Purdue University Kicks Off First Semiconductor Degrees Program
June 15, 2022 by Biljana Ognenova
The semiconductor talent deficit has soared since 2017, reaching a critical peak in 2020. At least 50,000 new engineers will need to enter the U.S. workforce in the next five years to keep up with chip demand.
This talent shortage is a global problem. China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are struggling to reach ambitious digitalization goals due to outdated educational pathways. Reinventing semiconductor education might be one way to bring the long-standing chip shortage to an end.
Purdue Initiates Semiconductor Degrees
Most university programs offer semiconductor engineering as a part of postgraduate programs. Students must complete an advanced STEM field, such as applied physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or material science to pursue a degree in semiconductor engineering. The problem is that each of these fields deals with only certain aspects of chipmaking. Purdue's Semiconductor Degrees Program is designed with an interdisciplinary approach for a more holistic preparation for semiconductor manufacturing.
SDP is an opportunity for STEM students interested in semiconductor engineering to participate in the manufacturing process. Original, flexible, and well-funded, the comprehensive interdisciplinary program brings on board top-notch academia from more than 50 globally recognized wide-spectrum research and faculty members.
SDP is an opportunity for STEM students interested in semiconductor engineering to participate in the manufacturing process. Original, flexible, and well-funded, the comprehensive interdisciplinary program brings on board top-notch academia from more than 50 globally recognized wide-spectrum research and faculty members.
Purdue SDP credentials are available as Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees as well as a series of stackable certificates that can be added to electronics engineering portfolios.
Purdue's SDP was largely inspired by the CHIPS for America Act and similar legislation aiming to revitalize domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Bipartisan support and acts of encouragement from industry associations and leaders paint an optimistic face for the future of the nation’s semiconductor engineering.
Students Design Their Own Curriculum
Purdue has based the SDP curriculum on a six-in-one plan, linking chemicals, materials, tools, design, manufacturing, and packaging together into a study program. Purdue asserts that the inclusion of logistics and supply chain management is also an important value proposition. As part of their studies, students need to consider supply chain issues early in the design, development, and manufacturing process.
Should they choose to enroll, candidates can design a study curriculum of their own in any of the subspecialties, including system-on-chip design, heterogeneous integration, and emerging devices. Purdue SDP also bakes in a variety of educational incentives: co-ops, internships, scholarships, and industry partnerships can better involve students in an end-to-end manufacturing process, from foundries to packaging.
Because students are given the chance to create their own curriculum, they will be actively designing classes and future job openings.
Purdue's SDP Attracts Industry Support
The program has already garnered strong support from industry leaders. Intel, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, IBM, Global Foundries, Applied Materials, Synopsys, Lattice Semiconductor, CMC Materials, SEMI, SIA (Semiconductor Industry Association), Nantero, Skywater, Efabless, and Cisco Systems are on the list of companies and associations that have offered words of endorsement and clear intentions to support Purdue students enrolling in the program.
One endorsement for SDP that bears significant value is TSMC, the world's largest chip manufacturer. TSMC has previously partnered with the Purdue School of Electrical and Computer Engineering on research and development for secure microelectronics systems.
While it may take several years for manufacturing facilities to feel the impact of more specialized grads, the SDP is designed for the long-term goals of preventing supply chain delays and decreasing reliance on foreign imports.
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