This course provides a general review of techniques for the characterization of glasses and glass-ceramics. Characterization is taken to include atomic and molecular composition and distribution (intrinsic and extrinsic species); morphology; phase (vitreous and crystalline) identity and concentration; thermal history; and properties which are commonly used to establish reproducibility of glass compositions. Techniques considered will include microscopy; x-ray analysis; spectroscopy; qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis; thermal analysis; surface analysis and profiling; and property measurements. Discussions include the principles behind each measurement; the equipment used; and the possible sources of error. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis are included wherever applicable.