A new undergraduate certificate in semiconductor manufacturing from the UCF Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering aims to address the critical need for specialized training in this field.
The Semiconductor Engineering and Manufacturing Instruction (SEMI) certificate, available this fall, is designed for students interested in one of the most ubiquitous yet hidden elements in all the electronics and smart devices we use daily: semiconductor chips. From mobile phones and appliances to security systems and satellites, semiconductors power our digital world.
“The certificate was designed to create a path for students who want to gain entry-level knowledge of the fundamental science and engineering concepts behind the fabrication of semiconductor devices,” says Program Coordinator Ashley Duprat.
As technology advances, the need for semiconductor devices and systems continues to grow. Semiconductor manufacturing is forecasted to become a $1 trillion industry by 2030, according to research firm McKinsey & Company, driven largely by the demand in automotive, computation and data storage, and wireless industries.
However, this booming industry faces a significant challenge: the need for a skilled workforce to support it. Although the demand for technology is expected to persist, the personnel required to sustain it are in short supply — the Semiconductor Industry Association predicts a shortfall of 67,000 workers by 2030.
In response to this critical need, the CHIPS Act was enacted in 2022. This legislation, formally known as the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors Act, aims to bring more chip manufacturing stateside and decrease the nation’s reliance on overseas suppliers. The act allocated $52.7 billion to support semiconductor manufacturing, incentivizing more U.S. companies to invest in this industry.
The growing demand for semiconductors, combined with a shortage of skilled workers and governmental support, creates a field brimming with opportunity.
“As the demand for skilled professionals in the industry continues to grow, we recognize the importance of providing our students with specialized training and hands-on experience in this field,” says Duprat. “The SEMI certificate will offer UCF students an opportunity to better market their skills and gain a competitive advantage.”
Students pursuing the certificate can apply the required courses toward their bachelor’s degree. The curriculum spans multiple disciplines, including courses from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems.
This foundational training opens the door to numerous career paths. From researchers studying the materials used in semiconductors to engineers and technicians designing, testing and bringing these devices to market, the industry offers a variety of roles for new graduates.
The SEMI certificate also helps students meet the experience requirements often sought by employers, giving them a competitive edge in their job search. Duprat emphasizes that students who complete the certificate will be well-prepared for industry roles.
“One of the biggest benefits the SEMI certificate program offers students is job-readiness training,” she says. “The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to excel in semiconductor engineering and manufacturing roles.”
Students will benefit not only from targeted skill development within the curriculum but also from on-the-job training opportunities. The specialized training provides access to more summer internships and year-round on-campus co-ops through industry-sponsored scholarships.
“The job market for a skilled workforce in the semiconductor industry is expected to be very tight in the foreseeable future, which could create financial incentives for students to consider this career path,” says Duprat.
The new undergraduate certificate is part of an overall semiconductor workforce initiative within the College of Engineering and Computer Science at UCF. This summer, the college held its first two-week Semiconductor Manufacturing Advances in Recent Technologies, or SMART, Workshop, sponsored by Intel, to introduce attendees to microfabrication tools and processing.
“Skilled talent in the semiconductor industry is in high demand,” says Duprat. “We look forward to putting our students in the best position to take advantage of this industry need through this program and we are excited about expanding career options for students through our high-impact semiconductor initiatives.”
For more information about the new certificate, contact Ashley Duprat via email at Ashley.Duprat@ucf.edu or visit the certificate webpage.
Story by Bel Huston, UCF College of Engineering and Computer Science