Regents approve new doctoral program for Texas State

Posted by University News Service

Nov. 19, 2010

 The Texas State University System Board of Regents has approved a new doctoral program for Texas State University-San Marcos that is aimed directly at making Texas and the United States more competitive in the world economy.

 Meeting Thursday and Friday (Nov. 18 and 19) on the campus of Lamar University in Beaumont, the regents authorized Texas State to offer a Doctor of Philosophy major in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization in the College of Science.

 The program is designed to produce doctoral level scientists who will contribute to the research and development of materials to be used in the next generation of electronics, medicines, plastics, sensors and renewable energy. The curriculum will combine commercialization with science and engineering to develop scientists who have an understanding of intellectual property law, business planning and competency in transforming innovations from the laboratory to commercial production. No such doctoral program currently exists in Texas. Coursework could begin in Fall 2011.

 “We are interested in working on issues of societal importance in health, safety and energy and in seeing our results practiced and produced,” said Texas State Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Perry Moore. “We want to be known for producing leaders well-prepared for industry and government lab positions as well as academic positions. Graduates of this program will be scientific innovators and entrepreneurs who will drive economic development in Texas and the United States.”

 The new degree program aligns with several goals of the State of Texas. Specifically, Gov. Rick Perry has called upon the state to strengthen university commercialization offices; ensure successful partnerships between private entities and universities; stimulate the development of technology incubators; increase science, technology, engineering and math education efforts; and increase college graduation rates in those degree areas.