Microelectronics Technology
Rock Creek Bldg., 7, Rm. 202 | Department Chair: Dorina Cornea | 503-614-7626 | microelec@pcc.edu
The "Silicon Forest" for the Trees
New Solarworld Internship Program
The Microelectronics Technology program is in the process of developing a new internship program with SolarWorld, very similar to the “Academics & Industry” program with Intel. SolarWorld AG, a Germany based company, is establishing an integrated solar silicon wafer and solar cell production in Hillsboro, Oregon. Their production will reach a capacity of 500 MW by the year 2009. This will establish SolarWorld USA as the largest solar factory on the American continent.
As a forest relies on a vast ecosystem, the technology industry relies on superior Integrated Circuits (ICs) to support all the electronic devices we use every day. The dramatic growth of Oregon’s “silicon forest” brings with it a need for qualified technicians. Microelectronics technicians in the semiconductor industry are a vital part of this market growth. PCC’s Microelectronics Technology program allows you to enter the world of microelectronics, providing you the opportunity to learn the entire process of IC fabrication, metrology, testing and quality control.
Approximately 85 percent of graduates from PCC’s Microelectronic Technology program are hired by the semiconductor industry immediately before or after graduation. Many semiconductor laboratories and clean rooms (in the Portland area) rely on the skills we deliver to our graduates, which include mathematics, physics, chemistry and electronics. As a technician, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a clean room or lab for some of the most reputable semiconductor manufacturers in the U.S.
Degrees and Certificates
In this program you can earn the following:
- Associate of Applied Science Degree
in Microelectronics
- Microelectronics Technology Employment Skills Training Certificate
- New Associate
of Applied Science Degree in Solar Voltaic Technology (95 credits) pending
state approval
- New Certificate of Completion in Solar Voltaic Technology (13 credits) pending state approval
See the catalog for information regarding program requirements.
The Microelectronics Technology degree is versatile in that you have options after graduation. It is advisable to meet with an instructor or academic advisor so that you can design your program to enter into the workforce or transfer to the electronics engineering technology or manufacturing engineering technology Bachelor program at Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT).
Small World After All
PCC’s Microelectronics Technology program has earned a reputation for excellence. In contrast to similar programs, our program is more thorough and intensive, and it enjoys a strong partnership with local semiconductor manufacturers. You can equip yourself for success by acquiring skills that are in high demand while benefiting from these strong industry partnerships.
Why does local semiconductor giant Intel want to hire IC technicians from PCC’s Microelectronics Technology program? Because our Microelectronics Technology program is among the most rigorous in Oregon. Intel provides hundreds of thousands of dollars to PCC’s program and offers technical support in the form of donated equipment every year. In addition, Intel visits PCC’s Rock Creek Campus almost every spring to hire around 20 Microelectronics Technology students as interns while they attend classes. If accepted to the Academics and Industry Program as interns with Intel Corporation, Intel provides them with part-time jobs, pay for their work, and pay for books and tuition. See Scholarship Opportunities for more information on the Intel program and the National Science Foundation scholarship.
What's Next?
- Apply for admission to PCC.
- Apply for admission to the Microelectronics Technology department.
- Take the college placement test. See the catalog for required scores.
- Meet with an academic advisor.
Qualified applicants are accepted in the order in which they complete the application process. Full-time day students must begin the program fall term. Part-time students may begin any term.