Ph.D. in Microsystems Engineering

Explore the future of nanotechnology as you work to address the technical challenges of micro-and nano-systems through analysis, research, and integration.

The multidisciplinary doctorate degree in microsystems engineering builds on the fundamentals of traditional engineering and science combined with curriculum and research activities addressing the numerous technical challenges of micro-and nano-systems. These include the manipulation of electrical, photonic, optical, mechanical, chemical, and biological functionality to process, sense, and interface with the world at a nanometer scale. This nanotechnology Ph.D. program provides a foundation to explore future technology through research in nano-engineering, design methods, and technologies and their integration into micro-and nano-scaled systems.

The microsystems engineering doctorate includes the following areas of exploration:

• Next-generation nanoelectronics include:
  • development of new techniques, processes, and architectures for nanoelectronic and nano-optoelectronic devices
  • exploration into new materials research including germanium, III-V materials, carbon nanotubes, and spintronics
• Photovoltaic research in silicon, compound semiconductor, and organic solar cells
• Photonics and nanophotonics imaging, communications, and sensing research including couplers, micro-lasers, micro-detectors, integrated silicon waveguides, silicon spectrometers, and biosensors
• MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems), MEOMS (micro-electro-optical-mechanical systems), and NEMS (nano-electro-mechanical systems) device, processing, and materials research for smart sensors, actuators, biochips, and micro-implantable appliances
• Scaled micro-and nanoelectronics for integration into biomedical systems
• New and improved technologies in organic electronic components and devices
• Nanomaterials research including carbon nanotubes, nanoparticles, quantum dots, self-assembly materials, and their applications in electronics, optics, and materials science
• Microfluidics research on the behavior, control, and manipulation of fluids at the micro-scale

Mission

The program fulfills a critical need for an expanded knowledge base and expertise in the innovation, design, fabrication, and application of micro-and nano-scale materials, processes, devices, components, and systems. RIT is an internationally recognized leader in education and research in the fields of microsystems and nanoscale engineering.

The curriculum is structured to provide a sound background and a thorough foundation in engineering and science through world-class education in the innovative application of educational technologies and research experiences.

Program highlights

The program is designed for students with a strong background in engineering and the physical sciences, and with an interest in a hands-on exploration into new fields of micro-and nano-systems.

• The program has a renowned, multidisciplinary faculty that shares resources and expertise over a wide variety of micro-and nano-scale technologies. The program is administered by core faculty from RIT’s colleges of engineering and science.
• Unique state-of-the-art research laboratories have been developed to provide a focus for microsystems and nanoscale engineering research across traditional disciplinary boundaries. A semiconductor and microsystems fabrication clean-room constitute part of the research facilities, providing students access to the most advanced micro-and nano-electronic processing capabilities.
• Students explore applications of microsystems and nanotechnology through close collaboration with industry and government laboratories.
• Graduates have discovered exciting opportunities in new technology frontiers.

Highly ranked by most ranking organizations and with more than 80 graduate programs in high-paying, in-demand fields and scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships available, we invite you to take a closer look at RIT .

Don't be fooled by the word "technology" in our name. At RIT, you will discover a university of artists and designers on the one hand and scientists, engineers, and business leaders on the other – a collision of the right brain and the left brain.

RIT focuses on applied learning - a "hands-on" approach involving the direct application of skills, theories, and models.

We offer a high Return on Investment (ROI) in terms of starting salaries and lifetime earnings as well as job satisfaction and personal growth.

Flexible study options include online programs and the ability to work and study. Many of our graduate programs are collaborative and interdisciplinary, allowing you to benefit from and take advantage of the strengths of several of our colleges. Co-op (cooperative education) is a hallmark of RIT, and graduate students have the optional opportunity to spend one or more semesters employed in a full-time, paid position related to their academic program. Tuition is not charged while on co-op, and many students use co-op earnings to help finance their education.

International Students: With one of the largest lists of OPT-certified graduate programs of any US university, coupled with our strong reputation among US employers, RIT is one of the most successful in placing students into OPT.

We offer graduate programs in the following areas:

• Art, Design, and Architecture
• Business and Management
• Communications and Digital Media
• Computing and Information Sciences
• Engineering and Engineering Technology
• Environmental Studies and Sustainability
• Game Design and Development
• Health Professions and Medical Sciences
• Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education
• Photography, Film, and Animation
• Science and Math
• Undeclared and Individualized Study

More advantages of RIT include:

• Unmatched career preparation and work opportunities including a world-renowned cooperative education program that lets you gain valuable experience from and exposure to potential employers and earn money while not paying tuition. International students - RIT offers 50+ STEM-designated graduate programs to choose from, all of which are eligible for OPT extension.
• Excellent Return on Investment
  • 94.3% of our most recent graduate class are employed and the average starting salary for that class was $93,800.
• Strong reputation and rankings
  • ranked 105th among "National" US universities, 11th among top schools' co-op or internship programs and 48th among "best-value" schools in the latest US News rankings; a Money Magazine top-50 for adding value; Morning Consult places RIT in the top third of most trusted US universities.
• Equal opportunity for generous financial aid
  • last year we awarded $40 million in aid to 2,800 US and International graduate students
• Career-enhancing research opportunities with abundant funding and resources.
• Safe campus in an Ideal location just outside a thriving, accessible but not-too-big city - a community where racial and thought diversity is appreciated and celebrated.
• Flexibility to work and study and 8,000 on-campus student jobs available each year.
• Faculty who love to teach and mentor you and small class sizes that facilitate personalized education.
• State-of-the-art facilities on a campus recognized for innovation and sustainability.
• Diverse student population
  • 2,600 International students from 100 countries with resources and support to match.
• 140,000 well-connected alumni to help you network.

International Students : With one of the largest lists of OPT-certified graduate programs of any US university, coupled with our strong reputation among US employers, RIT is one of the most successful in placing students into OPT.

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