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Online and Distance Education

Wide Bandgap Semiconductors

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Program Contacts

Dr. Ginger YuInterim Associate Department Head for Graduate Affairs
Interim Director of Graduate Programsms-wbgs-info@ncsu.edu
Dr. Veena MisraCo-Director
Department Head and M.C. Dean Distinguished University Professor,
Electrical and Computing Engineering, ECEvmisra@ncsu.edu
Dr. Donald BrennerCo-Director
Department Head and Kobe Steel Distinguished Professor
Materials Science and Engineering, MSEbrenner@ncsu.edu
Master's Degrees | Wide Bandgap Semiconductors

Wide Bandgap Semiconductors

Entrance Exam: Not Required
College of Engineering

Wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors are at the center of advancing clean energy, transportation, and high-performance systems. The Master of Science in Wide Bandgap Semiconductors (MS-WBGS) helps motivated students enter these fast-growing sectors by providing focused training within one of the nation’s leading ecosystems for wide bandgap semiconductors.

This program is ideal for students with a background in engineering or physical sciences and an interest in clean energy, transportation, or semiconductor applications. Students will advance their knowledge of Bandgap Semiconductor processes, materials, and devices through a rigorous curriculum. Students will then apply their theoretical learning to real-world situations through internships and intensive practicums. The MS-WBGS can provide both new and mid-career engineers with advanced technical preparation for positions in various industries, from electric vehicles to aerospace and defense.

For more information, prospective students may fill out our program interest form and/or contact Dr. Ginger Yu, Director of Graduate Programs, at ms-wbgs-info@ncsu.edu.

Eligibility

Minimum requirements for admissions include:

  • NC State Graduate School application
  • Transcripts showing an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better
  • A B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or similar.
  • Statement of purpose
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Completion of an equivalent of the following courses: ECE 404, Introduction to Solid State Devices or MSE 355, Electrical, Magnetic and Optical Properties of Materials.
  • International students must provide English proficiency documentation in one of the following forms: a score of at least 18 on each section of the TOEFL test, a score of at least 6.5 on each section of the IELTS test, or a cumulative score of 110 on the Duolingo exam.

Plan of Study

The Master of Science in Wide Bandgap Semiconductors (MS-WBGS) consists of 31 credit hours from a combination of core, elective, and practicum courses. The MS-WBGS is a hybrid program that includes online coursework plus two-week practicums in manufacturing and applications engineering. Full-time students can expect to complete the program in 1-2 years.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Master of Science in Wide Bandgap Semiconductors are prepared to advance into high-impact technical and leadership roles within the global semiconductor ecosystem. The program’s interdisciplinary focus on materials, devices, fabrication, and applications equips students with the expertise required for careers in semiconductor manufacturing, power electronics, advanced materials, and energy systems. Through a rigorous curriculum and applied practicum experience, students develop the technical depth and professional readiness needed to contribute immediately in research, development, manufacturing, and applications engineering environments.

This degree is purpose-built to support workforce needs across industries driving clean energy, transportation electrification, aerospace and defense, and advanced manufacturing. Graduates are well positioned for roles such as semiconductor device engineer, process or manufacturing engineer, applications engineer, power electronics engineer, and research and development engineer.

As the semiconductor industry continues to expand through national initiatives and private investment, the MS in Wide Bandgap Semiconductors provides a strong foundation for long-term career growth, technical leadership, and innovation in a rapidly evolving field. Engineers interested in scientific work in sustainable clean energy will find this degree to be especially rewarding.