Program Overview

Microsystems Engineering Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree

Overview

The Microsystems Engineering Ph.D. program at RIT builds on the fundamentals of traditional engineering and science combined with curriculum and research activities addressing the numerous technical challenges of micro- and nano-systems. This nanotechnology Ph.D. program provides a foundation to explore future technology through research in nano-engineering, design methods, and technologies and their integration into micro- and nano-scaled systems.

Mission

The nanotechnology Ph.D. fulfills a critical need for an expanded knowledge base and expertise in the innovation, design, fabrication, and application of micro- and nano-scale materials, processes, devices, components, and systems. RIT is an internationally recognized leader in education and research in the fields of microsystems and nanoengineering.

Research Areas

• Next-generation nanoelectronics
• Photonics and Optoelectronics Research
• Photovoltaic research
• Neuromorphic devices and circuits
• Nanomaterials research
• MEMS, MEOMS, and NEMS device, processing, and materials research
• Microfluidics research

Curriculum

Foundation Courses

• Microelectronic Fabrication (MCEE-601)
• Introduction to Nanotechnology and Microsystems (MCSE-702)
• Material Science for Microsystems Engineering (MCSE-703)
• Theoretical Methods in Materials Science and Engineering (MTSE-704)

Major Technical Interest Area

• Students complete a sequence of three courses in the major technical research area and a sequence of two courses in a support area.

Minor Technical Interest Areas

• Students complete a two-course sequence in a minor technical area which should be outside of the student's undergraduate degree major.

Elective Courses

• Students complete at least two elective courses, in addition to the foundation and technical interest courses.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Application Details

• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in the physical sciences or engineering.
• Satisfy prerequisite requirements and/or complete foundation courses prior to starting program coursework.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit a statement of purpose for research.
• Submit two letters of recommendation.
• Entrance exam requirements: GRE optional but recommended.

English Language Test Scores

• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores:
  • TOEFL: 94
  • IELTS: 7.0
  • PTE Academic: 66

Resources

• MCSE-PHD Student Manual
• MCSE-PHD Request for Qualifying Exam
• MCSE-PHD Advisory Committee Request Form
• MCSE-PHD Request for Candidacy Exam
• MCSE-PHD Request for Research Review Meeting Form
• MCSE-PHD Independent Study Proposal
• RIT Libraries
• RIT Libraries InfoGuides
• Our librarian
• Remote access to publications with RIT Account
  • IEEE Xplore
  • ACM Digital Library
  • Springer Link
  • SPIE Digital Library
  • Elsevier Science Direct