Microelectronics & Semiconductors
Home of the LED, transistor and integrated circuit.
The Grainger College of Engineering legacy, expertise and industry connections in microelectronics run broad and deep. We are making contributions across every level of the microelectronics industry – from research to design to manufacturing.
With dedicated researchers, centers and partnerships focused on accelerated performance and advanced technologies, a new minor in semiconductor engineering, and over 75 courses to train future innovators and the workforce, Grainger Engineering is uniquely positioned to help usher in the new era of microelectronics and deliver the greatest potential that lies ahead.
News
Grainger Engineers are leading the way in microelectronics. Check out these recent highlights and headlines.
Quantum park adds two more U of I leaders to senior team
- Media Mentions
- October 31, 2024
Nvidia chip delay could slow rapid AI development
- Media Mentions
- August 29, 2024
Expect a wave of wafer-scale computers
- Media Mentions
- May 13, 2024
“Since John Bardeen co-developed the transistor 75 years ago, Grainger Engineers have been pushing scientific boundaries of microelectronics to enhance the economic and national security of the United States. As we seek to overcome the current chip and supply chain shortages, we will continue to be out front, tackling what’s most difficult and creating a better future for all.”
Rashid Bashir
Dean, The Grainger College of Engineering
Research
Through its multi-million-dollar centers and partnerships with industry leaders such as IBM, Intel, Hewlett Packard, Samsung and Texas Instruments, Grainger Engineering is boldly investing its people, facilities and resources into microelectronic and semiconductor research and development.
Degrees and Courses
New: Minor in Semiconductor Engineering
Break into the semiconductor industry and lead advancements in next-generation technologies with a new Minor in Semiconductor Engineering from The Grainger College of Engineering. Learn the fundamentals of semiconductors by examining the science, design and manufacturing behind semiconductor research and the industry, and master the skills necessary to pursue semiconductor engineering career paths, including device, applications and process engineering.
Engineering students can fulfill the minor’s requirements within their technical elective courses. At least six hours of coursework for the minor must be advanced (300- or 400-level) and distinct from credits earned for majors or other minors. The departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Materials Science and Engineering; Mechanical Science and Engineering; Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering; Industrial and Systems Engineering; and Physics will offer courses in this minor.
Find degree requirements and learning outcomes.
Master of Engineering in Plasma Engineering
Plasmas are involved in every step of semiconductor manufacturing, from etching to lithography. Offered by the Department of Nuclear, Plasma & Radiological Engineering, the Plasma Engineering M.Eng. is a professionally oriented master's degree that will enable graduates to become trained experts in plasmas and set them apart in the growing industry.
Find curriculum, application and admissions information.
Courses
With the growing need to develop the microelectronic and semiconductor talent pipeline, Grainger Engineering offers over 75 courses.
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
| Course No. | Course Name |
|---|---|
| CHBE 553 | Surface Chemistry |
Center for Advanced Semiconductor Chips with Accelerated Performance (ASAP)
Learn about the ASAP Center!
40 Top Ten
We have 40 top ten ranked degree programs and specialties,
including microelectronics-related disciplines.
U.S. News & World Report, 2023 Rankings