An innovative industry-sponsored "semiconductor initiative"

This paper discusses an innovative curriculum impact by the semiconductor industries on the curriculum, applied research and future direction of the Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution Department at Texas A&M University. Semiconductor industries are growing at a rate higher than can be implemented by the current industrial workforce. There exists a growing need for individuals who can deliver new technologies to increase the competitiveness of the industries in the State. High quality application engineers properly trained in this area are one of the key assets required in maintaining this competitiveness. To address these requirements, multiple educational grants have been funded to implement a new program emphasis in Semiconductor Manufacturing Engineering Technology (SMET) within the Department of Engineering Technology in the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University. The evolution and widespread development of high technology semiconductor equipment and processes require an increased attention to the areas of engineering support. Among these, but not all-inclusive are: field service equipment engineering, test engineering, software engineering, and wafer-fab engineering. This proposed program in the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University would represent the only program at a major university for educating personnel for this distinctive career path. Because of the growing importance of semiconductor equipment manufacturers and high-tech electronics in Texas, such a development has the potential to make the College of Engineering an exemplary benefactor for the state of Texas and the nation.