Microelectronic Engineering Rochester Institute of Technology

Overview

Students in the Microelectronic Engineering program of Rochester Institute of Technology are required to complete two semesters and two summers of cooperative education, beginning after their second year of study. Students find co-op employment at many of the major integrated circuits manufacturers across the United States. Upon graduation, students are well prepared to enter industry or pursue graduate school. This major also prepares students to work in emerging technologies such as nanotechnology, microelectromechanical systems, photonics, photovoltaics, and microsystems.

Students gain hands-on experience in the design, fabrication, and testing of the integrated circuits (microchips), the vital component in almost every advanced electronic product manufactured today. RIT's undergraduate microelectronics engineering laboratories, which include modern integrated circuit fabrication (clean room) and test facilities, are among the best in the nation. At present, the major is supported by a 150mm complementary metal oxide semiconductor line equipped with diffusion; ion implantation, plasma, and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes; chemical mechanical planarization; and device design, modeling, and test laboratories. The microlithography facilities include a ASML i-line and GCA g-line wafer steppers, and both optical and electron beam mask writers.

Educational objectives

The educational objectives of the microelectronic engineering major are to produce graduates who have the following skills or characteristics:

• Sound knowledge of the fundamental scientific principles involved in the operation, design, and fabrication of integrated circuits.

• A comprehensive understanding of relevant technologies such as integrated circuit process integration and manufacturing. This includes nanolithography and the application of engineering principles to the design and development of current and future semiconductor technologies.

• A professional approach to problem-solving, using analytical, academic, and communication skills effectively, with special emphasis on working in teams.

• An enthusiasm for learning and the continuous improvement of skills throughout one’s career, exemplified by learning about emerging technologies and adapting to and accepting change within the field.

• A desire to achieve leadership positions in industry or academia.

• A breadth of knowledge, including the multidisciplinary nature of microelectronic engineering as well as the broad social, ethical, safety, and environmental issues within which engineering is practiced.

Typical Job Titles

• Process Engineer

• Development Engineer

• Equipment Engineer

• Process Integration Engineer

• Photolithography Engineer

• Device Engineer

• Research Engineer

• Principle Engineer

• Manufacturing Yield Engineer

• Field Applications Engineer

Accreditation

The BS in microelectronic engineering major is accredited by the EAC Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. Visit the college's accreditation page for information on enrollment and graduation data, program educational objectives, and student outcomes.