Survey of Courses on Semiconductor Manufacturing at U.S. Universities

The significance of semiconductors became evident during the Covid-19 pandemic when global manufacturing operations came to a standstill due to shortages of semiconductor chips. In response, the 2022 CHIPS Act offers a groundbreaking chance for the U.S. to regain its position as a leading force in the modern semiconductor industry. This act aims to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing, design, and research, protecting the economy and national security, and reinforcing America's chip supply chains. This push to re-shore semiconductor manufacturing has spurred massive investment, but without a talented STEM workforce, we will lose the race. A survey on semiconductor manufacturing courses at more than 100 U.S. universities has been conducted. The survey encompasses an examination of course structures, curriculum frameworks, laboratory components, and emerging technologies in semiconductor manufacturing education. By synthesizing information, this work aims to offer insights into the current state of semiconductor manufacturing engineering education, identifying areas of strength and weakness, thereby contributing to the enhancement of workforce development in this critical area.