Kettering University in Flint is launching an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Semiconductor Materials and Devices degree that is designed to provide students with an efficient, immersive path to industry leadership.

Every modern technology — from smartphones to medical devices, electric vehicles to national defense systems — relies on semiconductors. Yet, the U.S. faces a critical shortage of engineers and scientists with the expertise to power the industry’s next chapter.

With global semiconductor supply chains under strain and the CHIPS and Science Act injecting billions into reshoring semiconductor manufacturing, the demand for highly skilled semiconductor professionals is skyrocketing.

Industry leaders predict tens of thousands of new, high-paying jobs will emerge in the coming years.

“Kettering University’s educational model was built for industry, and the design of our new bachelor’s degree in semiconductors is a natural extension of that legacy,” says Robert K. McMahan, president of Kettering.

“This is the first accelerated STEM degree of its kind and a high-intensity path designed to prepare students to lead in the semiconductor revolution. It provides students an opportunity to master the science and engineering of semiconductors faster while also preserving the deep industry engagement that defines a Kettering education.”

Semiconductors are often called the “brains” of modern technology. They are at the heart of advancements in AI, automotive automation, telecommunications, aerospace, and renewable energy. Without a robust semiconductor workforce, innovation stalls.

Kettering’s new program prepares students for:

Microelectronics: Mastering materials synthesis, quantum physics, photonics, and semiconductor fabrication.

U.S. semiconductor manufacturing: Learning from industry-aligned faculty with expertise in materials science, optoelectronics, and solid-state physics.

Workforce: Completing an intensive 115-credit curriculum in less than four years with built-in Co-op industry experience at leading semiconductor and advanced manufacturing companies.

Technology: Students will gain hands-on experience with environmental scanning electron microscopes (ESEM), X-ray diffractometers (XRD), photonics labs, Synopsys semiconductor software, and electronic design automation (EDA) tools—the same technologies driving innovation worldwide.

Interdisciplinary foundation: A rigorous blend of physics, chemistry, and engineering prepares students for leadership in one of the world’s most critical industries.

Accreditation-driven design: The program is structured to meet ABET accreditation standards and align with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

“This program is a direct response to national and industry needs,” says James Zhang, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at Kettering University.

“Kettering has a long history of adapting education to align with industry demands, and this degree exemplifies that commitment. By combining an accelerated curriculum with deep Co-op engagement, we are preparing students for high-impact careers in a field that is critical to national security and technological innovation.”

Applications are now open for October 2025. More information is available at kettering.edu.

*An application for the new program has been submitted to the accreditor and is pending HLC approval.