10 Best Majors for a Semiconductor Career in 2026
The semiconductor industry is full of in-demand jobs. Several majors are perfect for a career in semiconductors, including materials science and engineering.
Semiconductors are small chips that make a big difference in electronic devices. As a result, semiconductor jobs are in high demand. There are several majors you can pursue for a career in the semiconductor industry. Keep reading to discover the ten top majors for a semiconductor career.
What Is a Semiconductor?
Semiconductors are a core component of many electrical devices. They work as insulators and conductors, which allows them to act as a foundation for these devices.
Semiconductors are usually made from pure elements, such as silicon, but their connectivity can be changed by adding small amounts of impurities. These elements are melted down and sliced into thin disks. The think disks are then printed with circuit designs and cut into small chips embedded into circuit boards.
Common Semiconductor Career Paths
There are many career paths within the semiconductor industry. These include:
- semiconductor engineer: semiconductor engineers design, develop, and test semiconductor devices
- process engineer: process engineers focus on developing and fine-tuning the semiconductor manufacturing process
- semiconductor manufacturing technician: this is an entry-level role within the production and assembly of semiconductor devices
- integrated circuit designer: these designers are responsible for circuit and chip design
- semiconductor research and development: semiconductor researchers and developers do extensive research on semiconductors to develop new semiconductor technologies
- semiconductor supply chain engineer: these engineers are in charge of the overall supply chain process for semiconductors and semiconductor devices
Best Majors for a Semiconductor Career
There aren't many degrees specifically focused on semiconductor engineering or manufacturing, but several degrees provide the fundamentals needed for a career in the semiconductor industry. We've listed some of these majors below.
1. Materials Engineering
Materials engineering is a major that trains students to understand and work with the materials that make up products we use daily, including semiconductor devices. Students study these materials and their properties and learn what situations are best for them.
These degree programs often cover topics like:
- thermodynamics
- microelectronics
- material synthesis
- material kinetics
- material processing
- manufacturing processes
This is an excellent major for those who want to work in semiconductor engineering or research for semiconductor fabrication or materials.
2. Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering is an engineering field that focuses on creating electronic devices. Students learn how electricity works and how to develop and manufacture electronics. Common topics covered in these engineering degrees include:
- electronic circuits
- signals and systems
- semiconductor devices
- analog and digital electronics
Many electrical engineering programs include courses on semiconductors. This makes it a great major for students wanting to go into semiconductor engineering or a variety of other semiconductor career paths.
3. Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering majors learn all about chemical products and processes. Since chemicals comprise most things, they can work in many fields like food science, technology, healthcare, and more.
Chemical engineering degrees usually cover topics like:
- thermodynamics
- kinetics
- transport processes
- dynamics and control
As chemical engineering covers both chemicals and chemical processes, it makes a good major for those who want to work on designing semiconductors or fine-tuning semiconductor processes.
4. Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is an engineering field focused on things that move. Students learn to design, develop, test, and maintain car engines, robots, and prosthetics. Topics covered in mechanical engineering coursework often include:
- statics and dynamics
- solid mechanics
- design and manufacturing
- thermodynamics and fluid mechanics
- nanotechnology
Many types of technology that require movement also require semiconductors, making mechanical engineering a strong choice for working with semiconductors.
5. Computer Engineering
As you might expect, computer engineers work on computers. A computer engineering major teaches students about both computer hardware and computer software.
These programs often cover topics such as:
- electronics and circuit design
- algorithms and data structures
- computer architecture and parallel programming
- analog and digital electronics
Many computer engineering programs also offer specializations or concentrations, such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and software engineering.
6. Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology
Community colleges and technical colleges offer semiconductor manufacturing technology degrees as associate degrees. They provide the fundamentals students need to work as semiconductor processing technicians. Common topics covered in semiconductor manufacturing technology programs include:
- electronic circuits
- fluid mechanics
- nanotechnology
- material properties
These degree programs are ideal for those who want to become semiconductor processing technicians or find other entry-level roles in the semiconductor industry.
7. Chemistry
Chemistry degree programs teach students all about chemistry. Students learn about different types of chemical processes. Chemistry degrees usually include coursework that covers topics like:
- analytical chemistry
- inorganic chemistry
- organic chemistry
- physical chemistry
As mentioned above, everything, including semiconductors, is made of chemicals. This makes chemistry a great way to enter the field of semiconductor technology.
8. Physics
Physics is the science of matter, motion, and energy. Physics majors learn the science and math of how the universe works. Common course topics in physics degree programs include:
- applied physics
- electronic circuits and measurements
- classical particles
- quantum physics
- statistical and thermal physics
Because physics is a core component of science and engineering, a physics degree lays a good foundation for semiconductor careers.
9. Electrical Technology
Electrical technology programs are another program usually offered as an associate degree by community colleges and technical colleges. These programs train students for entry-level careers in the electronics industry.
These programs often include courses like:
- electrical circuit theory
- electrical materials
- wiring methods and systems
- national electrical code
These types of programs are helpful to enter the semiconductor industry because they provide students with a basic knowledge of electricity.
10. Mathematics
Mathematics degrees are designed to give students a solid mathematical skillset. They usually cover several different types of math, including:
- calculus
- linear algebra
- differential equations
- applied mathematics
Math, like physics, is a core component of engineering and technology. A degree in mathematics will help you understand the processes within semiconductor manufacturing.
FAQs About the Best Degrees for the Semiconductor Industry
Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about the best degrees for the semiconductor industry.
What Educational Background Is Required for a Career in Semiconductor Research and Development?
There are no specific education requirements for a semiconductor research and development career. However, engineering degrees like materials science and engineering or electrical engineering will give you a solid foundation for semiconductor research and development.
What Degree Do You Need To Be a Semiconductor Manufacturing Technician?
The role of a semiconductor manufacturing technician is usually entry-level, so an associate degree in semiconductor manufacturing, or even a diploma or certificate, is often enough to land this job.
What Is the Best College for Semiconductor Engineers?
Several universities are leading the way in the semiconductor industry. These include: