Purdue’s first online Master of Science in Microelectronics and Semiconductors graduate says degree gives him options in industry, academia

Before Vasil Yordanov became Purdue University’s first graduate in the online Master of Science in Microelectronics and Semiconductors program, he was a budding physicist and researcher in search of a specialty. While completing his first physics master’s in France, he began an internship at C2N, a lab focused on nanoelectronics and semiconductors, a term that encompasses a range of materials with electrical conductivity that act as the building blocks of modern electronics. Yordanov had been interested in microelectronics and semiconductor technology since he was in college, but getting to work in the semiconductor industry made it all click – he realized he had found what he was searching for.  

“The moment it all came together was when I first entered the clean room (a highly controlled environment where semiconductors are manufactured),” Yordanov said. “It was such a cool experience, and it solidified that this is where I wanted my research to develop.” 

Interested in eventually pursuing a PhD, Yordanov knew that getting a specialized master’s in semiconductors and microelectronics would help make him more competitive. While searching for programs, Yordanov came across Purdue University’s Master of Science in Microelectronics and Semiconductors, a new program offered online by Purdue’s College of Engineering.  

After seeing how well Purdue’s program matched his interests, Yordanov decided to apply, but he still had some reservations. He loved that the program focused on semiconductors specifically, and he appreciated that there was an emphasis on working with corporate partners to ensure students had strong career pathways. However, starting a program in the United States was a big leap, even though he’d be studying online. Before he accepted his admission, he got some much-needed encouragement from a colleague of his who was familiar with Purdue’s reputation.  

“I worked with this person at a startup that built open-source software for chip design, and I decided to reach out and ask him what he thought of taking a semiconductor program at Purdue,” Yordanov said. “His opinion was that Purdue’s engineering programs were really well-known and that I should go for it. That was the encouragement I needed.”  

So, Yordanov enrolled as a full-time student and began taking courses soon after. Though he was studying online, Yordanov appreciated the interactive coursework where students got to collaborate with their peers and professors, as well as the constant feedback he received from the teaching assistants to ensure students were getting the most out of their courses. Most of his classmates were professional engineers, so Yordanov had plenty of opportunities to network with industry experts. 

Since Yordanov was a full-time student, he was able to work through his master’s quickly by taking several classes at once. His professors were supportive and helpful throughout this process, always answering questions and helping him explore his interests. The course assignments were practical and hands-on, and he enjoyed connecting with his classmates who came from many different science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.  

Yordanov took several memorable classes that helped develop his interests and narrow down his career goals. He took a course called Integrated Circuit/MEMS Fabrication Lab with Muhammad Hussain that got him used to working in a clean room by allowing him to explore a virtual clean room environment. The course was a collaboration with technology company Intel, so all the assignments were career-focused and relevant to the field. He also took a course called Primer on RF Design with Dimitrios Peroulis that introduced him to circuit design. It was a difficult course, but well executed, and it gave him the confidence he needed to break into the design field. Ever since an internship at GlobalFoundries while working on his physics master’s in France, Yordanov wanted to learn more about chip design, and the courses at Purdue were an excellent pathway 

“The online platforms, computing resources and software tools offered for our courses were world-class and some of them were even developed at Purdue, so getting access to them and learning how to use them was a privilege,” Yordanov said. 

Yordanov also appreciated the program’s focus on connecting students with industries and internships. He did an internship at IMEC, an international research and development organization focused on nanoelectronics and digital technologies. That internship gave him important research experience, and the Purdue program’s flexible schedule made it possible to work, do research and study at the same time. He even presented his research at several conferences, where other attendees regularly recognized Purdue University’s name. 

“It felt good to be recognized for going to such a well-known university,” Yordanov said. “Purdue definitely comes with a tremendous name recognition, networking opportunities and positive academic experience.” 

Yordanov always wanted to pursue a PhD after graduation, and getting research experience at Purdue helped him achieve that goal. He was recently offered a PhD position at a leading institution for semiconductor research. He’s also been offered several industry positions working at semiconductor companies on chip design. Either way, he has ample opportunities to influence the future of semiconductor design and research. 

“It’s nice to have multiple options – either working in academia or in industry,” Yordanov said. “Either way, I’ll be doing something closely related to my degree. Because of Purdue, I have a really good idea of what I want to do, and it’s narrowed down my focus.” 

“Purdue really empowers people to do what they want,” Yordanov continued. “From the professors and teaching assistants to the academic advisors and all the people responsible for the semiconductors and microelectronics program, the team at Purdue is absolutely stellar, and has managed to create something really special and unique.” 

To learn more about Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Microelectronics and Semiconductors, visit the program’s webpage.