Admissions | Semiconductor Technology MS

Graduates of Portland State are employed and contribute significantly to the semiconductor industry, which is the largest manufacturing industry in the state by a wide margin. Commercial investment regionally and recent support from federal and state levels ensure this will continue to be a hub of semiconductor technologies in the U.S. The partnerships between PSU and the local semiconductor industry will be key to future success of the industry and state residents who benefit from the career opportunities.  

The Semiconductor Technology MS program prepares students academically for a career in the semiconductor field. Preparation for success requires high levels of training in STEM disciplines, both in theoretical aspects and in access to current technologies. Our programmatic goals are:

• To train students to work in the semiconductor industry and lead the effort to increase access for the regional semiconductor workforce across design, manufacturing, and fabrication.  
• To provide technical training for workers to enter fabrication facilities — processing silicon wafers, device fabrication, etc.
• To provide technical training in metrology used for characterizing devices and quality control & quality assurance
• To provide a regional hub for theoretical and hands-on coursework in semiconductor technologies including: basics of semiconductors, microelectronic device fabrication, statistics, materials science and physics, nanomaterials and nanotechnologies, photolithography, photoresists, thin film processing, electron microscopy, and surface chemistry.

We encourage students to apply who have a bachelors degree in STEM fields or those with relevant industry work experience who are interested in pursuing an advanced graduate degree.

Application Materials

Below is the list of the information and materials you will need to provide as part of your application. We recommend preparing these materials in advance of submitting your application.

• Statement of Purpose: A statement of purpose describing your past work in the intended field of study, your plans for graduate study, your career goals, and any additional information you would like the graduate selection committee to consider. Students can increase their likelihood of being admitted by specifically addressing the following criteria:
  • Academic preparedness
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Work or research experience
  • Leadership
  • Long-term goals and commitment
  • Contribution to inclusiveness
• References: Submit contact information for at least two references who can comment on your academic performance or attest to your skills as they pertain to your selected program of study. Portland State will contact your references and provide them with instructions for submitting recommendation forms.
• Copies of transcripts from each college or university attended
• Proof of English Language Proficiency (if applicable)

Holistic Review

The Semiconductor Technology MS program evaluates applicants using holistic review, which is an evidence-based approach to identify people that are likely to be successful in the graduate school curriculum and future careers in the industry. Students can increase their likelihood of being admitted by specifically addressing the above criteria in their Statement of Purpose. 

Access and Inclusivity

Portland State Physics is committed to the university's mission of access and inclusivity in higher education and will evaluate each applicant's potential to contribute to that vision. Applicants can reflect their leadership in these areas in the Statement of Purpose portion of the application. 

Contact

If you have questions during the application process, please contact the Physics Department office (physics@pdx.edu) or the program director, Dr. Raj Solanki (solanki@pdx.edu).