Department of Physics Launches New Semiconductor Master's Programs
The Department of Physics at the University of Arizona is proud to announce the launch of a new M.S. emphasis and a new accelerated master’s program (AMP) in Semiconductor Science and Technology. Developed under the support of the Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing, and in close collaboration with the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), these programs are designed to meet the growing demand for a highly skilled semiconductor workforce in Arizona and beyond.
The new M.S. emphasis in Semiconductor Science and Technology provides students with advanced training that bridges fundamental physics and practical semiconductor engineering. Graduates will be well prepared to pursue careers directly in the semiconductor industry or to continue their studies toward a Ph.D. in Physics, ECE, or MSE.
The Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) offers highly motivated undergraduates an integrated 4+1 pathway to earn both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science in Physics within five years. Qualified students may begin taking graduate-level (500+) courses during their senior year, with up to 12 units of coursework double-counted toward both degrees. The program ensures a seamless transition from undergraduate to graduate study, equipping students for advanced roles in semiconductor technology, quantum materials, applied physics, and other interdisciplinary fields.
A unique feature of these programs is the hands-on training students will receive in the newly established Future Advanced Semiconductor Technology Laboratory (FASTLab). Here, students gain extensive experience with semiconductor manufacturing and characterization, including vacuum technology, thin-film deposition, photolithography, and etching. In addition, they will explore emerging post-CMOS frontiers, such as high-mobility two-dimensional materials, energy-efficient nonvolatile memories, and solid-state quantum computing devices.
Together, these new programs reinforce the University of Arizona’s leadership in semiconductor education and research—preparing the next generation of physicists and engineers to drive innovation in America’s rapidly expanding semiconductor ecosystem.
Download the flyer here: AMP_Semiconductor_Arizona_flyer.pdf