Engineering Sciences (Microelectronics & Semiconductor Engineering) MS
Be part of the global push for impactful semiconductor research, development, and production.
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Semiconductors are the delicate, wafer-thin microchips essential for all electronic devices. Semiconductors, electronic circuits, and microchips form the basis for new and evolving technologies. With the passage of the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act, the United States is ready to retake a global lead in semiconductor research, development, and production. Significant expansion of this sector is expected in the next few years, with substantial employment opportunities for qualified engineers. This program provides the knowledge needed to compete for such opportunities.
The Engineering Science MS with a course focus in Microelectronics and Semiconductor Engineering has been developed to train students for innovative careers in the computing and electronics industry. As demand continues to outpace supply, engineers trained in this specific area have become increasingly critical to address the global chip shortage.
As the need for semiconductor chips increases globally, there will be a greater need for engineers who specialize in semiconductor-device and circuit design. The computer and electrical industries cannot function without semiconductors, and investments in these technologies are rising because of innovative applications like artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous vehicles. It is estimated that by 2026, the semiconductor industry will create 70,000 new direct jobs, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association.
Graduate level degrees are in demand in the semiconductor sector as well. Specifically, graduate degrees are held by 36% of semiconductor workers, compared to an average of 14% for all other occupations.
What can you do with this degree?
Companies such as Booz Allen, Boeing, General Motors, Google, Hitachi, Honeywell, Intel, Kforce, Raytheon, and Stanley Black and Decker, are just a subset of companies that are aggressively seeking employees trained in microelectronics and semiconductor engineering. In fact, companies including Micron, Global Foundries and IBM have plans to invest millions of dollars in New York over the next several years.
Aside from positions as electrical engineers, semiconductor and microelectronic engineers are found working in jobs such as computer engineers, software engineers, embedded systems engineers, integrated circuits engineers, manufacturing engineers and systems engineers.
- Bachelors degree is required in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Materials Engineering/Science, or a closely related field.
- Undergraduate Grade Point Average: equivalent of a B or 3.0 (on a US scale) average or better from a regionally accredited institution.
- GRE and letters of recommendation are not required.
Application Materials:
Students can apply online. New applicants must create an account. If you have applied in the past, you will be asked to log in to your existing account to start a new application.
The application includes sections that will ask you to provide us with personal/biographical information, contact information, citizenship details, your past or current college/university, and degree details. You will be able to enter the names and contact information of your recommenders and upload supporting materials to your application. You may upload supporting documents while completing the application form or after you have submitted your application in your Application Status Portal.
You do not need official transcripts or test scores to apply. Unofficial copies are sufficient for application review, but students are encouraged to provide official copies if they have them.
A non-refundable fee of $100 is required to apply for Spring 2025 or later terms. The application fee for Fall 2024 is $85. After you submit your application form, you can pay the application fee online in your Application Status Portal with a credit card or e-check.
Please upload a brief personal statement describing your educational objectives, your academic experience, and why you're interested in the program. There is no required length or word limit for the statement.
Upload a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to your application. Your resume or CV should include details about your education, employment, and internship history. Pertinent research experience should be included as well.
Copies of transcript(s) for all post-secondary schoolwork must be uploaded with your application for initial review. Upon an offer of admission, accepted applicants will be required to submit official transcripts and proof of degree(s).
GRE scores are optional for this program. If you would like to take the GRE, you can arrange to take it through the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Official scores should come directly from ETS.
Note: the University at Buffalo Institutional Code is 2925.
International applicants are required to provide proof of English proficiency. The chart below outlines acceptable test types and the university's minimum score required for admission. All applicants whose native language is not English will be required to provide proof of English proficiency.
Copies may be submitted for initial review. Official scores must be sent directly to UB from the testing agency.
| Test Type | University Minimum Score | To Order... |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL (IBT) (including MyBest scores) TOEFL Home Edition | 79 | Use Institution Code 2925 |
| TOEFL Essentials | 8.5 | Use Institution Code 2925 |
| TOEFL ITP Plus | 550 | Use Institution Code 2925 |
| IELTS and IELTS Indicator | 6.5 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" |
| 55 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) | 185 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" |
| Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) | 185 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | 120 | ADA Department of Testing will report your official scores to central application services |
Exam results must be dated within two years from your proposed date of admission and remain valid upon entering the term for which you applied.
It is strongly recommended to make test arrangements early in the year so sufficient time can be allowed for the results to be reported before application deadlines.
Exemptions to English Language Proficiency requirements can be found on The Graduate School website.
Students will take 10 courses for a total of 30 credits. Most students complete the program in three semesters.
Core Courses
- EE 530 Fundamentals of Solid-State Devices
- EE 553: Microelectronic Fabrication Lab
- EE 588 Fundamentals of Modern VLSI Devices
- EE 569 RF & Microwave Circuits I
- EE591 Analog Integrated Circuits
- Special Topics: Analog Subsystem Design
Optional Courses
- EE 512 Nanophotonics
- EE 518 Quantum Mechanics for Engineers
- EE 520 Quantum Computing & Devices
- EE 522 Nanostructure Materials
- EE 523 Nanotechnology & Science
- EE 524: Intro to Nanostructures
- EE 526: Wearable & Implantable Sensors
- EE 528 BioMEMS & Lab-on-a-Chip
- EE 549 Analog Integrated Circuit Layout
- EE 555: Photonic Devices
- EE 563 Semiconductor Materials
- EE 567: Power Electronics
- EE 574: RF / Microwave Circuits II
- EE 640 Magnetic Materials & Technology
- Special Topics: Materials Synthesis & Characterization
- Special Topics: Digital & Mixed Signal Design
- Special Topics: Intro to 2D Electronics
- Special Topics: Semiconductor Device Physics
Questions?
For questions about the Engineering Science (Microelectronics and Semiconductor Engineering) MS program, contact us at eegradapply@buffalo.edu. For questions about admisisons or your application, contact gradeng@buffalo.edu.