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Semiconductor Micro-Credential Program

The Semiconductor Micro-Credential Program is a series of four NON-CREDIT micro-credentials designed to help you quickly gain practical skills and industry knowledge with a lot of flexibility. Whether you're still deciding if higher education or the workforce is the next step for you, pursuing higher education (certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D.), considering a career change, or seeking advancement opportunities, this program is the perfect starting point. You’ll dip your toe into the semiconductor world, gaining hands-on experience and building a strong foundation in areas like safety, manufacturing, quality assurance, research and development, and equipment and process design. Plus, you'll earn a recognized micro-credential and digital badge upon completion of each non-credit course.

Each micro-credential is designed to be completed in approximately 20 hours.

Check out all the program details below and take the first step toward a rewarding career in one of the fastest-growing industries with high demand for skilled workers—and do it at your own pace.

Program's start October 1, and go until December 6. Applications are open on a rolling basis. 

Ready to apply? 

Fall 2024 - Microcredentials Offered
 Introduction to Semiconductor Devices and Cleanroom (Foundational)Sand to Silicon (Intermediate)
Total Credits0 (non-credit course)0 (non-credit course)
PrerequisitesNone
  1. Introduction to Semiconductor Devices and Cleanroom Microcredential

  2. The following valid Lab Safety Training certificates from 鶹Ƶ are required:

    1. Lab Safety - Fume Hood Safety

    2. Lab Safety: GHS-SDS Training

    3. Lab Safety: Flammable and Combustible Storage

    4. Lab Safety: Hazardous Waste Guide

    5. Lab Safety: Chemistry - Moving Chemicals

    6. Lab Safety: Spill Control

Note: Students with extensive experience working in a cleanroom may be eligible for exemptions.

SyllabusIntroduction to Semiconductor Devices and CleanroomSand to Silicon
Session Start Date10/01/2024
Session End Date12/08/2024
Lecture and Guest Presentations

Asynchronous: Weekly lectures will be posted on Canvas for you to watch at your own pace.

A Teams meeting link will be posted in Canvas for live online meetings with the instructor (optional) and guest presentations.

Lab Safety Training

Asynchronous: Self-paced, Online.

Must be completed prior to entry into the cleanroom.

See Prerequisites.
Lab (Cleanroom)

In-person: Cleanroom training will be held at 鶹Ƶ (Kent Campus) or another Ohio institution approved by the Program.

Note: Students may qualify for exemptions if they have extensive cleanroom experience or may request to complete lab (cleanroom) training at another institution, with each case evaluated individually by the Program.

AssessmentsTo be completed within specified timelines. See Lecture Schedule on the Syllabus for details.
What to Expect!

Each microcredential is designed to be completed in approximately 20 hours and includes the following components:

  • Lectures: Asynchronous weekly online lectures that you can watch at your own pace.
  • Lab: A 2-hour in-person hands-on lab session at the AMLCI cleanroom on 鶹Ƶ’s Kent Campus (or an alternative cleanroom in Ohio).
  • Assessment: Weekly quizzes to track your progress and understanding that you can complete at your own pace.
  • Industry Engagement: Two live virtual 60-minute sessions with Intel, TeamNEO, and SEMI Foundation.
  • Optional: Virtual meetings with the instructor for additional support and engagement.
Official Flyer
2024 micro-credentials official flyer
Description of Micro-Credentials

Introduction to Semiconductors and Cleanroom Microcredential Program

Students will receive a microcredential for each course completed. 

Microcredential Course 1. Introduction to Semiconductor Devices (Foundational)

In this foundational microcredential, learners will explore the evolution of the semiconductor industry and the processes that enable the development of modern digital and smart electronics.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand the history and evolution of the semiconductor industry.
  • Explain the semiconductor fabrication process.
  • Demonstrate safety and standard protocols in a cleanroom environment.

Skills Acquired:

  • Semiconductor process fundamentals
  • Cleanroom safety protocols

Prerequisite: None.


Microcredential Course 2. Sand to Silicon (Intermediate)

This intermediate microcredential builds upon the foundational knowledge from "Introduction to Semiconductor Devices." Learners will understand how sand is transformed into microchips, essential for today’s automated and digital world.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Explain the properties and materials of semiconductor devices.
  • Understand the silicon ingot and wafer production process.
  • Demonstrate wafer cleaning in a cleanroom environment.

Skills Acquired:

  • Wafer handling, cutting, and packaging

Prerequisite: Completion of "Introduction to Semiconductor Devices"


Microcredential Course 3. Semiconductor Fabrication Process I (Advanced)

In this advanced microcredential, learners will delve into the semiconductor fabrication process, focusing on creating the internal layers of a microchip.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Demonstrate wafer cleaning and coating using sputtering techniques.
  • Explain and demonstrate the photolithography process.
  • Perform wet and dry etching techniques.

Skills Acquired:

  • Photolithography, sputtering, and etching processes

Prerequisite: Completion of "Introduction to Semiconductor Devices" and "Sand to Silicon."


Microcredential Course 4. Semiconductor Fabrication Process II (Expert)

This is the final microcredential in the "Introduction to Semiconductor and Cleanroom" program. Learners will explore thin-film deposition techniques and multilayer IC processes that form the core of microchips.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Explain diffusion and ion implantation processes.
  • Demonstrate thin-film deposition techniques.
  • Understand the multi-layer IC and backend fabrication process.

Skills Acquired:

  • Thin-film deposition and advanced semiconductor fabrication

Prerequisite: Completion of "Introduction to Semiconductor Devices,” "Sand to Silicon," and “Semiconductor Fabrication Process I”

 

Who Should Enroll?
  • Traditional and non-traditional students
  • Non-students ready to begin their professional journey
  • Professionals looking to upskill or reskill
  • Veterans and military personnel with relevant experience

Ideal for those pursuing or advancing careers as technicians or engineers in:

  • Semiconductor Manufacturing
  • Chemistry
  • Electrical, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering Technology
  • Electrical, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering
  • Materials Science
  • Physics
  • Computer Electronic Technology
  • Other STEM fields considered
Total Cost and Scholarships

Both micro-credentials Fall 2024 are completely FREE! Since the programs are non-credential courses, there will be no cost added to your student tuition. Guest students also have no cost to attend either of the programs.

Program Benefits
  • Earn a Micro-Credential: Gain a prestigious micro-credential and digital badge upon successful completion.
  • Flexible Learning Format: Perfect for busy schedules, with a blend of asynchronous online content and in-person labs.
  • Hands-On Experience: Access state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities and gain practical experience.
  • Industry Networking: Learn from respected instructors and connect with industry professionals.
  • Scholarship Opportunities: Priority consideration for scholarships of up to $2,000 toward relevant degree and non-degree programs
APPLY TODAY!

Apply now using the buttons or explore our website and page to learn more about each option!

**The completion of this form does not automatically enroll you on the program, be on the look out for an email from us describing next steps you should take 

Congratulations On Your Acceptance! Here Are Your Next Steps

Details coming shortly! Stay tuned for website updates happening frequently. 

Questions?


Still have questions? contact semiconductoredpath@kent.edu with your questions or to set up an info session for your institution or club.

Thanks to Intel Corporation's generous support, these micro-credentials are completely FREE for all participants!