Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Master of Science in Microelectronic Engineering
Rochester, USA
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 41,424 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* $41,424 - $54,974 | based on credits taken
Key Summary
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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. RIT’s microelectronic engineering program is considered a world leader in the education of semiconductor process engineers.
The microelectronic engineering master provides a unique combination of physics, chemistry, and engineering in a state-of-the-art facility to prepare graduates for the real world. With internationally renowned professors with years of experience, courses are grounded in reality – practical skill and advanced theory, combine for comprehensive learning. Put your knowledge to work with a microelectronic engineering master from RIT.
The objective of the MS degree in microelectronic engineering is to provide an opportunity for students to perform graduate-level research as they prepare for entry into either the semiconductor industry or a doctoral program. The degree requires strong preparation in the area of microelectronics and requires a thesis.
Accreditation
The BS program in microelectronic engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Visit the college's accreditation page for information on enrollment and graduation data, program educational objectives, and student outcomes.
RIT awards more than $37 million in merit scholarships and assistantships to graduate students each year. Scholarship awards range from 5% of tuition all the way up to full tuition. Awards are based on an applicant's academic excellence. Many things are considered when awarding scholarships - undergraduate grades, graduate placement test scores, and your research and work experience all factor in.
Graduate assistantships are offered to full-time matriculated graduate students to serve as teaching, research, or administrative assistants. Graduate Assistants receive wages (determined by the department making the appointment) in exchange for work performed. Many graduate assistants also receive tuition remission (i.e., tuition support) in addition to receiving wages for assistantship duties.
Graduate students can be awarded both scholarships and assistantships. These funding opportunities are the same for both US and international applicants.
RIT awards more than $30 million in merit scholarships and assistantships to graduate students each year. Scholarship awards range from 10% - 40% of tuition. Our median scholarship amount is around 30% of tuition or $13,000. Awards are based on an applicant's academic excellence. Many things are considered when awarding scholarships - undergraduate grades, graduate placement test scores, and your research and work experience all factor in.
Graduate assistantships are offered to full-time matriculated graduate students to serve as teaching, research, or administrative assistants. Graduate Assistants receive wages (determined by the department making the appointment) in exchange for work performed. Many graduate assistants also receive tuition remission (i.e., tuition support) in addition to receiving wages for assistantship duties.
Graduate students can be awarded both scholarships and assistantships. These funding opportunities are the same for both US and international applicants.
Optional Co-Op
Cooperative education is paid work assignments with corporations and organizations around the U.S. and abroad. Co-op allows students to spend one or more semesters employed in a full-time, paid position related to their academic program before they graduate. Many students use co-op earnings to help finance their education.
Work-Study
Graduate students studying full-time may apply to work part-time on campus. RIT has more than 9,000 jobs available yearly, and students typically work 10 – 20 hours per week. International students studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa may work up to 20 hours per week on campus and 40 hours during break periods.
The MS degree is awarded upon the successful completion of a minimum of 32 semester credit hours, including a 6 credit hour thesis.
The program consists of six core courses, two graduate electives, 2 credits of graduate seminar, and a six-credit thesis. The curriculum is designed for students who do not have an undergraduate degree in microelectronic engineering. Students who have an undergraduate degree in microelectronic engineering develop a custom course of study with their graduate adviser.
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-795Microelectronics Research Methods
- Graduate Elective
Second Year
- MCEE-704 Physical Modeling of Semiconductor Devices
- MCEE-790 MS Thesis
- Graduate Elective
Thesis
A thesis is undertaken once the student has completed approximately 20 semester credit hours of study. Planning for the thesis, 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).
- Understand the fundamental scientific principles governing solid-state devices and their incorporation into modern integrated circuits.
- Understand the relevance of a processor 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.
Industries
- Electronic and Computer Hardware
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Aerospace
Typical Job Titles
- Process Engineer
- Device Engineer
- Development Engineer
- Research Engineer
- Equipment Engineer
- Principle Engineer
- Process Integration Engineer
- Manufacturing Yield Engineer
- Photolithography Engineer
- Field Applications Engineer