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Electrical and Computer Engineering

SOLID STATE / MEMS

The University of Utah has a world-renowned program in solid-state electronics and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS). We have world-class faculty conducting research and teaching in modern semiconductor materials and devices, sensors and actuators at both micro and nano scales, microfabrication technologies, biomedical microdevices, and quantum computing. Our program also provides exciting research opportunities in our state-of-the-art Nanofab Lab for students to explore in these advanced areas to develop strong technical skills that will enable them to become the next-generation researchers, engineers, and leaders in this globally competitive industry.

Solid State / MEMS Faculty and Research

Suggested Coursework

MS Degree Requirements

The following are suggested Programs of Study for a graduate student pursuing an MS degree with an emphasis in Solid State/MEMS/Semiconductors. It is not required that students follow any of these course schedules, but for students to use these as a guide. So long as degree requirements are met, any ECE or allied graduate coursework (5000- level or above) may be substituted.

Traditional MS

3 Semesters   |   1-1.5 Years

These Programs of Study meet Coursework option requirements for a full-time student and can easily be adapted to the Project option. Students completing the Thesis option must meet with the Graduate Student Coordinator to create their academic plan.

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Accelerated MS

3 Semesters   |   1 Year

This Program of Study meets the requirements for the Project Option for a full-time student (9+ credits per term).

Part-Time MS

*Graduate seminar credits may be completed in any order within a student’s first academic year in the program.

5 Semesters   |   2-2.5 Years

A schedule like this is for students who are currently working and don’t have the capacity to be full-time students but feel capable of managing a steady pace of courses (2 per semester).

Coursework

Semester Courses Credits
1 3 7.0*
2 3 7.0*
3 2 6.0
4 2 6.0
5 2 6.0
TOTAL 12 32.0

Summer Project

Semester Courses Credits
1 3 7.0*
2 3 7.0*
3 2 6.0
4 2 6.0
Summer Project 4.0
TOTAL 10 30.0

9 Semesters   |   4 Years

A reduced and extended part-time schedule of 8 semesters of coursework, with 1 course per term, and a summer project.

Year 1

Semester Credits
Fall
 4.0*
Spring
 4.0*

Year 2

Semester Credits
Fall
 3.0
Spring
 3.0

Year 3

Semester Credits
Fall
 3.0
Spring
 3.0
Summer
 4.0 – Project

Year 4

Semester Credits
Fall
 3.0
Spring
 3.0
TOTAL
 30.0

Default Supervisory Committee

For students completing the coursework or project options

Mike Scarpulla

Professor

Semiconductors and photovoltaics: earth-abundant, benign compound semiconductors for thin film photovoltaics such as Cu2ZnSnS4. Other sulfide semiconductors for PV, light management for thin film PV, CIGS, laser processing of semiconductors, and the physics of semiconductor alloys and transition metal and rare earth additions to semiconductors.

Hanseup Kim

Department Chair; Director, Utah Nanofab

USTAR Professor

Biological nano- and micro-systems in moving fluids for medical applications including micro- pumps and valves. System integration in robotics and energy harvesting for micro- robots, actuators, hydraulics, energy harvesting systems, and manufacturing technology

Heayoung Yoon

Associate Professor

Solar energy conversion, NanoEngineering: Engineering micro/nanomaterials to enhance device performance and functionality in the fields of solar energy conversion, advanced nanoelectronics, and 3D hybrid imaging at nanoscale