8 Semiconductor Degree Programs

Semiconductors are used in everything from phones to electric cars, with the demand for semiconductor manufacturing growing in the United States as a response to recent legislation. The Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors and Science (CHIPS Act), signed in 2022, gave increased subsidies to incentivize US-based semiconductor fabrication.

Colleges have begun to create programs related to semiconductor technology, including electrical and computer engineering and other courses to help develop the domestic talent pipeline.

Because this industry is still fairly new globally, and especially to US college students, multiple degree programs allow graduates to work in different aspects of semiconductor device production such as:

• semiconductor research
• semiconductor engineering
• semiconductor manufacturing

From community colleges to universities, there are associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs to help with semiconductor workforce development.

Top Semiconductor Degree Programs

Several programs prepare students for semiconductor manufacturing, including mechanical engineering and systems design. Depending on the semiconductor industry sector you want to work in, some degree programs will be better than others.

Before enrolling in any of these programs, review the final degree and what jobs within nanotechnology will be available after graduation. Even though some careers will be available to you with an associate degree, many will require a bachelor's degree or higher.

If you want to complete a four-year or graduate degree program, you won't be able to attend a community college. However, enrollment in a community college program is a great starting point with more affordable credit hours to take elective courses or prerequisites.

1. Mohawk Valley Community College

Mowhawk Valley Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in semiconductor manufacturing. This course covers the manufacturing and production process and related disciplines like quality control and safety procedures. The AAS at Mowhawk Valley is regionally accredited, meaning the credit hours you earn here can be transferred to larger universities.

2. Rio Salado College

Rio Salado College has a two-year AAS degree program covering the basics of semiconductor processing. This degree program is built to teach the principles of semiconductor manufacturing and related topics like research. Rio Salado's program emphasizes looking at the growing industry through research materials and processes to prepare students for their role in this rapidly expanding industry.

3. University of California, Berkeley

The Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) department at UC Berkeley offers degrees related to semiconductors. UC Berkeley has classes on integrated circuit design, microelectronics, and more that can be taken to earn a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree. The school offers both Bachelor's of Science and Arts in addition to multiple degree levels, allowing students to focus on aspects of semiconductors for both the production and business side of the industry.

4. Hudson Valley Community College

Hudson Valley's AAS in semiconductor manufacturing technology teaches students about manufacturing semiconductor chips through hands-on coursework. This degree is designed to prepare students to begin their careers or transfer to a four-year college. This is a complete degree program, but HVCC offers a certificate program that gives graduates of other materials science and engineering programs the chance to expand their skills or transition to a new career in nanotechnology.

5. University of California, Los Angeles

The research at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is at the cutting edge of nanotechnology. UCLA does very-large-scale integration (VLSI) work at less than 0.1 microns, emphasizing advancing the abilities of students to make efficient semiconductors with increasing numbers of transistors on singular chips. UCLA offers multiple undergraduate and graduate-level engineering degrees that can be applied to semiconductor research.

Additionally, UCLA has a Nanolab that allows businesses and non-UCLA related scientists to use a state-of-the-art facility to perform their research.

6. University at Buffalo

The University of Buffalo, located in upstate New York, has an interdisciplinary program that combines physics, chemical engineering, and more into a single program around semiconductor materials, research, and production called the Center for Advanced Semiconductor Technologies. Additionally, the school offers an Engineering Sciences MS with a microelectronic & semiconductor engineering focus.

7. Richland College

Electrical Engineering Technology AAS is the degree program offered by Richland College, located in Dallas. This program combines multiple math and science courses to prepare students to enter the workforce or transfer after completing the AAS program. Richland also has certification courses for students looking to expand their knowledge without committing to a full degree program.

8. Wayne State University

Wayne State University offers a Master of Science in electrical engineering with a semiconductor engineering concentration online and on-campus. This degree program combines the skills required to manufacture and produce semiconductors and more industry-wide knowledge to position graduates for leadership roles in this growing industry.

Online Semiconductor Certification Programs

Students who have earned electrical, mechanical, or industrial engineering degrees aren't always required to return for a new degree to begin working in the semiconductor industry. Studying for an online certification can give these students the additional knowledge needed to succeed. A certification might also help qualify you for some entry-level positions.

Some schools that offer fully online semiconductor certification programs include:

Arizona State University

Arizona State University has a Semiconductor Processing Certificate program designed to enhance the skills of current semiconductor workers and teach new skills to workers looking to join the industry. In addition to this certificate, ASU offers several degrees directly related to semiconductors.

SEMI University

SEMI University specializes in semiconductor courses, with over 525 on-demand courses available to students. These courses can be used to speed up learning due to the flexible scheduling options. Additionally, the courses can be accessed after completion, allowing students to review and continue their education.

University of South Florida

The Semiconductor Technology and Manufacturing (STeM) Graduate Certificate offered at the University of South Florida is a graduate-level certificate designed for students who have completed other engineering programs looking to begin their career in nanotechnology.

What Is a Semiconductor Degree?

Semiconductor degrees will have varying focuses, but all study different aspects of semiconductor production. Some will have more of a focus on the manufacturing side with courses around quality control and safety while others focus more on research and circuit design.

These degrees range from associate to doctoral-level degrees, depending on the school. To get into the manufacturing side of semiconductor manufacturing, you will probably only have to achieve an associate degree, usually an AAS. For more research and design-based roles, students should pursue an engineering degree with a semiconductor-specific certification or a semiconductor-focused bachelor's or master's degree.

Semiconductor Coursework

Most degree and certificate programs will include similar courses to prepare students for work within the expanding semiconductor industry. If you're pursuing education on semiconductors, you'll be expected to take classes and do hands-on practical work in subjects like:

• physics
• packaging
• computer science
• safety and quality assurance
• electrical engineering
• semiconductor fabrication and manufacturing methods