Microsystems Engineering Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree
In RIT's microsystems engineering Ph.D., you’ll conduct research in nano-engineering, design methods, and technologies for micro- and nano-scaled systems.
Overview for Microsystems Engineering Ph.D.
Why Pursue a Microsystems Engineering Ph.D. at RIT?
STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
Renowned Faculty: Learn from multidisciplinary faculty from Kate Gleason College of Engineering and College of Science who share resources and expertise over a wide variety of micro- and nano-scale technologies.
State-of-the-art Research Facilities: Labs such as the Semiconductor Nanofabrication Laboratory give students access to the most advanced micro- and nano-electronic processing capabilities.
RIT's microsystems engineering Ph.D. 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
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- exploration into new materials research including thin-film electronics, III-V materials, 2D materials, carbon nanotubes, and spintronics
- Scaled micro- and nano-electronics for integration into biomedical systems
- Photonics and Optoelectronics Research including:
- Photonic Integrated Circuits for computing, communications, and sensing.
- Light emitters (Lasers, LEDs/micro-LEDs)
- Research in biosensing, imaging and detection
- Quantum optics and photonics
- Photovoltaic research in compound semiconductors (III-V), and organic solar cells
- Neuromorphic devices and circuits for machine learning, and the use of artificial intelligence to design nanomaterials and microsystems
- Nanomaterials research including nanoparticles, nanowires, nanotubes, quantum dots, self-assembly materials, and their applications in electronics, optics, and materials science
- 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
- Microfluidics research on the behavior, control, and manipulation of fluids at the micro-scale
Mission of RIT's Microsystems Engineering Ph.D.
The nanotechnology Ph.D. 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 nanoengineering.
The microsystems engineering Ph.D. 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.
Microsystems Engineering Doctorate Plan of Study
A combination of graduate course work and research is required for completion of microsystems engineering Ph.D. The microsystems and nanoengineering course work requires a combination of foundation courses, major and minor technical area courses, and electives. The student must pass the qualifying exam, the candidacy exam, and the dissertation defense exam to complete the degree requirements.
Phase 1–Qualifying: The first phase prepares students with the foundation in science and engineering required for the microsystems engineering Ph.D. as well as to determine the student's ability to do independent research. This includes the foundation and specialization courses taken during the first year together with the successful completion of the qualifying exam. The qualifying exam tests the student’s ability to think and learn independently, to critically evaluate current research work in microsystems engineering, and to use good judgment and creativity to determine appropriate directions for future research work.
Phase 2–Candidacy: The second phase continues students' course work and preliminary dissertation research. Much of this course work supports the dissertation research to be conducted in the third phase. This phase is completed when the student has finished most of the formal course work as prescribed in the microsystems engineering program of study, has prepared the dissertation proposal, and has passed the candidacy examination.
Phase 3–Defense: The third phase includes the completion of the experimental and/or theoretical work needed to complete the student’s dissertation along with the required publication of results. The research review milestone is held as a meeting during this phase, as is the defense of the dissertation, which consists of a public oral presentation and examination.
The course work requirements are divided into four parts to ensure that students complete a well-rounded program of microsystems engineering study with the necessary concentration in their specialized field.
Foundation courses
Four foundation courses and the Microsystems Ph.D. Seminar (MCSE-795) are mandatory for all students. Foundation courses consist of Microelectronic Fabrication (MCEE-601), Introduction to Nanotechnology and Microsystems (MCSE-702), Material Science for Microsystems Engineering (MCSE-703), and Theoretical Methods in Materials Science and Engineering (MTSE-704).
Major technical interest area
Students complete a sequence of three courses in the major technical research area and a sequence of two courses in a support area.
Minor technical interest areas
Students complete a two-course sequence in a minor technical area which should be outside of the student's undergraduate degree major.
Elective courses
Students complete at least two elective courses, in addition to the foundation and technical interest courses.
General course requirements for microsystems engineering Ph.D.
The total number of credit hours required for the microsystems engineering doctorate depends upon the highest degree level completed by the student before entering the program. Students entering without prior graduate work must complete a minimum of 39 credit hours of course work as outlined above. A minimum of 18 research credits and a total of 66 total credits are required. Credits beyond the minimum of 39 course and 18 research requirements can be taken from either category to reach the 66 credit total.
Students entering the program with a master’s degree may be permitted up to 24 course credit hours toward those required for the degree, based on the approval of the program director.
All students are required to maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) to remain in good standing in the program.
Preparing a program of study for microsystems engineering Ph.D.
Students should prepare a program of study for the microsystems engineering Ph.D. after passing the qualifying exam and no later than the spring semester of the second year. The microsystems engineering program of study should be reviewed periodically by the student and the advisor, and modifications should be made as necessary. Leading up to or upon completion of the candidacy exam, the student’s advisor and the advisory committee may add additional course work requirements to ensure the student is sufficiently prepared to carry out and complete their dissertation research.
Qualifying examination
Every student must take the qualifying examination, which tests the student’s ability to think and learn independently, to critically evaluate current research work in the field of microsystems engineering, and to use good judgment and creativity to determine appropriate directions for future research work. The exam must be completed successfully before a student can submit a thesis proposal and attempt the candidacy examination.
Research proposal
A research topic is chosen by the student and their research advisor becomes the basis for the dissertation. The research proposal sets forth both the exact nature of the matter to be investigated and a detailed account of the methods to be employed. In addition, the proposal usually contains material supporting the importance of the topic selected and the appropriateness of the research methods to be employed.
Advising
Doctoral students’ work is overseen by an advisor, the advisory committee, and the program’s director.
Candidacy examination
The candidacy examination is an oral examination based on the dissertation research proposal and allows the advising committee to judge the student's ability to execute a research task and to communicate the results. The exam also serves to evaluate the proposed topic to ensure that if completed as posed it constitutes an original contribution to knowledge.
Research review milestone
The research review milestone is administered by the student's advisor and the advisory committee between the time the student passes the candidacy exam and registers for the dissertation defense. This normally occurs approximately six months prior to the Dissertation Defense.
Dissertation defense and examination
The culmination of a student’s work toward the microsystems engineering doctorate degree is the publication of their research. In addition to developing experimental and technical skills during the creation of research, a student needs to acquire the necessary literary skills to communicate results to others. The preparation of the proposal and the dissertation manuscripts will demonstrate these skills. It is also expected that these skills are developed through the publication of technical papers and communications. The dissertation defense and examination is scheduled after all course requirements for the microsystems engineering Ph.D. have been successfully completed.
Additional details regarding program requirements can be found in the Microsystems Engineering Ph.D. Graduate Student Manual.
Student Resources
The microsystems engineering Ph.D. offers a variety of resources for our students that range from academic support to handbooks and more. View our student resources for more information.
Research
Microsystems engineering builds on the fundamentals of traditional engineering and science to process, sense, and interface with the world at the micro- and nano-scales. Innovative research programs span across fields of biomedical, electronic, photonic, mechanical, materials, and computing engineering and sciences. Research opportunities span multiple areas of expertise, including:
- NanoBio Devices
- Biomedical Microsystems
- NanoPhotonics
- Thin-Film Electronics
- Photovoltaics and Optoelectronic Devices and the Nanopower Research Labs
- Nanopatterning, Nanolithography, and Materials
- Multi-Agent Bio Robotics
- Nanoelectronic Devices
- Semiconductor Photonics and Electronics
- Nano-optomechanics
- Microscale Bio Separations
- Carbon Nanotubes
- Coloids and Surface Science
- Thermal Analysis, Microfluidics, and Fuel Cells
- Fluorescent Spectroscopy
- Nano-Bio Interfaces
Research Assistantships
Research assistantships are available to doctoral students. Learn more about the college's research assistantship opportunities and how you can apply.
High-Tech Labs
Visit our NanoPower Research Laboratories and the Future Photon Initiative to view research initiatives and opportunities for advanced study.
Featured Work and Profiles
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Ph.D. Student's Quantum Breakthrough Published in Optica Quantum
RIT Ph.D. student Evan Manfreda-Schulz is the lead author of a paper on high-dimensional quantum entanglement, which was featured on the cover of Optica Quantum.
Read More about Ph.D. Student's Quantum Breakthrough Published in Optica Quantum -
RIT Research Minute: Photonic Microchips
Stefan Preble Professor Stefan Preble and his research team are developing the next generation of photonic chips to improve fields like quantum computing and health care.
Read More about RIT Research Minute: Photonic Microchips -
RIT Alumnus Drives Innovation with Breakthrough Micro-LED Display Startup
Matthew Hartensveld, RIT alumnus and co-founder of Innovation Semiconductor, is pushing the boundaries of display technology with his pioneering work on micro-LED platforms.
Read More about RIT Alumnus Drives Innovation with Breakthrough Micro-LED Display Startup
Related News
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May 9, 2025
Rochester Quantum Network enables quantum communications
Techstination interviews Stefan Preble, professor in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering, and microsystems engineering Ph.D. student Vijay Sundaram about the network.
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May 6, 2025
RIT and University of Rochester develop experimental quantum communications network
Researchers at RIT and University of Rochester recently connected their campuses with an experimental quantum communications network using two optical fibers. The Rochester Quantum Network (RoQNET) uses single photons to transmit information about 11 miles along fiber-optic lines at room temperature using optical wavelengths.
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May 1, 2025
RIT's microchips program flourishing amid high domestic demand for engineers
WHAM-TV speaks to Karl Hirschman, professor in the Department of Electrical and Microelectronic Engineering, and microsystems engineering Ph.D. student Sami Znati about the opportunities available in the semiconductor field.
Curriculum for 2025-2026 for Microsystems Engineering Ph.D.
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
Microsystems Engineering Ph.D.
The curriculum below outlines the typical course sequence(s) for this program
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| MCEE-601 | Microelectronic Fabrication 1 | 3 |
| MCSE-702 or ENGR-701 | Introduction to Nanotechnology and Microsystems or Interdisciplinary Research Methods | 3 |
| MCSE-795 | Microsystems Ph.D. Seminar | 1 |
| MTSE-704 | Theoretical Methods in Materials Science and Engineering 2 | 3 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| MCSE-703 | Material Science for Microsystems Engineering 3 | 3 |
| MCSE-795 | Microsystems Ph.D. Seminar | 1 |
| MCSE (or equivalent) Major Technical Area Elective | 3 | |
| MCSE (or equivalent) Major Technical Area Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Summer | ||
| MCSE-890 | MCSE-Dissertation | 1 |
| Hours | 1 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MCSE-795 | Microsystems Ph.D. Seminar | 1 |
| MCSE-892 | Graduate Research | 1 |
| MCSE (or equivalent) Major Technical Area Elective | 3 | |
| MCSE (or equivalent) Major Technical Area Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 8 | |
| Spring | ||
| MCSE-795 | Microsystems Ph.D. Seminar | 1 |
| MCSE-892 | Graduate Research | 1 |
| MCSE (or equivalent) Minor Technical Area Elective | 3 | |
| MCSE (or equivalent) Major Technical Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 8 | |
| Summer | ||
| MCSE-892 | Graduate Research | 2 |
| Hours | 2 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MCSE-795 | Microsystems Ph.D. Seminar | 1 |
| MCSE-892 | Graduate Research | 2 |
| MCSE (or equivalent) Technical Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| MCSE-795 | Microsystems Ph.D. Seminar | 1 |
| MCSE-892 | Graduate Research | 2 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Summer | ||
| MCSE-890 | MCSE-Dissertation | 6 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MCSE-890 | MCSE-Dissertation | 6 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| MCSE-890 | MCSE-Dissertation (or Approved Graduate Course) | 3 |
| MCSE-890 | MCSE-Dissertation | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 66 | |
Foundation Course Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics Foundation Courses | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Engineering Analysis | ||
| Advanced Engineering Mathematics | ||
| Engineering Analysis | ||
| Advanced Engineering Mathematics | ||
| Methods of Applied Mathematics | ||
| Numerical Methods for Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Partial Differential Equations I | ||
| Partial Differential Equations II | ||
| Engineering Analysis | ||
| Advanced Engineering Mathematics | ||
| Theoretical Methods in Materials Science and Engineering | ||
| Mathematical Methods for Physics | ||
| Microfabrication Foundation Courses | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Microelectronic Fabrication | ||
| Semiconductor Process Integration | ||
| Lithography Materials and Processes | ||
| Physical Modeling of Semiconductor Devices | ||
| Microelectronics Manufacturing | ||
| Microelectromechanical Systems | ||
| Photonic Integrated Circuits | ||
| Materials Science Foundation Courses | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Electron Microscopy | ||
| Thin Films | ||
| Material Science for Microsystems Engineering | ||
| Epitaxial Crystal Growth and Thin Film Science | ||
| Advanced Nanomaterials Characterization Methods | ||
| Materials Science | ||
| Material Degradation | ||
| Solid State Science | ||
| Polymer Science | ||
| Experimental Techniques | ||
| Theory of Microsensors and Actuators | ||
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Admissions and Financial Aid
This program is available on-campus only.
| Offered | Admit Term(s) | Application Deadline | STEM Designated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full‑time | Fall | December 15 priority deadline, rolling thereafter | Yes |
Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.
Application Details
To be considered for admission to the Microsystems Engineering Ph.D. program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Learn tips to apply for a doctoral program and then complete a graduate application.
- Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in the physical sciences or engineering. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
- Satisfy prerequisite requirements and/or complete foundation courses prior to starting program coursework.
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a statement of purpose for research which will allow the Admissions Committee to learn the most about you as a prospective researcher.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Entrance exam requirements: GRE optional but recommended. No minimum score requirement.
- Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, etc.), if required. Details are below.
English Language Test Scores
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.
Duolingo (DET): 135
IELTS: 7.0
PTE Academic: 66
TOEFL: 94
International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Deaf and hard-of-hearing test takers with significant hearing loss do not need to take the listening and speaking sections for the TOEFL and IELTS. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.
How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application
Cost and Financial Aid
An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Ph.D. students typically receive full tuition and an RIT Graduate Assistantship that will consist of a research assistantship (stipend) or a teaching assistantship (salary).
Additional Information
Foundation Courses
Taken in your first year of study, four foundation courses and the Microsystems Ph.D. Seminar (MCSE-795) are mandatory for all students. Foundation courses consist of Microelectronic Fabrication (MCEE-601), Introduction to Nanotechnology and Microsystems (MCSE-702), Material Science for Microsystems Engineering (MCSE-703), and Theoretical Methods in Materials Science and Engineering (MTSE-704).
Resources
Access resources for students including student manual and research resources.
- MCSE-PHD Student Manual
- MCSE-PHD Request for Qualifying Exam
- MCSE-PHD Advisory Committee Request Form
- MCSE-PHD Request for Candidacy Exam
- MCSE-PHD Request for Research Review Meeting Form
- MCSE-PHD Independent Study Proposal
Research Resources
- RIT Libraries
- RIT Libraries InfoGuides
- Our librarian
- Remote access to publications with RIT Account
