Masters Degrees in Manufacturing Systems Engineering, USA

See the Department website - http://www.rit.edu/kgcoe/program/microelectronic-engineering-1

The master of engineering in microelectronics manufacturing engineering provides a broad-based education for students who are interested in a career in the semiconductor industry and hold a bachelor’s degree in traditional engineering or other science disciplines.

Program outcomes

After completing the program, students will be able to:

- Design and understand a sequence of processing steps to fabricate a solid state device to meet a set of geometric, electrical, and/or processing parameters.

- Analyze experimental electrical data from a solid state device to extract performance parameters for comparison to modeling parameters used in the device design.

- Understand current lithographic materials, processes, and systems to meet imaging and/or device patterning requirements.

- Understand the relevance of a process or device, either proposed or existing, to current manufacturing practices.

- Perform in a microelectronic engineering environment, as evidenced by an internship.

- Appreciate the areas of specialty in the field of microelectronics, such as device engineering, circuit design, lithography, materials and processes, and yield and manufacturing.

Plan of study

This 30 credit hour program is awarded upon the successful completion of six core courses, two elective courses, a research methods course, and an internship. Under certain circumstances, a student may be required to complete bridge courses totaling more than the minimum number of credits. Students complete courses in microelectronics, microlithography, and manufacturing.

Microelectronics

The microelectronics courses cover major aspects of integrated circuit manufacturing technology, such as oxidation, diffusion, ion implantation, chemical vapor deposition, metalization, plasma etching, etc. These courses emphasize modeling and simulation techniques as well as hands-on laboratory verification of these processes. Students use special software tools for these processes. In the laboratory, students design and fabricate silicon MOS integrated circuits, learn how to utilize semiconductor processing equipment, develop and create a process, and manufacture and test their own integrated circuits.

Microlithography

The microlithography courses are advanced courses in the chemistry, physics, and processing involved in microlithography. Optical lithography will be studied through diffraction, Fourier, and image-assessment techniques. Scalar diffraction models will be utilized to simulate aerial image formation and influences of imaging parameters. Positive and negative resist systems as well as processes for IC application will be studied. Advanced topics will include chemically amplified resists; multiple-layer resist systems; phase-shift masks; and electron beam, X-ray, and deep UV lithography. Laboratory exercises include projection-system design, resist-materials characterization, process optimization, and electron-beam lithography.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing courses include topics such as scheduling, work-in-progress tracking, costing, inventory control, capital budgeting, productivity measures, and personnel management. Concepts of quality and statistical process control are introduced. The laboratory for this course is a student-run factory functioning within the department. Important issues such as measurement of yield, defect density, wafer mapping, control charts, and other manufacturing measurement tools are examined in lectures and through laboratory work. Computer-integrated manufacturing also is studied in detail. Process modeling, simulation, direct control, computer networking, database systems, linking application programs, facility monitoring, expert systems applications for diagnosis and training, and robotics are supported by laboratory experiences in the integrated circuit factory. The program is also offered online for engineers employed in the semiconductor industry.

Internship

The program requires students to complete an internship. This requirement provides a structured and supervised work experience that enables students to gain job-related skills that assist them in achieving their desired career goals.

Students with prior engineering-related job experience may submit a request for internship waiver with the program director. A letter from the appropriate authority substantiating the student’s job responsibility, duration, and performance quality would be required.

For students who are not working in the semiconductor industry while enrolled in this program, the internship may be completed at RIT. It involves an investigation or study of a subject or process directly related to microelectronic engineering under the supervision of a faculty adviser. An internship may be taken any time after the completion of the first semester, and may be designed in a number of ways. At the conclusion of the internship, submission of a final internship report to the faculty adviser and program director is required.

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See the department website - http://www.rit.edu/cast/mmetps/graduate-programs/ms-in-manufacturing-and-mechanical-systems-integration

The master of science in manufacturing and mechanical systems integration is a multidisciplinary degree designed for individuals who wish to achieve competence in mechanical or manufacturing engineering through an applied course of study. Highlights of the program include foundation courses in engineering, business practices, and management functions found in many manufacturing enterprises. Students select an area of concentrated study, and a thesis, capstone, or comprehensive exam. Concentrations consisting of a three-course sequence are available in product design, automation, quality, or electronics manufacturing.

The program is offered by the department of manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology in collaboration with the Saunders College of Business and the industrial and systems engineering department and the Center for Quality and Applied Statistics within the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Plan of study

The program consists of 36 semester credit hours and is comprised of core courses, a concentration, electives, and a capstone project, thesis, or comprehensive exam. Students may be required to take additional prerequisite courses depending on their background and the concentration they select. The graduate director may approve the waiver of courses in the prerequisite group from graduation requirements, depending on a students’ academic and employment background. Full-time students are eligible for two co-op blocks (three months for each block) after completing two semesters of study.

- Electives

Students in the thesis option must complete one elective. Students in the capstone project option must complete two electives. Students choosing the comprehensive examination option must complete three electives. Courses selected to fulfill elective requirements must be any course from another MMET program concentration, any course outside the concentration or a graduate course from another graduate program (if approved by the graduate director and faculty member teaching the course), or any independent study course if approved by the student’s program director.

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS program in manufacturing and mechanical systems integration, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution in the field of engineering, engineering technology, or computing. Students with degrees in other disciplines will be considered on an individual basis.

- Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Applicants with a lower GPA will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may be admitted on a probationary basis. These students will have to secure a B or better average in the first three graduate courses to be considered for full admission.

- Have completed college level course work in computer programming and probability and statistics.

- Submit two professional recommendations.

- Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.

- Submit a clearly written, one-page statement of purpose.

- Complete a graduate application.

- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 550 (paper-based) or 79-80 (Internet-based) is required. International applicants must also submit scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). A score of 1,200 (V&Q) and an analytical writing score of 3.5 or higher are required. Applicants with low GRE scores may be admitted conditionally; but may be required to take additional English language tests and, if required, English language courses along with a reduced program course load.

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The Engineering Technology M.S. program, geared toward full-time professionals with night classes, addresses dynamic changes in business and industry. Technically competent professionals can improve their skills to help successfully transition into leadership positions in their field of expertise and into a general leadership role outside their area of technical expertise as their careers grow. Students are educated at the master’s level in core engineering technologies and the management of those technologies. The program incorporates courses covering topics common to all areas of the technology sector of industry, including Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, state-of-the-art technologies, alternative energy sources and conservation, engineering project management, applied research, and safety. A non-thesis option includes a business/industry project that must demonstrate Six Sigma methodology. Each course offers an industry component that provides real-world experience, while students also conduct applied research in several classes. Faculty members are highly experienced in their fields and have close ties to area industry.

Degrees

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Engineering Technology includes concentrations in Engineering Technology and in Occupational Health and Safety. The Department of Engineering Technology also participates in the Engineering Management concentration of the Master of Professional Science degree.

The Engineering Technology concentration provides students with the tools to help understand and solve problems found at the intersection of management, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Applicants must

take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Successful applicants typically have a quantitative score of 148+ and a verbal score of 143+.
submit official transcripts of all previous college work. If the transcripts are issued from an international (non-U.S.) institution, a course-by course analysis is required. Original non-U.S. transcripts should be submitted directly to the evaluation service.

Application deadlines: April 15, to be considered for graduate assistantships and admission in Summer or Fall; Oct. 1, for admission in the Spring. Applications are accepted late, but admission consideration is not guaranteed.

Candidates must either 1) complete and successfully defend a thesis or 2) make an oral presentation and written report on their Six Sigma project to graduate faculty at the end of the program.

Most of the courses require technical written reports and oral class presentations, while three classes require industry-related projects where certifications are earned in Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing. Credits toward a certification in Project Management from the Project Management Institute (PMI) are also awarded.

Some graduates also end up with minors, with computer information systems and business among the popular ones.

Career

This program teaches students interpersonal, management, and engineering skills needed for success in technology-driven organizations, whether public or private. The focus on these enhanced skills reflects an increasing need in the workplace for graduate students to fast-track into engineering/technical management or high-value specialty knowledge management positions. Industry areas include manufacturing/assembly, medical, human resources/training, and service (retail, food service, etc.), as well as applied sciences. Some potential positions for degree-holders:

Engineering and technical manager for:
Manufacturing operations (including design, assembly, and fabrication)
Health care
Food production
Training/consulting
Government agencies
Engineering designer
Engineering project manager for:
Process control companies
Enterprise resource systems developers
Technology development enterprises
Manager for global technology companies
Process and product engineer for manufacturing operations
Safety engineers and manager for production operations

Employers of MTSU alumni include:

Barrett Rifles
Bridgestone-Firestone
Calsonic North America Inc.
General Mills/Pillsbury
MAHLE Tennex Filters
Murfreesboro Electric Department
Nissan North America
Rich’s Products
Schneider Electric
State of Tennessee
Tennessee Valley Authority
Tridon Clamps
Vanderbilt Medical Center
Veterans Administration

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See the department website - https://www.rit.edu/cast/packaging/ms-packaging-science

The MS degree in packaging science is designed to meet the needs of professionals who are employed in the field or students who wish to pursue a graduate program immediately upon earning a bachelor's degree.

Plan of study

The program requires the completion of 36 credit hours comprised of six required core courses, elective courses, plus a thesis or project. Faculty advisers assist students in selecting the thesis or project option and the corresponding plan of study is approved by the graduate program chair.

- Elective courses

All elective courses are approved by the student’s adviser and must meet degree requirements. In certain circumstances, with pre-approval by the graduate adviser and where individual need indicates appropriateness, a limited number of upper-level undergraduate courses may be used to fulfill elective credit. Students, with adviser permission, may include independent study as part of their elective credits. However, independent study may not be used toward the required packaging core course work. Courses selected for elective credit can be combined to create special areas of focus with program chair approval.

- Thesis/Project/Comprehensive Exam

The thesis option requires 6 credit hours and develops and tests a hypothesis by scientific method and is grounded in a theoretical framework. Individuals who can capture, interpret, and apply information by this method can add value to their roles as contributors in the workplace. The thesis option is for students seeking to pursue careers that offer a greater opportunity for further research or advanced study in the field of packaging science. It is meant to provide depth of study, emphasizing the research process. The thesis option is by invitation only.

The project option is 3 credit hours and has a practical, application-oriented grounding in literature. It is considered secondary research or the compilation of existing information presented in a new way. The project option is for students who desire advanced study in packaging science, but who do not intend to pursue a research career or further studies beyond the master’s level. Students choosing the project option are required to complete one additional elective course.

The comprehensive exam option is 0 credit hours and allows students to complete an exam in place of a thesis or project. Students who choose this option take two additional elective courses.

The student’s graduate committee makes the final decision regarding the proposal idea and whether it meets the program’s requirements as a graduate project or thesis; or if a student is best served by completing the comprehensive exam.

Admission requirements

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are not required. However, in cases where there may be some question of the capability of an applicant to complete the program, applicants may wish to submit scores to strengthen their application.

Students who do not have an equivalent bachelor’s degree in packaging science will be evaluated and the appropriate undergraduate bridge courses will be prescribed. These courses may not be used for credit toward the MS degree.

Applicants are required to have one semester of physics (mechanics focus), one semester of calculus, one year of chemistry (including organic chemistry), statistics, and basic computer literacy.

Students who do not have an equivalent bachelor’s degree in packaging science will be evaluated and the appropriate undergraduate bridge courses will be prescribed. These courses may not be used for credit toward the MS degree.

Additional information

- Advising

Students are appointed an academic adviser who works with the program coordinator to develop a program of study. Students follow an outlined curriculum to complete their degree requirements and, with adviser approval, choose packaging electives to enhance their career objectives. Students choose a faculty adviser with approval from their program coordinator for their thesis or project. The faculty adviser guides the student on topic choice and works with the program coordinator for approval and timely completion of the thesis or project.

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See the department website - http://www.rit.edu/kgcoe/program/manufacturing-leadership

The master of science degree in manufacturing leadership is designed for experienced professionals moving to mid- and senior-level positions in manufacturing and service organizations. The program integrates business and engineering courses, delivering them in an online format where students continue to work while taking classes. The program can also be taken on a full-time basis, with several courses available on-campus.

Manufacturing leadership is a highly focused program developed jointly by the Kate Gleason College of Engineering and Saunders College of Business. Particular emphasis is placed on supply chain management, global manufacturing and operations, lean thinking, leadership, and decision making. A capstone project, oriented to the solution of a manufacturing or service management problem or process improvement initiative, enables students to apply new skills and capabilities to the solution of a pressing real-world problem, with significant financial benefit to sponsors.

Additional information

- Prerequisite knowledge

Admitted students must possess knowledge and skills at the introductory course level in probability and statistics, engineering economy or basic accounting. Areas that need strengthening may be addressed by guided reading, independent study, or formal course work.

- Format

Students may start the program during any semester and complete the course work at their own pace. Classes are available online but several courses may be taken on-campus for local or full-time students.

Students may take up to three courses on a nonmatriculated basis. Credits earned while enrolled as a nonmatriculated student may be applied to the degree program following formal admission.

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