Graduate Certificate in Microelectronics and Semiconductors
The Graduate Certificate in Microelectronics and Semiconductors offers an entry point for engineers and technology professionals to obtain critical skills and expertise in an essential industry. Select from a variety of courses in semiconductor materials, advanced semiconductor device design and modeling, integrated circuit and system design, and advanced packaging and heterogeneous integration.
Graduate Certificate in Microelectronics and Semiconductors
The Graduate Certificate in Microelectronics and Semiconductors offers an entry point for engineers and technology professionals to obtain critical skills and expertise in an essential industry. Select from a variety of courses in semiconductor materials, advanced semiconductor device design and modeling, integrated circuit and system design, and advanced packaging and heterogeneous integration.
Graduate Certificate in Microelectronics and Semiconductors Overview
The 100% online Graduate Certificate in Microelectronics and Semiconductors (MESC) offers an entry point for engineers and technology professionals to obtain critical skills and expertise in an essential industry in less time than a traditional master’s degree. This flexible program allows students to balance their education with professional and personal commitments while gaining industry-relevant expertise. Students can select from a variety of courses within the focus areas of circuit design, devices and manufacturing, and system design.
Learn from the world-renowned faculty of Purdue’s Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering which is the home of the #1 ranked online Master’s in Electrical Engineering (U.S. News & World Report, 2025). With a focus on real-world applications, this certificate provides stackable skills that can be utilized immediately in the workplace or applied toward Purdue’s online Master’s in Microelectronics and Semiconductors, helping you to stay competitive in an evolving industry.
For many professionals, earning a master’s degree can provide a big return-on-investment. In addition to financial benefits like salary increases and promotions, master’s degrees also help professionals learn in-demand skills, which can improve their job prospects, help them pivot to a new industry, or help them stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
Many employers value the advanced skills that master’s programs teach, and research shows that job candidates with master’s degrees have average salary increases from 25% to more than 75% in select fields. Ask your enrollment counselor for details on Purdue’s online master’s programs or learn more about the benefits of earning a master’s here.
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More information on courses and faculty can be found at the program website.
Required Courses – 3 credits
Choose 1 of the following courses:
- ECE 55900 – MOS VLSI Design (3 credits)
- ECE 60600 – Solid State Devices I (3 credits)
OR Take all three of the following courses:
- ECE 59500 – Semiconductor Fundamentals (1 credit)
- ECE 50631- Fundamentals of Current Flow (1 credit)
- ECE 59500 – Fundamentals of Transistors (1 credit)
Electives – 6 credits
Choose any from the Electives List provided on the website. More information on courses and faculty can be found at the program website.
Source: LightcastTM (2025). Unique job postings for July 2024-25. Projected growth for years 2019-2029.
Top Job Titles
Microelectronics and semiconductors prepare professionals for advanced software and systems roles that support the design, integration, and operation of complex electronic technologies. These include Software Engineers, Systems Engineers, and Principal Software Engineers, each contributing to the development of scalable, high-performance systems within semiconductor environments. Additionally, Full Stack Software Engineers play a key role in building end-to-end applications that support chip design workflows, manufacturing processes, and system-level integration.
Top Industries
Several major industries offer strong career opportunities for professionals in microelectronics and semiconductors. These include Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing and Aircraft Manufacturing, both of which rely on advanced microelectronics to power high-performance sensing, navigation, and control systems. Additionally, Engineering Services depends on semiconductor expertise to support design, integration, testing, and innovation across complex electronic and aerospace technologies.
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