Best Online Semiconductor Degree Programs

As the American semiconductor industry expands, the need for trained workers will continue to rise. Multiple schools offer online programs to prepare graduates to work in semiconductor manufacturing and management.

Online degree and certificate programs allow students and engineers in other fields to learn and gain experience working in semiconductor fabrication. Some schools offer associate-level degrees to help qualify graduates for working in this industry while others offer bachelor's and even master's degree programs for future researchers and semiconductor engineers.

Best Online Semiconductor Degree Programs

There are multiple types of degrees available to potential students online. Some degrees will be better for certain students, depending on which specialization you plan to pursue within the semiconductor technology industry. An associate degree or certification program might be better for someone looking into semiconductor device manufacturing, while engineering management positions will probably require a bachelor's degree or higher.

For graduate-level degrees, your studies will need to include an undergraduate degree. Before starting their semiconductor-specific degree program, many students choose computer science or electrical engineering degrees.

1. Mohawk Valley Community College

Students can pursue an Associate of Applied Science in semiconductor manufacturing technology at Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC). This degree plan focuses on semiconductor processing and manufacturing and less on the industry and research. Students will cover the fundamentals of electrical engineering and computer science while learning about semiconductor materials.

In addition to giving students the necessary skill sets to start working in the industry, this degree is designed to transfer to four-year programs at other universities. Credit hours earned at community colleges are usually more affordable, making them a common starting spot for students.

2. Wayne State University

Wayne State University has a Master of Science in electrical engineering: semiconductor engineering for students looking to study circuit design and take a deeper dive into nanotechnology. This degree program also includes studies on the industry and how to help promote the growth of American semiconductor manufacturing.

Semiconductors are used in a variety of technologies and this degree includes specializations like:

• automotive electronics
• analog circuit design
• CMOS VLSI design

3. University at Buffalo

The master's degree program available from the University of Buffalo focuses on microelectronics and semiconductor engineering. This degree includes coursework around systems design and materials science to prepare graduates for work with current models and innovating the industry through new designs.

The University of Buffalo's program is part of their College of Engineering and allows for interdisciplinary study with other related engineering programs.

4. Cardiff University

Cardiff University is in Wales and offers a graduate program. This online program allows global students to learn skill sets that will prepare them for work in this growing industry. Although this program is offered from the UK, students can apply for enrollment from anywhere. The skill set that can be learned from a program like this will be applicable, no matter where you want to work.

Universities outside of America will have differing transfer agreements, meaning you might have to repeat courses before enrolling.

5. Rochester Institute of Technology

The microelectronic engineering degree program from Rochester Institute of Technology is offered online and on-campus to give learners flexibility. This degree is focused on the production of microelectronics for work with technology like:

• communication
• entertainment
• transportation
• health
• solid-state lighting
• solar cells

The microelectronic engineering program is a graduate degree program for engineers looking to learn skills to develop new technologies using semiconductors.

Best Online Semiconductor Certification Programs

You might have many of the skills needed to work in semiconductor manufacturing if you already have a degree in a program like electrical or computer engineering. All you need is the specialized knowledge associated with the industry.

To learn these new skills, many students pursue undergraduate or graduate certificates. Certification programs teach additional skills to prepare students for working in manufacturing or leveraging their current degree into a semiconductor-focused career path.

Although these certifications won't replace a degree for more advanced positions, they can benefit entry-level jobs.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University has a graduate certificate program that is influenced by input from local businesses to teach skills directly related to the daily work of a semiconductor engineer. This certification includes required and elective courses to cover topics ranging from semiconductor characterization to quality control.

SEMI University

SEMI University is a series of online courses covering multiple aspects of semiconductor production. Students can elect to take a single course or bundle multiple classes from over 525 courses. Unlike some graduate certificates offered by schools like ASU, this program is designed for learners of all knowledge levels and doesn't have prerequisites.

All courses at SEMI University are offered on demand, allowing for flexibility in courseload, especially for students working in other engineering fields or jobs.

University of South Florida

The University of South Florida (USF) has a Semiconductor Technology and Manufacturing (STeM) Graduate Certificate program fully online. This program includes 15 credit hours that can be completed at the student's pace in a full-time or part-time schedule. However, some exams will be administered live with a virtual proctor.

USF also offers other certification programs associated with semiconductor manufacturing, including:

• Project Management for Engineers
• Process Improvement for Engineers
• Emotional Intelligence and Situational Leadership for Engineers

What Is a Semiconductor Online Degree?

An online semiconductor degree is a fully online program offered and focused on different aspects of semiconductor manufacturing, research, and innovation. These degrees come in multiple levels ranging from associate degrees which cover the fundamentals of manufacturing to master's and doctoral degrees that include research and industry knowledge.

Certain degrees will be better than others depending on which career path you plan to follow. For entry-level manufacturing roles, an associate or even a certificate can help qualify you for jobs in this industry. However, if you plan to enter the design or innovation sector of the semiconductor industry, you must pursue a bachelor's degree, but a graduate-level degree will often be preferred.

Semiconductor to reflect the growing industry. This means that many degree programs are designed to build skills in new learners and expand skills for people with degrees in related engineering fields.

Online courses lack the hands-on component that in-person courses have. This can be a deterrent to some students. If you don't have an engineering background where you've been able to develop some of the skills needed, you might be better served by an in-person semiconductor course.

What To Expect From a Semiconductor Online Degree Program

Semiconductor manufacturing is a highly technical process that includes advanced math, science, and electrical knowledge. This interdisciplinary degree program uses information from all the different areas of the semiconductor field to make a single degree plan.

If you enroll in an online semiconductor degree program, you can expect courses like:

• physics
• computer science
• circuit design
• supply chain management
• electrical engineering