Chip Fabrication and Nano Characterization Certificate Program
The VAST Semiconductor Chip Fabrication and Nano Characterization Certificate Program prepares students for semiconductor, nanotechnology, and microelectronics industry careers.
This happens through extensive hands-on training on state-of-the-art techniques used to develop today’s most advanced semiconductor chips. Students will learn how to design, fabricate, and test advanced semiconductor chips through extensive hands-on training. Students will learn about the principles and processes used by large semiconductor manufacturers as well as semiconductor startups.
Registration is now open for the Summer 2025 Session:
MAY 26 - AUGUST 8, 2025.
NEW! We are proud to announce our first ever online only version of the FTSC Program (Lectures Only). With this program, students who are not available to take in-person classes during the Summer can take the first half of the certificate program remotely. A full certification will require in-person, hands-on lab only portion, which will be available in the Spring of 2026. See below tab for more details.
REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 19TH
Full certification requires participants to successfully complete both online lectures and in-person labs. The program is 10 weeks long and consists of 40 hours of lectures and up to 60 hours of engaging, in person lab training. When completed participants are expected to have acquired the skills for entry-level engineering and technician positions in the semiconductor industry. Participants will recieve a VAST Lectures microcredential, a VAST Labs microcredential, and full VAST Chip Fabrication certification.
SUMMER 2025 SESSION: MAY 26 - AUGUST 8, 2025
Lectures are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00 pm, with both synchronous and asynchronous options available. Labs are held at numerous locations around Virginia and with multiple times options. When registering, choose your location and lab time.
Old Dominion University, Norfolk
- Lab Option 1: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-12 pm
- Lab Option 2: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1pm-4pm
University of Virginia, Charlottesville
- Lab Option 1: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am-11 pm
- Lab Option 2: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1pm-4pm
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
- Lab Option 1: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am-11 am
- Lab Option 2: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1pm-4pm
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
- Lab Option 1: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-12 pm
- Lab Option 2: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1pm-4pm
Registration closes May 19th. REGISTER
If you find these lab hours conflicting with your schedules, please contact us at info@vast-alliance.org, suggesting a schedule that may work better for you.
Although we recommend taking lectures and labs simultaneously, participants also have the option to attend lectures only. When the program is completed you will receive a VAST Lectures microcredential and be eligible to take engaging lab training in a future cohort. Students will need to complete the lectures and lab portions to be fully certified.
SUMMER 2025 SESSION: MAY 26 - AUGUST 8, 2025
Lectures will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00 pm, with both synchronous and asynchronous options available
Registration closes May 19th. REGISTER
Registration is now open for the Summer 2025 Session:
MAY 26 - AUGUST 8, 2025.
Lab training for this cohort will be available at:
Virginia Commonwealth University,
Richmond
Old Domion University,
Norfolk
University of Virginia,
Charlottesville
Virginia Tech,
Blacksburg
Discounts Offered
We are proud to serve our Virginia community and are extending a few discount options for the following:
**NOTE: Codes are Case Sensitive
Lectures & Labs (Full Certification):
Discount code: VSC25K16Pa
This 75% discount code is for: Highschool graduates, Community college students, Bachelors level students, Masters level students, PhD students, and Teachers. Limited to Virginia Residents.
Discount code: VST255CCmilPa
This 97% discount code is for: Active duty military, Veterans, Military Reserve, Military spouse and immediate family. Limited to Virginia Residents.
Lectures Only:
Discount code: VSC25K14Lec
This 67% discount code is for: Highschool graduates, Community college students, Bachelors level students, Masters level students, PhD students, and Teachers. Limited to Virginia Residents.
Discount code: VST25amil
This 93% discount code is for: Active duty military, Veterans, Military Reserve, Military spouse and immediate family. Limited to Virginia Residents.
Agenda
The chip fabrication and nano-characterization certificate program will be 10 weeks and will include 40 hours of asynchronous online lectures and up to 60 hours of hands-on, in-person lab training.
The course consists of the following modules:
- Semiconductor fabrication cleanroom orientation and safety
- Vacuum technology
- Mask design
- Lithography
- Thin film deposition
- Etching techniques
- Thin film metrology
- Electron microscopy
Outcomes
Students will learn how to design, fabricate, and test advanced semiconductor chips through extensive hands-on training. Students will learn the principles and processes used by large semiconductor manufacturers and startups.
Having completed this program, students will be able to:
- Safely work in semiconductor fabrication cleanrooms.
- Understand and operate vacuum systems.
- Design masks and transfer patterns using advanced lithography techniques.
- Deposit thin films using physical and chemical vapor deposition processes.
- Analyze the semiconductor product through advanced characterization tools.
Roles You’ll Be Ready For
Participants will be ready for entry-level engineering and technician positions in the semiconductor, nanotechnology and microelectronics industry after the program is completed.