By equipping students with advanced skills in space systems and semiconductor technologies, we are addressing urgent workforce needs and empowering the next generation of engineers to drive innovation, strengthen national security and shape the future of exploration and technology.
Texas A&M University is taking a bold step to meet the growing demand for highly skilled professionals in two of the nation's most critical and fast-evolving industries: space exploration and semiconductor technology.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has approved two new graduate degree programs, slated to launch in Fall 2025. The degrees were approved by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents earlier this summer.
The Master of Engineering in space engineering will equip students to tackle the challenges of space exploration, habitation and sustainability on other celestial bodies while also supporting national defense through advanced space technologies. The Master of Science in microelectronics and semiconductors is designed to meet the growing demand for professionals with advanced expertise in microelectronics design and semiconductor manufacturing.
"These new graduate programs reflect our commitment to leading in areas that are critical to our nation's future," said Dr. Robert H. Bishop, vice chancellor and dean of Texas A&M Engineering. "By equipping students with advanced skills in space systems and semiconductor technologies, we are addressing urgent workforce needs and empowering the next generation of engineers to drive innovation, strengthen national security and shape the future of exploration and technology."
Advancing Space Innovation
Offered through the Department of Aerospace Engineering, the space engineering graduate degree will equip students with advanced skills in human and robotic space systems, space habitation, manufacturing and security. The 30-credit-hour program includes specialized tracks in bioastronautics, space robotics and space communications. Graduates will be prepared to support commercial, government and academic initiatives that focus on enabling humans to reside and thrive in space environments and use robotic systems to enhance human presence in space.
Texas has one of the largest workforces in the aerospace, aviation and civil defense sectors, with more than 154,000 workers and 2,000 establishments in the state, according to the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office.
With the state's recent launch of the Texas Space Commission, investment in the Texas A&M Space Institute and the rapid expansion of the commercial space industry in Texas, the new degree in space engineering positions Texas A&M to train a highly skilled workforce equipped to meet the growing demands of the space sector.
Powering the Semiconductor Workforce
The Master of Science in microelectronics and semiconductors, offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, will address the increasing need for professionals in chip design and semiconductor manufacturing. Students in the 30-credit-hour program will gain expertise in analog and digital circuit design, semiconductor fabrication and device testing.
Semiconductor chip products are prevalent in almost every part of people’s lives and society, from smartphones, telecommunication, defense technology, biomedical electronics, precision agriculture and smart manufacturing.
Texas is a national leader in semiconductor design and manufacturing, with several multi-billion-dollar fabrication plants currently under construction, driving up demand for skilled workers. In 2022, the state led the U.S. in semiconductor exports, totaling over $21 billion. Texas accounts for 17.5% of all semiconductor employment nationwide, with approximately 43,800 workers — over a quarter of whom hold graduate degrees.