The Department of Physics has established a M.S. degree option in applied physics which emphasizes microelectronics and electronic materials. Two tracks are available: industrial internship or university research. The first option provides an outstanding opportunity for professional advancement in the form of supported internships in major corporations. The second option incorporates an applied university research thesis. In either track a series of specialized interdisciplinary courses prepares students to excel in the semiconductor industry. Extended internships are designed to give students vital experience in issues relevant to the industry and an opportunity to learn the use of state-of-the-art instrumentation. This gives our students an essential edge in today's competitive employment atmosphere. Training takes place in some of the world's most sophisticated laboratories under the supervision of leading scientists and engineers. Students write an in-depth departmental report detailing the underlying science of their internship project.
The university based research projects are in collaboration with one of the faculty research groups. The program is interdisciplinary, and research is focused on problems in microelectronic materials. Student research benefits from our strong links with the semiconductor industry. Research students in this program may also apply for summer internships. A research thesis is written to complete the M.S. degree.
Our curriculum is designed to give students both a strong practical background in, and an excellent fundamental understanding of, microelectronics and electronic materials.