Are you detail-oriented? Looking for a “hands-on” approach to a high-tech job? Willing to work hard to develop a high skill level for a high-paying job? Semiconductor manufacturing may be perfect for you.
Semiconductors, or microchips, are the “brains” of computers and can be found in almost every electronic product — including cars, fax machines, pagers, cell phones, microwaves and traffic signals. The Internet, wireless communications, satellite navigation and modern medicine are all dependent on the microchips that control sophisticated computer systems.
The industry that produces these microchips is highly competitive. Each chip is in a constant state of redesign, refined to process more information faster and at an increasingly lower cost.
Microchips are fabricated from a single piece, or chip, of a silicon wafer. When properly treated, silicon assumes properties halfway between “conductors” such as copper and gold and “insulators” such as plastics and ceramics, making it a semiconductor.
By correctly manipulating these properties throughout the manufacturing process, a complex network is formed on the silicon chip.
The semiconductor manufacturing technology (SMT) technician is responsible for product operation, equipment monitoring, equipment adjustment and both routine and emergency repair and maintenance of the many different pieces of equipment it takes to make a modern semiconductor chip.
The semiconductor industry is looking for trained, entry-level technicians for high-skill, high-wage positions. What are you waiting for?
Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology Degree and Certificate Options
Programs with Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology components are offered at three DCCCD colleges:
Richland College
Richland has a full program in Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology through its School of Engineering and Technology, in partnership with industry.
Richland’s program offers all of the courses necessary to complete the following associate degree and certificate:
Eastfield College
Eastfield offers most of the courses required for the Electronics/Computer Technology - Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology Associate in Applied Sciences degree through its Electronics/Computer Technology division. Please check directly with the division office to find out which courses are offered in a particular semester if you are interested in earning the associate degree.
Mountain View College
Mountain View offers the Electronics Technology - Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology Associate in Applied Sciences degree, although the full program may not be offered every semester. Faculty can help interested students create a major specializing in semiconductor manufacturing technology through Mountain View’s Electronics Technology program.
Other Degree and Certificate Options
The Dallas County Community College District offers nearly 350 career and technical degrees and certificates, plus 36 academic degrees. For more information, see a chart of our degree plans by location.