Overview

The Certificate in Semiconductors and Microelectronics (16 credits) is open to students in all undergraduate majors interested in careers in the field of semiconductors and microelectronics. The certificate gives undergraduate students broad technical exposure to topics in the areas of semiconductors and microelectronics and is designed to supplement the baccalaureate plans of studies in different majors, including (but not limited to) engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry, technology and business.

The U.S. semiconductor/microelectronics industry is facing an overwhelming and rapidly growing crunch for trained talent — with industry forecasts estimating the need at a minimum of 50,000 additional trained semiconductor engineers and scientists by 2030. The broad scope of the semiconductors and microelectronics industry — from materials and processing to device and integrated circuit/system design to manufacturing, supply chains and data analytics to testing, qualification, packaging and thermal management — provides exciting career opportunities for students from a wide range of disciplines.

Learn more about Semiconductors @ Purdue.

Certificate requirements

The 16-credit certificate is open to all undergraduate students.

  1. Enroll in ENGR 10301 (Changing the World with Chips - Introduction to Semiconductors).
  2. Semiconductor experience for undergraduates: Research courses including relevant independent studies and Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) courses or full-time internship relevant to technical areas of semiconductors and microelectronics. Summer or semester-long of full-time internship, co-op, Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) or similar experience is considered equivalent to six credit hours.
  3. Take at least nine credit hours of courses in at least two out of the five technical areas:
    • Semiconductor and Microelectronic Devices
    • Semiconductor Materials, Characterization, and Processing
    • Integrated Circuit and System Design, Electronic Design Automation
    • Electronics Packaging, Heterogeneous Integration, and Thermal Management
    • Semiconductor Manufacturing and Global Supply Chain Management

The program is beneficial for a diverse range of students, from those like me who were new to the field to those with familial connections to the industry. It not only guides me to relevant courses that prepare me for a career in this engineering field but also fosters a sense of community.”

Leo Janert

Undergraduate engineering student