Engineering Sciences MS: Focus on Microelectronic & Semiconductor Engineering
Photo Credit: SVStudio Design
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.
Engineering Sciences MS (Focus on Microelectronic & Semiconductor Engineering)
The Engineering Science MS with a course focus in Microelectronic 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. 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.
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.
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.
Entrance Requirements
- 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 is not required.
Degree Program Specifics
Students will take 10 courses for a total of 30 credits. Most students complete the program in three or four semesters.
For questions on the degree requirements, please contact eegradapply@buffalo.edu
Course Requirements
Core courses:
EE 530 Fundamentals of Solid-State Devices
EE 563 Semiconductor Materials
EE 588 Fundamentals of Modern VLSI Devices
EE 569 RF & Microwave Circuits I
EE591 Analog Circuits
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 553: Microelectronic Fabrication Lab
EE 555: Photonic Devices
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