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Minor in Semiconductor Science and Engineering

Texas Engineering students in lab gear gathered in semiconductor lab

The Cockrell School of Engineering Minor in Semiconductor Science and Engineering is designed for undergraduate students who want to develop interdisciplinary skills in semiconductor-related areas while pursuing a major in a related field. Students of the program will be prepared to work across disciplines and overcome the inherent challenges faced by the semiconductor industry today.

This minor program is a collaboration between the Cockrell School of Engineering and the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin.

Curriculum and Degree Requirements

The semiconductor science and engineering minor is currently available to students from either the Cockrell School of Engineering or the College of Natural Sciences from one of four majors: electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, physics or chemistry. Students must also have completed at least 24 hours in residence to apply. We recommend that applicants for this minor program have at least 3 remaining semesters at UT Austin.

All students in the minor program need to complete one track-independent course (SSE 360: Introduction to Semiconductor Engineering) or an approved alternative. In addition, all students need to complete four elective courses within their chosen track (two of which are mandatory). 

Description of Degree Tracks
  1. Semiconductor Manufacturing
    This track focuses on gaining a fundamental understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes and tools, and limited hands-on experience using those tools. Courses in this track are focused on nanomanufacturing, semiconductor equipment, metrology and the materials and chemistry aspects of nanomanufacturing.
  2. Circuits and Systems
    This track focuses on developing the knowledge and skills to design semiconductor circuits and systems. Courses in this track include circuit theory, digital logic design, integrated circuit design, radio frequency electronics, analog electronics, power electronics and related courses.
  3. Heterogeneous Integration
    This track focuses on understanding advanced packaging and heterogeneous integration of semiconductor chips. Courses in this track include thermal management, advanced packaging techniques and materials and chemistry-related courses.
  4. Semiconductor Devices
    This track focuses on developing the knowledge and skills necessary to design, fabricate and test new semiconductor devices. Courses in this track include circuit theory, solid state devices, optics, quantum physics and courses related to the physics and chemistry of semiconductor devices.

For more information on specific elective courses within each track, please see the Minor in Semiconductor Science and Engineering Course List (EID authentication required).

Application and Admission Requirements

Applications are due in the fall of each academic year for enrollment in the spring semester.

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Admission Requirements
  • Current enrollment in one of the following majors:
    • Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Physics
    • Chemistry
  • Completed 24 hours in residence at UT Austin
  • Completion of Math 408C Differential and Integral Calculus (or equivalent)

For additional information on admission requirements, please contact your academic advisor.