision of a PhD research advisor, students examine research problems relevant to their field and engage in scholarly inquiry supporting the development of a dissertation research agenda. The course emphasizes research planning, literature analysis, methodological development, and preliminary data collection and interpretation. Students evaluate research progress and refine research questions in preparation for the doctoral candidacy examination. This course is repeatable for doctoral credit across MSEC 7103, 7203, and 7303 for a total of up to six credit hours.
2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
MSEC 7299. Dissertation.
This course supports the completion of original, independent research in materials science, engineering, and commercialization under the direct supervision of the student’s PhD research advisor. Students engage in the development, execution, and documentation of doctoral-level research that contributes new knowledge to the materials science, engineering, and commercialization discipline. Continuous enrollment during long semesters ensures sustained scholarly progress, faculty mentorship, and academic oversight throughout the dissertation research and writing process. This course is a required component of the PhD with a major in materials science, engineering, and commercialization.
2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
MSEC 7301. Practical Skills in Commercialization and Entrepreneurship.
This course analyzes core principles underlying the commercialization of innovation as the first component of a two-part series. Students evaluate intellectual property regimes, technology transfer mechanisms, licensing approaches, capital formation strategies, governance structures, project management systems, and statistical process control methodologies. Using business plan development as an integrative analytical tool, participants examine strategic alignment, financial feasibility, and operational scalability. The course prioritizes systematic inquiry, application of quantitative and qualitative frameworks, and critical evaluation of commercialization pathways across institutional and entrepreneurial environments.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7302. Leadership Skills in Commercialization and Entrepreneurship.
This course analyzes the processes involved in commercializing technology-driven ventures within a structured business planning framework. Students evaluate intellectual property regimes, licensing mechanisms, capital formation strategies, governance models, project management methodologies, and statistical approaches to quality and process control. Using applied exercises and comparative case studies, participants examine how legal, financial, and operational variables influence venture design and scalability. The course emphasizes critical assessment of commercialization strategies and the integration of multidisciplinary tools to support evidence-based business decision-making. Prerequisite: MSEC 7301 with a grade of "B" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7303. Research in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization.
This course provides doctoral students in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization with structured research experience prior to advancement to candidacy. Under the supervision of a PhD research advisor, students examine research problems relevant to their field and engage in scholarly inquiry supporting the development of a dissertation research agenda. The course emphasizes research planning, literature analysis, methodological development, and preliminary data collection and interpretation. Students evaluate research progress and refine research questions in preparation for the doctoral candidacy examination. This course is repeatable for doctoral credit across MSEC 7103, 7203, and 7303 for a total of up to six credit hours.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
MSEC 7304. Collaborative Research/Commercialization Experience.
This course allows Ph.D. level graduate students to initiate, conduct, and participate in a collaborative research or commercialization experience with graduate faculty, either internally or externally, in addition to research conducted under MSEC 7103, MSEC 7303, MSEC 7199, and MSEC 7399. This course recognizes the collaborative nature of the scientific investigation and commercialization enterprise and is designed to support meaningful research engagement under the guidance of a dissertation chair and a collaborating mentor. Repeatable for doctoral credit up to 6 hours.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
MSEC 7310. Nanoscale Systems and Devices.
This course provides an in-depth examination of physical phenomena governing nanoscale systems and their implications for device performance. Topics include electronic, photonic, and mechanical behavior in nanoscale structures, as well as transport, confinement, and surface effects unique to reduced dimensions. Applications span nanoelectronic devices, biomedical systems, micro- and nanoscale manipulation, adaptive optics, and microfluidic technologies. Emphasis is placed on linking fundamental nanoscale physics to device design, functionality, and performance, and on analyzing how material properties and structure influence behavior in advanced nanoscale systems.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7311. Materials Characterization.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to advanced materials characterization techniques used to analyze structure, composition, and properties across multiple length scales. Topics include electron microscopy methods such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning probe techniques including scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), and optical methods such as confocal microscopy. Diffraction-based techniques, including X-ray and neutron diffraction, are also covered, with emphasis on structure determination, phase identification, texture analysis, and small-angle scattering. Emphasis is placed on interpreting characterization data and relating measurements to material structure and performance.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Science & Engineering
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7315. Quantum Mechanics for Materials Scientists.
This course provides a quantum-mechanical foundation for the study of materials at the nanometer and atomic scales. Topics include core principles of quantum physics; stationary states of one-dimensional model potentials; symmetry considerations; interactions between matter and electromagnetic radiation; scattering and reaction rate theory; spectroscopy; chemical bonding and molecular orbital theory; quantum descriptions of solids; perturbation theory; and nuclear magnetic resonance. Emphasis is placed on applying quantum-mechanical concepts to the analysis and interpretation of material structure, properties, and characterization techniques relevant to advanced materials research.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7320. Nanocomposites.
This course examines the structure, processing, and properties of nanocomposite materials. Topics include the characteristics of nanoparticles used in nanocomposites; surface modification techniques; methods for nanoparticle dispersion and nanocomposite fabrication; major classes of nanocomposites; structure–property relationships; analytical methods for composite characterization; and representative engineering applications. Emphasis is placed on the scientific principles and theoretical models that explain the unique mechanical, thermal, electrical, and functional behaviors of nanocomposite systems. Students will evaluate processing–structure–property relationships and interpret characterization data relevant to research and development of advanced multifunctional materials.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7325. Principles of Technical Project Management.
This course provides technical project management principles to effectively plan, lead, and manage a complex technical project. The content of the course includes understanding of project roles and responsibilities, project life cycles and processes, and project management planning, including scope, cost, quality, schedule, and risks. Students will develop a project management plan for an independent technical project. The course content is designed to prepare students for certification in project management from the Project Management Institute.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7330. Computational Material Science.
This course introduces computational approaches used to model and predict the structure and properties of materials across multiple length scales. Topics include quantum-mechanical modeling and density functional theory; force-field-based atomistic simulations; energy minimization and molecular dynamics; mesoscale modeling methods; and prediction of thermodynamic, structural, vibrational, magnetic, and electrical properties. Students examine crystal structures, phase equilibria, and electronic structure using modern computational tools and interpret simulation results in the context of experimental observations. Emphasis is placed on applying computational methods to support materials design, characterization, and dissertation-level research.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7340. Biomaterials and Biosensors.
This course provides an in depth examination of the design, function, and performance of biomaterials and biosensors used in biomedical applications. Students explore material properties, physiological responses, transduction mechanisms, and fabrication approaches involved in creating clinically relevant devices. The course integrates analysis of polymers, hydrogels, nanomaterials, and inorganic materials with applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, medical diagnostics, and sensing. Through lectures, discussions, and independent research activities, students will develop the ability to evaluate biomaterial systems, interpret performance criteria, and understand regulatory, ethical, and translational considerations in biomedical device development.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7350. Frontiers of Nanoelectronics.
This course introduces the operating principles of nanoscale electronic and optoelectronic devices, with emphasis on how reduced dimensions and quantum effects influence device behavior. Topics include quantum confinement in low-dimensional systems such as quantum wells, wires, and dots, as well as molecular and emerging nanoelectronic devices. The course examines how advanced nanofabrication techniques enable these technologies and explores their impact on device performance. Emphasis is placed on linking quantum mechanical phenomena, material properties, and fabrication approaches to the design and analysis of next-generation nanoelectronic systems.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7355. Fluid Flow in Porous Media.
This course examines the theory and analysis of fluid transport in heterogeneous porous media. Governing equations for fluid flow and mass transport are developed and applied using analytical and numerical solution methods to predict flow behavior and transport processes. Applications include natural and engineered porous systems such as soils, rocks, concrete, and biological materials. Emphasis is placed on interpreting flow fields, permeability, and transport mechanisms and on using porous media principles to analyze, design, and optimize materials and systems relevant to materials science and engineering research.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7360. Nanomaterials Processing.
This course examines the processing and fabrication of nanomaterials and semiconductor devices, with emphasis on nanoscale phenomena and manufacturing techniques. Topics include properties of electronic materials, thin film deposition methods, etching processes, lithography, and related device physics. Students are introduced to fabrication workflows and characterization techniques used in nanomanufacturing environments, including cleanroom practices. Emphasis is placed on understanding how processing conditions influence material structure, properties, and device performance, and on integrating fabrication and characterization approaches to support research and development of nanoscale systems. Prerequisite: MSEC 7401 with a grade of "C" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7370. Advanced Polymer Science.
This course examines advanced topics in polymer science with emphasis on polymer processing and characterization, testing, and applications. Topics include shape memory polymers, polymer lithography, nano and microfabrication, polymer additives, reactions of polymers, high-temperature polymers, polymers in biomedical applications, natural polymers, and electroactive polymers. Emphasis is placed on understanding the molecular and microstructural mechanisms that govern polymer performance and on analyzing structure–processing–property relationships relevant to advanced engineering applications.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7375. Structure and Properties of Alloys.
This course provides an advanced examination of engineering alloys, focusing on their structures, properties, and strengthening mechanisms across ferrous, nonferrous, and emerging alloy systems. The course also examines how processing conditions influence microstructure, performance, and mechanical behavior. Emphasis is placed on the analytical evaluation of alloy systems through metallurgical principles, phase transformations, and application-driven examples. Topics include equilibrium and non-equilibrium transformation products, alloy design considerations, and relationships among composition, processing, microstructure, and material properties in advanced engineering applications.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7380. Advanced Infrastructure Materials.
This course examines advanced infrastructure materials used in civil engineering, including cement concrete, asphalt concrete, wood, and steel. The course analyzes the composition of cement concrete with a focus on how raw ingredients influence fresh and hardened material properties. Additional infrastructure materials are evaluated through comparative discussion to highlight differences in behavior and application. Students apply analytical reasoning to infrastructure materials–related problems using advanced analytical and simulation tools. Emphasis is placed on understanding material behavior through data interpretation, modeling, and quantitative analysis.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Science & Engineering
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7395B. Thin Film Photovoltaic Devices.
This course examines the materials science and device physics underlying photovoltaic energy conversion, with emphasis on thin film solar cell technologies. Topics include the photovoltaic effect, photon absorption, carrier generation and recombination, electron and hole transport, pn-junction behavior, and charge separation mechanisms. Students study monocrystalline, thin film, and III–V photovoltaic materials and analyze performance losses and efficiency limitations. Emphasis is placed on connecting material structure and electronic properties to device performance and on interpreting experimental characterization and performance metrics relevant to modern photovoltaic research and development. Prerequisite: MSEC 7401 and MSEC 7402 with grades of "B" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7395D. Polymer Characterization and Processing.
This course examines polymeric materials which are widely used in structural, electronic, biomedical, and energy applications. Their performance depends strongly on molecular structure, processing conditions, and resulting microstructure. The course provides doctoral students with the fundamental knowledge and analytical tools required to characterize polymer structure and properties and to understand how processing methods influence material behavior. By integrating characterization techniques—such as molecular weight analysis, thermo-mechanical testing, X-ray scattering, and spectroscopy—with polymer rheology and processing methods, the course prepares students to analyze structure–processing–property relationships in polymer systems. The course supports dissertation research involving polymeric and composite materials and strengthens interdisciplinary training in advanced materials characterization and manufacturing. Prerequisite: MSEC 7370 with a grade of "B" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7395H. Environmental Chemistry.
This course provides an advanced study of environmental chemistry with emphasis on aquatic systems and applications in materials science and engineering. Topics include principles of geochemistry and atmospheric chemistry as they relate to environmental processes, pollutant behavior, and monitoring and control strategies. The course also examines the principles and applications of green chemistry in the design of sustainable materials, products, and processes. Emphasis is placed on understanding chemical transformations in natural and engineered systems and applying this knowledge to address environmental challenges relevant to materials research and development.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7395I. Structure and Properties of Alloys.
This course in an advanced exploration of the structure and properties of engineering alloys. Strengthening mechanisms of alloys are explored with specific applications to the alloys studied. The processing, properties, and structure of ferrous and nonferrous alloys are explored including new and emerging alloys. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7395J. Advanced Concrete Materials and Durability.
This course examines Portland cement concrete materials and alternative material systems used in building and transportation infrastructure. Students analyze the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of cement, aggregates, and chemical and mineral admixtures. Topics include mixture proportioning, concrete microstructure, durability mechanisms, long-term performance, dimensional stability, and deterioration processes. The course evaluates durability prediction methods, modeling approaches, and multi-scale assessment techniques. Alternative cementitious systems are studied through comparative analysis of material behavior and performance under different exposure conditions. Emphasis is placed on understanding material selection, testing methodologies, and performance-based evaluation.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7395M. Semiconductor Devices and Processing.
This course examines the principles and processes underlying semiconductor device fabrication, with emphasis on both silicon and compound semiconductor systems. Topics include carrier transport, doping mechanisms, and defect engineering, as well as fabrication techniques such as photolithography, etching, ion implantation, and epitaxial growth. Students study the formation of junctions and microstructures required for micro- and nanoscale devices, along with Ohmic contacts and device integration strategies. Laboratory projects and seminar presentations provide experience in applying fabrication concepts and interpreting device performance in conventional and emerging electronic and optoelectronic systems. Prerequisite: MSEC 7401 with a grade of "B" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7395O. Modern Concepts in Materials Science.
This course provides an overview of fundamental concepts used to describe and predict the structure and properties of engineering materials. Topics include atomic structure and bonding, crystallography, diffraction principles, defects, solid solutions, and phase equilibria. Emphasis is placed on understanding structure–property relationships across major classes of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, electronic materials, and composites. The course prepares students to apply core materials science principles to analyze material behavior and supports those without prior formal training in materials science in advancing to graduate-level coursework and research.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7395P. Optical Properties of Solids.
This course examines the optical properties of solid materials, including electronic and vibrational transitions in inorganic and organic systems, thin films, and multilayer structures. Topics include interactions among electrons, phonons, and photons, and their influence on optical behavior. Students study optical characterization techniques such as UV/Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ellipsometry, photoluminescence, and X-ray fluorescence. Emphasis is placed on interpreting optical spectra to determine material properties and on applying spectroscopic methods to analyze and optimize materials for electronic and optoelectronic applications.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7395Q. Scanning Probe Microscopy and Nanoscience.
This course introduces fundamental topics in nanoscience, including nanomechanics, nanoelectronics, and nano-optics, using scanning probe microscopy (SPM) as a central analytical tool for studying materials at the nanoscale. Students examine the physical principles underlying major SPM techniques and explore how these methods are applied to measure structural, electrical, and optical properties of nanostructures. The course also covers instrumentation design, signal acquisition, and data interpretation, providing students with both theoretical understanding and practical familiarity with SPM operation relevant to research in nanoscience and nanotechnology.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7399. Dissertation.
This course supports the completion of original, independent research in materials science, engineering, and commercialization under the direct supervision of the student’s PhD research advisor. Students engage in the development, execution, and documentation of doctoral-level research that contributes new knowledge to the materials science, engineering, and commercialization discipline. Continuous enrollment during long semesters ensures sustained scholarly progress, faculty mentorship, and academic oversight throughout the dissertation research and writing process. This course is a required component of the PhD with a major in materials science, engineering, and commercialization.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
MSEC 7401. Fundamentals of Material Science and Engineering.
This course provides a comprehensive foundation in the fundamental principles of materials science and engineering. Topics include atomic and electronic structure, crystallography, defects, thermodynamics and kinetics, phase diagrams, diffusion, and phase transformations. Additional topics include conservation laws, continuum mechanics, and statistical models relevant to materials behavior. Emphasis is placed on understanding the relationships among structure, processing, and properties in materials systems and on applying fundamental principles to analyze and predict material behavior in engineering applications.
4 Credit Hours. 4 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7402. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Concepts.
This course builds on fundamental materials science principles to examine advanced concepts governing the behavior of materials. Topics include quantum mechanical foundations of solids, electronic structure, lattice vibrations, magnetism, semiconductors, nanostructures, mesoscopic phenomena, and superconductivity. The course also explores recent advances in emerging materials systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding how quantum and solid-state physics principles influence material properties and functionality, particularly in electronic, photonic, and advanced materials applications. Prerequisite: MSEC 7401 with a grade of "C" or better.
4 Credit Hours. 4 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
MSEC 7599. Dissertation.
This course supports the completion of original, independent research in materials science, engineering, and commercialization under the direct supervision of the student’s PhD research advisor. Students engage in the development, execution, and documentation of doctoral-level research that contributes new knowledge to the materials science, engineering, and commercialization discipline. Continuous enrollment during long semesters ensures sustained scholarly progress, faculty mentorship, and academic oversight throughout the dissertation research and writing process. This course is a required component of the PhD with a major in materials science, engineering, and commercialization.
5 Credit Hours. 5 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
MSEC 7699. Dissertation.
This course supports the completion of original, independent research in materials science, engineering, and commercialization under the direct supervision of the student’s PhD research advisor. Students engage in the development, execution, and documentation of doctoral-level research that contributes new knowledge to the materials science, engineering, and commercialization discipline. Continuous enrollment during long semesters ensures sustained scholarly progress, faculty mentorship, and academic oversight throughout the dissertation research and writing process. This course is a required component of the PhD with a major in materials science, engineering, and commercialization.
6 Credit Hours. 6 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
MSEC 7999. Dissertation.
This course supports the completion of original, independent research in materials science, engineering, and commercialization under the direct supervision of the student’s PhD research advisor. Students engage in the development, execution, and documentation of doctoral-level research that contributes new knowledge to the materials science, engineering, and commercialization discipline. Continuous enrollment during long semesters ensures sustained scholarly progress, faculty mentorship, and academic oversight throughout the dissertation research and writing process. This course is a required component of the PhD with a major in materials science, engineering, and commercialization.
9 Credit Hours. 9 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
