A new master’s degree program at The University of Texas at Austin is set to address the increasing demand for semiconductor scientists and engineers, providing students with the opportunity to play a pivotal role in advancing the semiconductor industry. The program, slated to commence in the fall of 2025, will offer a Master of Science in Engineering with a major in semiconductor science and engineering, in collaboration between the Cockrell School of Engineering and College of Natural Sciences.
President Jay Hartzell expressed, “This program fits squarely within our University’s strategic plan, as we push to become the world’s highest impact public research university.” Highlighting the importance of the program, S.V. Sreenivasan, a professor at the Cockrell School, stated, “The semiconductor industry in the U.S., and Texas in particular, is growing rapidly, and UT is leading the way in training the next generation of semiconductor leaders.”
With projections indicating a significant demand for skilled professionals in the semiconductor industry, David Vanden Bout, dean of the College of Natural Sciences, emphasized, “Semiconductors power our modern electronics and are a critical part of our everyday lives.”
The program will offer students the chance to engage with leading semiconductor companies and cutting-edge facilities, providing hands-on experience and research opportunities across various tracks such as semiconductor manufacturing, circuits and systems, heterogeneous integration, and semiconductor devices. According to Roger Bonnecaze, dean of the Cockrell School of Engineering, students will have unparalleled opportunities for growth and development within the semiconductor industry.
Michael Cullinan, associate professor in the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering and program director, highlighted the program's inclusivity, stating, “Our overall goal is to make the semiconductor field more accessible for students from all walks of life.”
The initiative at UT Austin aligns with the broader efforts to support the semiconductor industry, with recent partnerships and funding injections aimed at nurturing talent and innovation in the field. The new program is pending final approval by the University of Texas System and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, with additional offerings, including a certificate in semiconductor processes and devices, to further enhance educational opportunities in the semiconductor sector.