To paraphrase an old song: The future’s so bright, we gotta wear shades. One of the things making our collective future so bright are semiconductors. Composed of materials whose ability to conduct electricity can be precisely controlled, semiconductors help power much of the technology that literally and metaphorically keeps the lights on in civilization. Manufacturing semiconductors is a growing industry, and Rio Salado College’s Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Semiconductor Manufacturing degree program can help you get ready to enter and excel in it. This degree program will provide you with the professional knowledge and skills you’ll need to enter this in-demand field.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll learn about various types of patterning processes, safety procedures, and the equipment used in the semiconductor industry. You will gain the expertise needed to differentiate classification procedures for materials used in manufacturing, learn about photolithography and characterization tools, and understand the properties of colloids and self-assembly materials. You’ll examine the myriad ways semiconductor applications are used in industries like health, science, electronics, and even food. In addition to all the technical knowledge you’ll acquire, you’ll also learn about ethics and professional standards within the field.
What Can I Do with a Semiconductor Manufacturing Degree?
A semiconductor manufacturing degree can prepare you to take on a range of skilled technical careers that include:
- Semiconductor processing technician
- Photonics technician
- Industrial engineering technologists and technician
- Nanotechnology engineering technologists and technician
- Chemical technician
- Electromechanical assembler
What Does a Future in Semiconductor Manufacturing Look Like?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, production and manufacturing roles like semiconductor processing technicians, chemical technicians, and industrial engineering technologists and technicians are projected to grow as fast as the average for most occupations (with semiconductor processing technicians being a role projected to grow much faster than the average). With the growing adoption of AI across most industries, there is a great need for robust semiconductor manufacturing. Skilled workers able to help meet that need will be in high demand.
Save Time and Money
Rio Salado’s affordable class credits are transferable, which means that the progress you made at Rio may be honored by many universities and colleges across the country. Keep in mind not all schools take transfer credits, so be sure to check in with the institution you’re planning to transfer to in order to make sure your Rio credits will be accepted. Another significant benefit of taking classes at Rio if you’re planning on pursuing a bachelor’s degree elsewhere is that you can complete your general education requirements at Rio Salado at a much more affordable tuition rate than you would at a four-year university.
Dip Your Toes
Curious about semiconductor manufacturing but unsure whether or not you want to pursue a full degree? Rio Salado offers two certificate programs (including a fast track program that can be completed in 11-12 credit hours) that can give you an introduction to the field and teach you some specialized skills to expand your professional repertoire.
Learn More
If you’re interested in learning more about our semiconductor manufacturing degree program, check out this page and click the Request Information button to get started.
Article by Austin Brietta