Advanced semiconductor design

The advanced semiconductor design graduate certificate is a 12-credit program that helps build specialized expertise, complement your degree and develop skills in emerging fields to enhance your career opportunities.

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

Learning outcomes

You’ll learn to identify, formulate and solve complex semiconductor design problems using engineering, science and mathematics principles. You’ll develop the ability to communicate advanced semiconductor concepts and technologies effectively to diverse audiences, develop and conduct semiconductor design experiments, analyze and interpret data and apply engineering judgment to evaluate results. These skills prepare you for careers in semiconductor design, technology innovation and further academic advancement.

Program format

The advanced semiconductor design graduate certificate is a 12-credit program designed for graduate students in electrical and computer engineering seeking advanced expertise in analog and digital integrated circuit analysis, design, simulation and layout. The curriculum includes core courses in VLSI design, analog integrated circuit design and quantum mechanics for electrical engineers, along with an elective course. To earn this certificate, you must complete all required coursework with a grade of B or better.

Faculty expertise

• Students collaborate with faculty experts in:
• Semiconductor devices and microelectronics
• Advanced microelectronics fabrication
• VLSI design and manufacturing
• Electronic packaging and materials
• Quantum and solid-state electronics
• Electromagnetics and RF systems
• Power systems and energy technologies
• Cybersecurity and dependable systems
• Embedded systems and computer architecture

Find a faculty advisor

Students pursuing a graduate certificate as a standalone program are not eligible for financial aid. However, students enrolled in a separate U of I graduate degree program may apply their financial aid or graduate funding toward a graduate certificate if they are pursuing both simultaneously. 

For more information or to explore funding options, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@uidaho.edu or call 208-885-6312.

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.

Program contact:
Brian Johnson
bjohnson@uidaho.edu
208-885-6902

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:

Graduate Admissions:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.

Find a faculty advisor

Program availability:

• Semester intake: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Not eligible for international applicants who require F-1 status
• Deadlines: General application deadlines
• Start dates:
  • View the academic calendar to see start and end dates

University requirements:

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
  • Transcript Requirements: Bachelor’s degree transcript, along with any graduate-level transcripts, are required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for the initial admission review and admission offer. Official transcripts will be required upon admission.  View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose: A Statement of Purpose may be required for applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 or whose undergraduate degree is in a significantly different field from the graduate program to which they are applying
• Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).  
  • Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
• Application fee: $30

Application and Admission Process

Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.  

Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, and their intended program and start term.

• For new international graduate certificate applicants:
  • International applicants must meet University of Idaho’s English proficiency language requirement.
  • International students may pursue graduate certificate programs either as standalone degrees or as part of a concurrent curriculum with another graduate program. Students enrolled in a certificate program as a standalone option are not eligible for F-1 visa status.
• For current University of Idaho graduate students:
  • Fill out a change of curriculum form to add the certificate to your current course of study.
  • Obtain department approval and return the form to the College of Graduate Studies.
• For current U of I undergraduate students:
  • Must have senior standing and a 3.0 GPA to take graduate-level courses.
  • To reserve credits for the graduate transcript, please submit a Credit Reservation Form to the College of Graduate Studies. This form must be signed by your academic advisor.
  • After earning a bachelor’s degree, apply as a graduate certificate-seeking student to complete the program.

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.