MS in Semiconductor Engineering

The Master of Science in Semiconductor Engineering is an interdisciplinary, cutting-edge program offered by Northeastern University’s College of Engineering, D’Amore-McKim School of Business, and the Institute for NanoSystems Innovation. The program prepares students with the interdisciplinary knowledge and experimental tools to meet the rapidly evolving needs of semiconductor companies and an in-demand industry seeking to fill their talent gap.

Boston, MA

Location

Full-Time
Part-Time

Commitment

2 Years

Duration of Program

Fall, Spring

Entry Terms

Yes

Meets F1 Visa Requirements

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Overview

The Master of Science in Semiconductor Engineering is an interdisciplinary, cutting-edge program offered by Northeastern University’s College of Engineering, D’Amore-McKim School of Business, and the Institute for NanoSystems Innovation. The program prepares students with the interdisciplinary knowledge and experimental tools to meet the rapidly evolving needs of semiconductor companies seeking to fill their talent gap.

As the industry advances, so does the profile of successful job candidates. Conventional single-discipline degrees are not sufficient to support current and future hiring needs.

In the MS in Semiconductor Engineering program, you will:

Learn about state-of-the-art solutions relating to the building blocks of the semiconductor industry, from materials and manufacturing processes through device and system design to entrepreneurship and product development.
Design and implement semiconductors and micro/nanosystems chips, utilizing theoretical, numerical, and experimental tools.
Anticipate and adapt to new material, structure and device requirements, system architectures, and manufacturing techniques.

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-mmWave 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.

More Details

Unique Features

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.
Choose from two in-demand concentrations: Devices and NanoSystems or Materials and Manufacturing.
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, 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.

Career Outlook

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. 80% of projected new technical jobs 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”

Testimonials

"The AI arms race is creating massive growth in the semiconductor industry, and we need to drive semiconductor innovation in low-power devices, power electronics, green energy generation, and storage to build a sustainable AI infrastructure."

—David Horsley, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Deputy Directory of the Institute for NanoSystems Innovation

Admissions

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

$59.6K

Tuition

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

Completed online application form
Application fee
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 2023-2024 or 2024-2025 academic years
Statement of purpose
Resumé
TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for international applicants

Successful applicants to the program will have a background in STEM disciplines, including engineering and sciences (e.g., physics, math) or other related disciplines. Strong candidates in other disciplines with prior exposure to the fundamentals of science and engineering will also be considered.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Engineering admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

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.

Fall Semester Entry

Spring Semester Entry


Early Action	December 1
Final Deadline International Students outside the US	June 1
Final Deadline: International Students Inside the US	July 1
Domestic applicants	August 1


International Students Outside the US	October 1
International Students Inside the US	December 1
Domestic Applicants	December 1

Curriculum

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

Experiential Learning

Northeastern University is an R1 research institution, and the MS in Semiconductor Engineering program is offered in partnership with the Institute for NanoSystems Innovation (NanoSI). The combination allows you to engage in pioneering research, learn from leading experts in the field, and prepare for impactful careers in the ever-evolving landscape of semiconductor engineering.

Northeastern is ranked #1 in internships/co-ops by U.S. News & World Report. As part of the co-op program, you can gain up to eight months of professional experience in your field of interest as part of your academic curriculum. Our engineering departments and NanoSI have established co-op partnerships with leading semiconductor companies.

Faculty

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll be connected to students at our 13 campuses, as well as 300,000-plus alumni and more than 3,500 employer partners around the world. Our global university system provides you with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally and serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

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