With the addition of 12 credits in physics or chemistry, students receive a master's degree. Participating companies include Mitsubishi Silicon, LSI Logic, Hyundai, Forrest Paint, Planar and Intel. Beginning this summer, students can choose to study semiconductor processing or polymer science. A doctoral version of the program was launched in June. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement for companies and students, says Chemistry Professor Dave Johnson , one of six MSI faculty who put the program together.
Companies see the students as potential employees they get for nine months on a trial basis.
While industry is in need of qualified applicants, students have the opportunity to get hands-on experience and a step up in the job market. The MSI program was developed in response to feedback from recent graduates as well as from regional industrial partners. Johnson says this feedback defined the need to augment the basic science curricula to include course modules that more specifically prepare students in physics and chemistry to become effective problem solvers in semiconductor manufacturing and polymer synthesis. She tried job hunting first and found most companies weren't interested in someone with a chemistry degree and no experience. Most students could learn the job eventually, says Johnson, but the job-specific training they received in the MSI program cuts down on the financial commitment companies have to make before workers are productive.