Semiconductor Online Graduate Certificate

The semiconductor industry in the U.S. and Texas is actively seeking more talent and skills to meet workforce demands. The University of Texas at Austin has responded with new academic programs. One of those options is the online stackable graduate certificate in Semiconductor Science and Engineering: Semiconductor Processes and Devices.

Graduate Certificate at a Glance

• Asynchronous online instruction on your schedule.
• Complete three courses, in sequence, over three semesters, to receive certificate, typically within one year.
  • SSE 380. Introduction to Semiconductors.

    Survey fundamental and important areas in semiconductor science and engineering including semiconductor device design, semiconductor manufacturing techniques, metrology and process control. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

  • SSE 381. Semiconductor Processes.

    Explore a theoretical and practical introduction to contemporary fabrication techniques and methods. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

  • SSE 382. Semiconductor Devices.

    Examine the design and physics underlying modern semiconductor devices. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

• Instructors are University of Texas professors.
• Total Cost: $12,000 ($4,000/per course).

Certificate Program is Designed For:

• People with a bachelor’s degree already working at companies in the semiconductor field or related technology areas.
• Holders of a bachelor’s degree looking to make a career transition into the semiconductor industry.

Admissions Criteria

• Have an undergraduate degree in a science, engineering, or similar field.
• Have maintained an undergraduate GPA of at least a 3.0 (out of 4.0).
• Be able to provide a copy of your undergraduate transcript if requested.

Application Deadlines

Fall: June 1, 2025

Spring: November 1, 2025

Completed applications and supporting materials must be received by the above dates to be considered for admission.

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Outcomes of this Three-Course Graduate Certificate Program

• Provide a sound grounding in multidisciplinary areas of semiconductor science and engineering.
• Deliver hands-on experience with semiconductor fabrication techniques and semiconductor device manufacturing and testing.
• Increase understanding of materials and their properties at the atomic and nanometer level, including an understanding of the intimate relationship between material scale (nanostructure) and the properties/functionality of materials.
• Enable students to develop the professional, scientific, and computational skills that will enhance employment opportunities in a wide range of industrial and governmental institutions.

Why this Graduate Certificate Now

• First academic program in Texas, and one of a few nationwide, to develop a workforce of master’s level educated professionals to tackle the growing industry needs.
• Semiconductor companies are expected to add approximately 31,000 new master’s-level jobs by 2030. Nearly 40% of those jobs are going unfilled due to lack of qualified candidates. View report.
• Texas accounts for 17.5% of all semiconductor employment in the U.S., approximately 43,000 people.
• A nationwide investment through the U.S. CHIPS Act has pumped billions of dollars into increasing talent and capacity in semiconductor manufacturing. That has been reinforced by $552 million in funds from the Texas Legislature, the Texas CHIPS Act.

The graduate certificate is offered by Texas Engineering Executive Education, in collaboration with the Cockrell School of Engineering Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Texas Institute for Electronics.

Learn More about the Cockrell School’s full-time Master's of Semiconductor Science and Engineering.

What people are saying

Semiconductor Master’s Program Will Offer Hands-on Experience in Rapidly Growing Industry (University of Texas Announces New Semiconductor Program)

2023 State of the U.S. Semiconductor Industry, Semiconductor Industry Association

How Semiconductor Companies Can Fill the Expanding Talent Gap McKinsey & Company, Feb. 2024