Chemical engineering of semiconductors
Certificate, undergraduate
Overview
Related Topics
Shape the future of the semiconductor industry
Modern technologies rely on semiconductors built with precision, consistency and advanced process control. This certificate introduces you to the chemical engineering principles behind semiconductor and microelectronics manufacturing, with an emphasis on materials behavior, surface science and measurement techniques.
You’ll learn how chemistry, physics and engineering come together to shape products and processes at the nanoscale, from materials characterization to process optimization. The curriculum builds a strong interdisciplinary foundation, preparing you to contribute to semiconductor industries or pursue advanced study in microelectronics and related engineering fields.
By developing specialized knowledge in semiconductor materials, manufacturing processes and advanced technologies, this certificate helps expand career opportunities in a rapidly growing industry. You’ll earn skills appropriate for roles in semiconductor manufacturing, process engineering, research and development and advanced technology sectors while gaining a competitive advantage for career growth and professional advancement.
This certificate could be a good fit if you:
- Are pursuing or have an undergraduate degree in biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, or engineering disciplines.
- Want foundational training in surface science, materials physics, metrology and instrumentation used in semiconductor industries.
- Are interested in solving interdisciplinary engineering problems at the intersection of materials, processes and systems.
- Want to prepare for career opportunities in semiconductor manufacturing, process engineering, research and technology development
- Seek to expand your technical expertise for graduate study or professional advancement in microelectronics and related fields
Smarter processes for advanced manufacturing
Curriculum
The chemical engineering of semiconductors undergraduate certificate is a 12-credit program that complements your degree and helps build specialized expertise in emerging fields to enhance your career opportunities.
Explore program courses in the University Catalog
Learning outcomes
The chemical engineering of semiconductors undergraduate certificate prepares students with foundational knowledge of semiconductor technologies, manufacturing processes and industry-specific terminology. You’ll learn to apply principles from chemical engineering, chemistry and physics to address challenges in semiconductor production and process engineering. Through interdisciplinary learning, you’ll develop the ability to analyze and solve complex engineering problems involving materials, products, processes and systems. This preparation supports career advancement in semiconductor industries and related technology fields.
Class format
The chemical engineering of semiconductors undergraduate certificate requires 12 credit hours of coursework focused on semiconductor manufacturing, materials science and engineering applications. You will complete core courses in Integrated Circuit Fabrication and Surfaces and Colloids while selecting additional coursework from areas such as electronics, physical chemistry, programming, numerical methods, solid-state physics and data analysis. This interdisciplinary format provides you with the technical foundation needed to understand semiconductor processes and contribute to advanced technology industries.
Faculty expertise
Work alongside faculty in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering with expertise in:
- Chemical processes and reaction engineering
- Energy systems and sustainable technologies
- Pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing
- Environmental engineering and pollution prevention
- Process design, modeling and optimization
- Advanced materials and nanotechnology
- Industrial processes and engineering applications
Career outcomes
Clubs and involvement opportunities
As a student in the College of Engineering, you'll have access to more than 20 student clubs and organizations connected to national and international engineering societies — including opportunities to join competitive project teams. These groups offer hands-on experience, networking and leadership development to help you grow personally and professionally.
If you’re interested in microelectronics or electrical engineering, consider joining:
- Association for Computer Machinery (ACM)
- Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA)
- Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- International Microelectronics and Packaging Society (IMAPS)
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Power and Energy Society (PES)
- Robotics Club
- Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- Vandal Atmospheric Science Team (VAST)
Finacial aid and scholarship opportunities
U of I’s certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid or scholarships on their own. However, students enrolled in a bachelor's or associate degree program may apply their financial aid and scholarships toward a 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.
Application information
Admission criteria for undergraduate certificates are the same as those for U of I undergraduate degree programs. View our admission requirements to learn more.
Undergraduate certificate application process
Students interested in adding a certificate to their bachelor’s or associate degree program should speak with their academic advisor.
Students interested in earning an undergraduate certificate as a standalone program should contact the Admissions Office at 208-885-6326 for information on how to apply.
Have questions?
Not sure if this program is the right fit? Connect with your admissions counselor or request more information to get personalized guidance on program details, requirements and next steps.
Find your admissions counselor
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Chemical engineering student Madi Gilster is helping create sustainable gels that remove phosphorus from water for reuse in agriculture and industry