Master of Science in electrical engineering: semiconductor engineering (online)

Semiconductors are fundamental components of modern electronic devices — vehicles, computers, smartphones, video games and more. They're also big business — the global semiconductor market is expected to grow to $1.38 trillion in 2029.

Wayne State University's online master's program in semiconductor engineering is the first of its kind in Michigan and the second online semiconductor engineering program in the U.S. Whether you are here in the Great Lakes State — the automotive leader of the world and a top-10 region in semiconductor job growth — or taking classes from afar, we will help you stand out among the next generation of chip designers and manufacturers.

What you'll learn in semiconductor engineering

This online M.S. in electrical engineering with a concentration in semiconductor engineering program, delivered by Wayne State's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, offers students and working professionals with backgrounds in electrical engineering, computer science, physics or chemistry a comprehensive skillset that can be immediately applied in the semiconductor engineering domain.

Students will gain technical training and expertise that will prepare them to:

• Design, fabricate and test semiconductor devices, interfaces and structures
• Use critical thinking and creativity to solve technological challenges facing manufacturers and industry leaders
• Address the talent shortage in the semiconductor industry and fuel U.S. efforts toward self-reliance in chip manufacturing

Curriculum

The online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering is offered with a concentration in Semiconductor Engineering. Semiconductor engineering focuses on developing technologies for manufacturing semiconductor devices in electronic circuits. The expertise spans from materials level research to device fabrication and chip packaging. Semiconductor technology is a critical driver of innovation in multiple industries ranging from computing, defense and automotive.

The program must be completed under Master's Degree Plan C, and it requires a minimum of 30 credits in course work. The online program also allows students to obtain 6 internship credits through an optional industrial internship experience. The internship activity should be in an area related to semiconductor engineering including but not limited to, design, validation, manufacturing, system integration, product development or applications.

The coursework-only plan requires a minimum of five courses from the core group (2 courses must be at the 7000-level). The 6-credit internship option requires a minimum of four courses from the core group (1 course must be at the 7000-level).

• Core courses

  Course number	Course title	Credits
  ECE 5550	Solid State Electronics	3
  ECE 5580	Advanced Nanoelectronics	3
  ECE 5575	Introduction to Micro and Nano Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS/NEMS)	3
  ECE 5675	Sensors and Sensor Instrumentation	3
  ECE 5680	Computer-Aided Logical Design and FPGAs	4
  ECE 5960	Introduction to VLSI Systems	4
  ECE 7530	Advanced Digital VLSI Design	4
  ECE 7566	Advanced Mixed Signal Integrated Circuits	3

• Elective Courses

  Course number	Course title	Credits
  ECE 5340	Advanced Energy Storage Systems for Electrification of Vehicles	3
  ECE 5350	Alternative Energy Sources and Conversions	3
  ECE 5410	Power Electronics and Control	4
  ECE 5620	Embedded System Design	4
  ECE 5995	Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering I (Topics should be chosen in consultation with program advisor.)	1-4
  ECE 7570	Smart Sensor Technology II: Characterization and Fabrication	4
  Total Credits		30

Real-world experiences and opportunities in semiconductor engineering

You'll have opportunities to advance your studies and become a leader in semiconductor engineering through a comprehensive multidisciplinary curriculum. Alongside distinguished Wayne State faculty advisors and fellow students, you will apply engineering principles and theories to semiconductor engineering challenges.

Wayne State is a preeminent urban research university with strong ties to Michigan's automotive industry, in which the demand for semiconductors and microelectronics essential components in modern vehicles, especially EVs is growing. Developing semiconductor engineering skills for job opportunities in this area therefore becomes critical as well. Our online master's program can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to fulfill this increasing demand and excel in this field.

Career outlook for individuals with an M.S. in electrical engineering: semiconductor engineering

In 2022, the U.S. passed the CHIPS and Science Act to invest more than $52 billion into the country's semiconductor research, manufacturing and workforce development. This initiative translates to as many as 90,000 new semiconductor fabrication jobs. Wayne State will prepare you for careers in roles such as:

• Semiconductor process engineer
• Product development engineer
• System software architect
• Logic design engineer
• Design automation and methodology engineer
• Application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design engineer
• Engineering management

The College of Engineering's Career Services office offers support for your career growth through workshops, networking events, and job boards.

Learn more about Wayne State University's M.S. in semiconductor engineering

The online master's in semiconductor engineering at Wayne State University will provide you with the skills and training necessary to succeed in creating safer and more efficient versions of the devices we use in everyday life, as well as advancing burgeoning technologies in clean energy, quantum computing and the Internet of Things. With broad interdisciplinary knowledge and hands-on experience, you'll stand out in the semiconductor domain and you'll connect with a global network of Wayne State alumni who are leaders in their fields.