Program Overview

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Microelectronic Engineering Master of Science Degree

Overview

RIT's world-renowned microelectronic engineering MS equips students with the skills to design and optimize semiconductor and photonic devices for various industries.

Why Pursue a Microelectronic Engineering MS at RIT?

• STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
• Strong Career Paths: Students are hired at industry-leading companies such as Advanced Micro Devices; Annapolis Micro Systems; Intel; Micron; MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Northrop Grumman; Raytheon; SONY Electronics; Texas Instruments.
• World-Renowned Cooperative Education Program: Gain valuable employment experience in your field by participating in a co-op.
• Future-Focused Curriculum: Provides a dynamic program designed by academic and industry leaders to integrate formal education with state-of-the-art research and best practices from industry.

Program Description

Integrated microelectronic or nanoelectronic circuits and sensors drive our global economy, increase our productivity, and help improve our quality of life. Semiconductor and photonic devices impact virtually every aspect of human life, from communication, entertainment, and transportation to health, solid state lighting, and solar cells.

The program is offered both on campus and online.

RIT: A World Leader in the Education of Semiconductor Process Engineers

Microelectronic engineering focuses on the study, design, and fabrication of very small electronic devices and components (micrometer scale or below). These are semiconductor and photonic devices that impact virtually every aspect of human life, from communication, entertainment, and transportation, to health, solid-state lighting, and solar cells. There is an ever-increasing need for talented engineers that not only understand the design of these devices but can direct and optimize their fabrication. Integrated nanoelectronic and microelectronic circuits and sensors drive our global economy, increase our productivity, and help improve our quality of life.

RIT’s microelectronic students are powering the future. The university’s connection to the semiconductor industry was established 40 years ago when it launched the first microelectronic engineering degree program in the country. Since then, RIT has graduated more than 1,500 microelectronic engineers trained to make semiconductor devices.

RIT’s Microelectronic Engineering MS

The microelectronic engineering master's provides a unique combination of physics, chemistry, and engineering in a state-of-the-art facility to prepare you for the real world. With internationally renowned professors with years of experience, courses are grounded in reality, with practical skill and advanced theory combined to produce comprehensive learning. In our microelectronic engineering master's, you'll:

• Understand the fundamental scientific principles governing solid-state devices and their incorporation into modern integrated circuits.
• Understand the relevance of a process or device, either proposed or existing, to current manufacturing practices.
• Develop in-depth knowledge in existing or emerging areas of the field of microelectronics such as device engineering, circuit design, lithography, materials and processes, yield, and manufacturing.
• Apply microelectronic processing techniques to the creation/investigation of new process/device structures.
• Communicate technical material effectively through oral presentations, written reports, and publications.

This semiconductors engineering degree provides an opportunity for you to perform graduate-level research as you prepare for entry into either the semiconductor industry or a doctoral program. The on-campus program consists of core courses, graduate electives, a graduate seminar, and a research project or thesis. Students in the online version of the program complete all of the same requirements, with the exception of the graduate seminar. The microelectronic engineering MS requires strong preparation in the area of microelectronics and requires a research project or a thesis, which is undertaken once you have completed approximately 20 semester credit hours of study. Planning for both, however, should begin as early as possible. Generally, full-time students should complete their degree requirements, including thesis defense, within two years (four academic semesters and one summer term).

Careers and Experiential Learning

Typical Job Titles

• Development Engineer
• Device Engineer
• Equipment Engineer
• Manufacturing Yield Engineer
• Photolithography Engineer
• Process Engineer
• Process Integration Engineer
• Product Engineer
• Research Engineer

Cooperative Education and Internships

What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the opportunity to complete relevant, hands-on engineering co-ops and internships with top companies in every single industry. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.

Cooperative education is strongly encouraged for graduate students in the MS in microelectronic engineering.

Curriculum

Microelectronic Engineering, MS degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • MCEE-601 Microelectronic Fabrication
  • MCEE-602 Semiconductor Process Integration
  • MCEE-603 Thin Films
  • MCEE-605 Lithography Materials and Processes
  • MCEE-732 Microelectronics Manufacturing
  • MCEE-795 Graduate Seminar
• Second Year
  • MCEE-704 Physical Modeling of Semiconductor Devices
  • Graduate Elective
  • Choose one of the following:
    • MCEE-792 Graduate Research Project, plus one Graduate elective
    • MCEE-790 MS Thesis

Admissions and Financial Aid

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Microelectronic Engineering MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application.
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in engineering or a related field. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
• Satisfy prerequisite requirements and/or complete bridge courses prior to starting program coursework.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
• Submit two letters of recommendation.
• Entrance exam requirements: GRE required. No minimum score requirement.

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.

• TOEFL: 79
• IELTS: 6.5
• PTE Academic: 56

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.

A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree.

Faculty

• Robert Pearson, Associate Professor
• Sean Rommel, Professor
• Michael Jackson, Associate Professor

Research

Please visit the research profiles on the electrical and microelectronic engineering department for an overview of research opportunities. Visit individual faculty profiles for a more complete list of research advisors in the program.

Facilities

• Semiconductor Nanofabrication Laboratory

Related News

• RIT's microchips program flourishing amid high domestic demand for engineers
• Despite tariffs, CHIPS Act uncertainty, top microchip school optimistic on industry growth in U.S.
• AFT, RIT to use federal awards for semiconductor-workforce training initiatives

Contact

• Lindsay Lewis, Senior Assistant Director, Office of Graduate and Part-Time Enrollment Services
• Karl Hirschman, Director of Microelectronic Engineering, Department of Electrical and Microelectronic Engineering