Semiconductor Courses & Certificate Programs 2025

Semiconductors are a key part of electrical devices, and as a result, there is a high demand for people who know how to manufacture and work with them. One good way to learn more about semiconductors is through a course or certificate program. Many different places offer training for semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing. Keep reading to discover semiconductor courses and certificate programs for 2024.

Top 10 Semiconductor Certificate Programs for 2024

Several certificate programs are available to students who want to learn about semiconductors. We've featured ten semiconductor certificate programs below.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research university in Tempe, AZ. It offers an online graduate certificate in semiconductor processing.

This is a 15-credit program that covers the process of creating semiconductor devices. There are three required courses and two elective courses, with the required courses being:

• Advanced Silicon Processing
• Design Engineering Experiments
• Advanced Materials Characterization

To take this class, applicants must have a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. They must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

2. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida is a public research university in Tampa, FL. It offers an online semiconductor technology and manufacturing graduate certificate.

This certificate requires 15 credit hours and can be done full-time or part-time. Courses include:

• Semiconductor Device Physics Foundations
• Advanced Electronic Device Manufacture
• Semiconductor Process Simulation
• Metrology and Characterization of Electronic Materials

This certificate program is geared toward students who have bachelor's degrees in fields like electrical engineering, computer engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and materials science.

3. SEMI University

SEMI University is an online platform offered by SEMI, a company focused on improving the semiconductor supply chain. The university provides an entry-level Semiconductor Technician Certification that equips learners with the necessary skills to excel in a semiconductor manufacturing environment.

This program consists of 22 courses, including:

• Thin Films
• Transmission and Distribution of Electricity
• Solid State Devices
• Resistance Test Equipment

As this is an entry-level certification program, there are no prerequisites needed. It concludes with a one-and-a-half-hour certification exam.

4. Central State University

Central State University is a public, historically black land-grant university in Wilberforce, OH. It offers an online semiconductor processing certificate program. This program requires 30 credit hours and includes courses like:

• Semiconductor Device Physics
• Statistical Process Control for Semiconductors
• Robotics and Automation
• VLSI Design and Fabrication

Applicants must have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher with a passing grade in a college-level math course or a college GPA of 3.0 or higher. This program complements the university's Intel-sponsored summer internship program.

5. Hudson Valley Community College

Hudson Valley Community College is a public college in Troy, NY. It offers an entry-level semiconductor technology certificate. This 25-credit certificate provides specialized knowledge of semiconductors and nanotechnology with courses that include:

• Digital Electronics
• Electromechanical Devices and Systems
• Semiconductor Manufacturing and Nanofabrication Processes
• Semiconductor Metrology and Process Control

This is an entry-level certificate, so students do not need to hold a degree to be accepted. However, students must have completed some physics, math, and electricity courses.

6. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University is a public research university in College Station, TX. Its College of Engineering offers two semiconductor certificates: a semiconductor manufacturing certificate and a safety in semiconductor processing certificate.

The semiconductor manufacturing certificate is for students wanting a career path in the semiconductor manufacturing industry and requires 13 credit hours, with courses including:

• Solid State Devices
• IC MEMS and Sensor Fabrication
• Thin Film Science and Technology
• Introduction to Microelectromechanical Devices and Systems

The safety in semiconductor processing certificate prepares students to handle chemicals and processes in semiconductor manufacturing. It requires 12 credits, with courses like:

• Microelectronics Process Engineering
• Vapor Phase Techniques for Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Material Safety in Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Process Safety in Semiconductor Manufacturing

7. Michigan State University

Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, MI. It offers a graduate certificate in semiconductor manufacturing, processing, and devices.

This certificate provides semiconductor research training making students more competitive in semiconductor processing and manufacturing. It requires a minimum of nine credits with courses like:

• Advanced VLSI Design
• Electrodynamics of Plasma
• Cleanroom Procedures
• Properties of Semiconductors

8. Colombus State Community College

Columbus State Community College is a public community college in Columbus, OH. It offers an entry-level semiconductor fundamentals certificate that prepares students for entry-level work as semiconductor manufacturing technicians.

This certificate requires 21 credit hours and includes courses such as:

• Industrial Foundations
• Micro-ElectroMechanical Systems Fabrication
• Vacuum Systems
• Basic Mechanisms and Drives

All courses in this certificate program can be applied toward the college's electro-mechanical engineering technology associate degree program.

9. Rhodes State College

Rhodes State College is a public community college in Lima, OH. It offers a semiconductors certificate designed to prepare students for career opportunities in the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

This is a 30-credit certificate with courses that include:

• Semiconductors 101
• Introduction to Manufacturing
• Material Science
• Fluid Power

10. Rio Salado College

Rio Salado College is a public community college in Tempe, AZ. It offers a semiconductor manufacturing certificate program. This program requires 19 credits and offers courses such as:

• Materials, Safety, and Equipment for Nanotechnology
• Micro and Nano Fabrication Tools and Techniques
• Material Properties and Effects of Size
• Advanced Topics in Light and Lasers

What Is a Semiconductor Certificate Program?

Semiconductor certificate programs are short-term programs designed to teach students about a specific area of semiconductors, such as:

• semiconductor fundamentals
• semiconductor processing
• semiconductor manufacturing
• semiconductor materials

These may be offered as entry-level certificates by community colleges. However, they can also be offered as graduate certificates for students with a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. In this case, these certificates are meant to advance the student's knowledge of semiconductors.

What To Expect From a Semiconductor Certificate Program

Semiconductor certificate programs can vary depending on their area of focus and whether they are a graduate certificate or an entry-level credential. However, there are a few basic things you can expect. Generally, semiconductor certificate programs take less than a year to finish if you study full-time. Most require less than 30 credit hours, and many are available as online programs.