Semiconductor Engineering

Specialize in one of two industry-aligned concentrations:

The devices and nanosystems concentration offers students the opportunity to study topics including digital and analog integrated circuit design, VLSI system design, RF and microwave circuits, power electronics, solid state devices, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), quantum devices, optoelectronics, and silicon photonics.

The materials and manufacturing concentration offers students the opportunity to study topics including electronic materials, semiconductor fabrication, robotics and automated manufacturing, statistical process control, statistical quality control, device reliability, additive manufacturing, and semiconductor packaging.

• Earn your degree in the country’s first and only MS in Semiconductor Engineering program.
• Study in an interdisciplinary program offered through the Institute for NanoSystems Innovation, multiple departments in the College of Engineering, and the D’Amore-McKim School of Business.
• Gain research experience through the Institute for NanoSystems Innovation in Boston or Oakland, California, engaging in the country’s most vibrant communities and the hottest semiconductor hiring areas.
• Leverage the NanoSI entrepreneurial ecosystem, including partnerships with the largest semiconductor-based incubator programs in the country and several semiconductor-focused startups in Boston, Burlington, MA, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Select from thesis, project-based, or course-only options.
• Build your resumé in our top-ranked cooperative education program, allowing you to gain up to eight months of professional experience as part of your academics.

Given the landmark CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, a significant share of new chip manufacturing capacity and R&D is expected to be located in the U.S. The Semiconductor Industry Association projects that the semiconductor industry’s workforce will grow by nearly 115,000 by 2030 to approximately 460,000 jobs by the end of the decade, representing 33% growth. An estimated 80% of new technical risk going unfilled at current degree completion rates. Of the unfilled jobs, 35% will be engineers or computer scientists with four-year degrees, and 26% will be engineers at the master’s or PhD level. Source: SIA

“The United States currently makes about 10% of all chips and aspires to 30% share by 2030… and we will need more people in more locations to make a trillion dollars’ worth of chips.”—Deloitte, The Global Semiconductor Talent Shortage

“Research into new materials (such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride), advanced packaging, specialized ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) applications, and the increased importance of embedded software have changed the talent profile for semiconductor companies.”—McKinsey, Strategies To Lead in the Semiconductor World

Northeastern’s innovative curriculum brings you core courses in semiconductor devices and systems, materials, manufacturing, and innovation. You can select a concentration in devices and nanosystems or in materials and manufacturing.

The industry is looking for skilled engineers to design chips, discover new materials and manufacturing methods, develop software tools for designing and operating new chips, and design advanced manufacturing tools to make these chips.

Through various electives across electrical and computer engineering, mechanical and industrial engineering, chemical engineering, and business, you can shape the program to meet your career interests. You will select your path for coursework and project or thesis options.

Beyond research

Designed with the future in mind, the MS in Semiconductor Engineering program bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and practical applications. Northeastern is an R1 research institution, and the program is offered as part of the Institute for NanoSystems Innovation (NanoSI). You will have the opportunity to engage in pioneering research, learn from leading experts in the field, and prepare for impactful careers in the rewarding landscape of semiconductor engineering.

NanoSI is a world-leading global institute focused on semiconductor research, education, and entrepreneurship. It is at the forefront of semiconductors and nanosystems research, including next-generation chip-scale electronics, sensors, RF-millimeter wave devices and systems, photonics, MEMS, packaging, heterogeneous integration, and micro/nano manufacturing.

Gain experience as you study

Northeastern is ranked #1 in internships/co-ops by U.S. News & World Report. Our respected co-op program allows you to gain up to eight months of professional experience in your field of interest as part of your studies. A vibrant consortium of industrial partners, including several world-leading companies, supports NanoSI activities. Our engineering departments have also established co-op partnerships with companies including Allegro Microsystems, AMD (Advanced Micro Devices), Analog Devices, Applied Materials, Arm, Inc., Broadcom, Infineon Technologies, Intel, Micron Technologies, Microsemi, Nvidia, Qualcomm, Samsung, Skyworks, ST Microelectronics, TSMC, and Zepsor Technologies.

Applications received after the stated deadline dates will be accepted and processed as quickly as possible; however it may not be possible to have a decision rendered in time for the applicant to begin taking classes for the desired term if admitted.

Applications submitted by the referenced dates will receive full consideration for the referenced term. Applications received after the referenced dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Completed online application form

• Two letters of recommendation

• Transcripts from all institutions attended

  • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)

• GRE is not required for terms starting during the 2025-2026 academic years

• Statement of purpose

• Resumé

• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for international applicants unless the waiver requirements are met

• The application fee is waived for all new applicants applying to any of our Master of Science or Graduate Certificates for the fall 2025 and spring 2026 application terms.