Certificate program in IC design or Master's in IC design?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision between pursuing a certificate program in IC design and a Master's in Advanced Study in IC design, specifically at UC Berkeley. Participants explore the implications of each educational path, considering factors such as cost, prestige, rigor, and access to industry-relevant software.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, with a background in electrical engineering and physics, is weighing the benefits of a certificate program versus a master's degree in IC design, noting the significant cost difference and potential differences in educational rigor.
  • The certificate program is perceived as cheaper and faster to complete, but possibly less prestigious and rigorous, with uncertainty about the software used in the program.
  • The master's program is viewed as more prestigious and likely to provide a more thorough education, with better access to industry-standard software, but at a much higher cost and longer duration.
  • The participant questions whether the certificate would be sufficient to enter the field of IC design given their existing qualifications in semiconductor device physics.
  • Another participant expresses frustration over the lack of responses, suggesting that the initial inquiry may have come off as demanding, which could affect engagement.
  • The original poster clarifies their intent, indicating that they were not trying to be demanding but were simply curious about the lack of responses regarding the programs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus among participants regarding the adequacy of the certificate program for entering the IC design field or whether the master's program justifies its higher cost. The discussion reflects differing perspectives on the value of each educational option.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specific software access provided by the programs and the overall reputation of the certificate program in the industry.

physicist1985
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Hello everyone,

I have a BS in EE and a BS in physics and I am wrapping up my MSE in electrical engineering from a large university in the southwest. My MSE concentration is semiconductor devices. I don't know anything about IC design really, but I would like to somehow break into the field. I figure the best way would be to get some education in the area. I am considering either the certificate program in IC design from UC Berkeley Extension or the Master of Advanced Study in IC at Berkeley Online. The pros and cons I can see are below.

Certificate-

Pros: Much cheaper (~3700 dollars), faster completion time, (~1.5-2 years or 150 hours of instruction time plus assignments and some proctored exams)
Cons: Less prestigious and probably less rigorous. I am guessing it will use a watered down layout package but I don't know for sure.

Masters-

Pros: Much more prestigious and I will probably get a much more thorough education, probably access to better software (Cadence)
Cons: It is almost exactly 15 times the cost (55,000 dollars), will take longer most likely.

It is clear to me which one is "better" but will the certificate be adequate to break into the field or do I really need the MASIC? Is the MASIC worth 15 times the cost? Keep in mind I nearly already have a masters in a related area (semiconductors device physics) and will finish that in a couple semesters.

Also, those that might have second hand or first hand knowledge or the certificate program (and the masters), do they give access to software packages that are relevant to industry, such as cadence?

Thanks everyone in advance for your insight.

Regards,

Physicist1985
 
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64 views and no replies? I guess nobody has any experience with these programs?
 
My servants! Attend me!

You are asking people for a favor. You don't have a right to demand an answer, much less demand it in less than 24 hours. You might want to think about adopting a tone more in line with asking a favor.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
My servants! Attend me!

You are asking people for a favor. You don't have a right to demand an answer, much less demand it in less than 24 hours. You might want to think about adopting a tone more in line with asking a favor.

Vanadium,

I apologize if I came across as demanding. It was not my intent to demand anything. I am just curious that nobody here has heard of or has any experience with these programs, hence the comment "I guess nobody has any experience with these programs"...maybe they are not as sought after as I suspected.

That's the problem with forums. You can't really extract information about a person's "tone". I typed that in the friendliest tone possible.
 

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