Semiconductor Fabrication & Cleanroom Fundamentals

INDUSTRY CREDENTIAL – Earn an industry-aligned micro-credential and digital badge that signals foundational semiconductor knowledge and cleanroom exposure. Adding this credential to your resume or LinkedIn profile demonstrates relevant technical experience whether you are exploring STEM pathways, building specialized skills, or upskilling in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing technologies.

CLEANROOM EXPERIENCE – Participate in guided cleanroom activities in state-of-the-art semiconductor fabrication facilities, applying techniques such as wafer preparation, photolithography, etching, and wafer inspection used in modern chip manufacturing.

FLEXIBLE FORMAT – Attend live virtual lectures or access recorded sessions if you miss one, allowing you to stay engaged even with a busy schedule.

MANAGEABLE COMMITMENT – Complete the program in approximately 10–15 total hours over 7 weeks, making it easy to fit alongside school, work, or other commitments.

INDUSTRY INSIGHT – Understand how semiconductor manufacturing supports modern technologies while gaining insight into Ohio’s rapidly expanding semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem and career opportunities.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY – Students pursuing related coursework or degree programs may be eligible for scholarships of up to $2,000 for summer or fall terms.

The Semiconductor Fabrication & Cleanroom Fundamentals micro-credential introduces the core processes used in semiconductor manufacturing. Participants explore how silicon wafers are transformed into semiconductor devices through fabrication techniques such as photolithography, etching, and wafer characterization.

This micro-credential integrates foundational concepts from Sand to Silicon, Introduction to Semiconductor Devices, and Semiconductor Fabrication Processes into one accessible learning experience.

Through guided instruction and cleanroom exposure, learners gain insight into the technologies that power modern electronics—from smartphones and computers to advanced manufacturing systems and emerging semiconductor applications.

The Semiconductor Fabrication & Cleanroom Fundamentals micro-credential is offered at no cost to participants, providing an accessible opportunity to explore semiconductor manufacturing and gain exposure to the processes used to produce modern microchips.

This opportunity allows participants to build foundational knowledge of semiconductor fabrication while earning an industry-aligned micro-credential and digital badge, participating in guided cleanroom experiences, and exploring career opportunities within Ohio’s growing semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

Semiconductor technology underpins modern computing, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies.

This micro-credential connects foundational semiconductor concepts to real fabrication processes used in semiconductor manufacturing environments and the broader semiconductor ecosystem.

Participants gain exposure to the technologies and cleanroom practices used in modern semiconductor production and explore how semiconductor innovation supports a rapidly growing global 

This program is designed for all learners interested in exploring semiconductor manufacturing and cleanroom technologies, including, but not limited to:

• High-school students in engineering, manufacturing, or microelectronics pathways
• Undergraduate or graduate students exploring semiconductor-related fields
• Educators interested in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing topics
• Professionals interested in upskilling or reskilling in semiconductor technologies
  
  No prior semiconductor experience is required.

Participants will explore the processes and technologies that enable modern semiconductor devices.

Key topics include:

• the evolution of the semiconductor industry
• how sand is transformed into silicon wafers
• semiconductor materials and basic device concepts
• CMOS fabrication process flow
• photolithography and pattern transfer
• etching processes used in chip fabrication
• cleanroom environments and contamination control
• wafer inspection and characterization

Participants gain exposure to foundational semiconductor manufacturing skills, including:

• semiconductor process fundamentals
• cleanroom safety and contamination control
• wafer handling and preparation
• photolithography concepts
• pattern transfer and etching techniques
• inspection and characterization of patterned wafers

This micro-credential includes guided cleanroom learning experiences designed to connect course concepts to semiconductor fabrication environments.

Cleanroom Orientation
Participants are introduced to cleanroom protocols and wafer preparation practices, including:

• gowning procedures
• contamination control practices
• wafer handling techniques
• wafer cleaving
• wafer cleaning

Semiconductor Fabrication Experience

Participants are guided through the fabrication processes such as:

• photolithography demonstrations
• inspection of patterned wafers
• etching demonstrations
• characterization of fabricated structures

These activities provide insight into the precision environments used in semiconductor manufacturing.

The micro-credential is delivered over 7 weeks and combines virtual instruction with hands-on cleanroom experiences.

Week 1 — Semiconductor Industry & Sand to Silicon

Explore how semiconductor materials are produced and how chips power modern technology.

Week 2 — Semiconductor Fundamentals

Learn key concepts including semiconductor materials, doping, and basic device structures.

Week 3 — Wafer Processing & Cleanroom Orientation

Understand wafer preparation and participate in a cleanroom orientation session.

Week 4 — Photolithography & Pattern Transfer

Explore how circuit patterns are transferred onto silicon wafers.

Week 5 — Cleanroom Fabrication Session

Observe fabrication processes including lithography, etching, and wafer inspection.

Week 6 — Characterization & Device Structures

Connect fabrication patterns to semiconductor device structures.

Week 7 — Wrap-Up 

Review, questions, discussion! 

Semiconductor technology powers the devices and systems that shape modern life. From artificial intelligence and computing to advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies, semiconductor innovation continues to drive technological progress.

This micro-credential provides an accessible entry point into semiconductor manufacturing while introducing learners to the processes and environments used to build modern microchips.