Connect to Education
There are many pathways to an exciting and successful career in microelectronics
Whether you are a student in high school, college, or graduate school, if you're interested in exploring one of the many exciting and rewarding careers in microelectronics, understanding what type of training and education is needed for that role will help you reach your goals. Keep in mind, there's no single right or wrong way to reach your destination. The spotlight opportunities below can help you chart your course to success.
Pick your pathway
Whether you are interested in microelectronics manufacturing, design, testing, quality assurance, or advanced research in one of these areas, there are lots of options available to you right here in Ohio and the surrounding areas. Be sure to check out information about Trusted and Assured microelectronics if you have an interest in learning more about how a career in this field can help support defense systems and national security.
Explore the different educational opportunities the field of microelectronics has to offer.
Certificates
A certificate is usually a shorter-term credential that can be earned either through a formal educational institution or through less formal online learning modules. Earning a certificate can take less time than a traditional two-year or four-year academic programs. Certificate programs can sometimes also be less expensive than traditional degrees. If you are interested in joining the workforce and earning income as quickly as possible, a certificate might be a good option for you to start your career in microelectronics. Certificates can also be pursued as part of a traditional education program. There are several certificate programs you can explore.
Undergraduate Degree
While you won't find an undergraduate major explicitly called microelectronics, the colleges and universities in Ohio offer a variety of majors that will prepare you for a successful career in microelectronics. Not sure, which majors would be a good option to help you enter this exciting field? Explore the resources we've collected for you to help you understand the connections between different majors and your future career in microelectronics. And be sure to check out the Educational Spotlight Program called SCALE.
Internships
An internship is a great way for you as a student to get hands on experience and discover what it's really like to work in microelectronics. We've collected helpful information to help you discover internships related to microelectronics. We've also curated materials to guide through the process and help you make the most out of the experience. Use the portal's resources to get connected to other students, educators, and professionals in the field.
Graduate Research
If you've decided to pursue graduate research in an area of study connected to microelectronics, a funded-research position may be interesting to you! Learn more about schools that might offer funded research assistantships or even have opportunities to be part of a team of collaborators doing government-funded research through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. We've curated information to help you discover funded research opportunities for graduate students who are specializing in areas important to the field.
Associate Degree
An associate degree is a college-level education that provides general education courses paired with technical knowledge required for employment without completing a full undergraduate degree. This pathway often leads to career opportunities in microelectronics more quickly than other education pathways and can be more cost-effective. There are a number of highly regarded associate degree programs that offer specialized technical training and have partnerships with employers throughout Ohio for students entering the microelectronics workforce.
Graduate School
After you finish your undergraduate degree, you might be ready to start working. But if you want to receive advanced training to specialize in a particular area of research related to microelectronics, you may want to pursue a graduate degree. Graduate options includes master's degrees, professional degrees, and doctorate degrees. There are many ways to conduct more specialized research while you complete your advanced degree related to microelectronics, right here in Ohio. Be sure to check out the portal resources available to help you discover and connect to opportunities for funded research positions available to graduate students
Undergraduate Research
Doing research is exciting! It's how humans create new knowledge. But you don't have to wait until you graduate from college to do real, meaningful research related to microelectronics. There are many options available to undergraduates as well. Most colleges and universities have offices where you can find out more information about undergraduate research programs available at your school. But there are some programs that are tailored to students who want to do research related to microelectronics. We've curated information to help you discover opportunities for doing research and contributing new knowledge to the microelectronics field even while you are a student.
Educational Program Spotlight
SCALE (Scalable Asymmetric Lifecycle Engagement) is the preeminent U.S. program for semiconductor workforce development in the defense sector for undergraduate and graduate students to ensure safe, reliable, and trustworthy microelectronics. SCALE provides participants with unique curriculum, mentoring, internship, & research opportunities.