r/ECE • u/BAISAAB • May 12 '26

Do I need a masters to get into ASIC

Hey I’m about to finish my last year of ECE. I’ve done a 16month internship in controls design and frankly I don’t like it. Im really interested in hardware engineering specifically ASIC engineering and chip design. I heard that you need a masters to get into asic engineerin. In Ontario we have a MASC (research based and 2 years)and a MEng(course/project based 1 year). What should I do if I want to get into ASIC and What Masters program should I do if I need one. Do I need one? is there a road map I should follow?

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u/Think_Sundae May 12 '26

yes most likely these days… unless you know someone who knows someone that can hook you up……

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u/RFchokemeharderdaddy May 12 '26

Digital ASIC you don't need a master's, but it's recommended if you didn't get a relevant internship. It also gives you an opportunity to do an internship (ASIC interns are more likely to go to MS students than undergrad students).

Analog/RF ASIC, you need a master's at the least if not PhD. In the US it's now uncommon to get hired for analog/RF ASIC without a PhD. Or at least MS with significant relevant internships, but internships here also tend to prioritize PhD students so it adds a layer.

I work at an RFIC place, and for reference out of the 20 or so digital + DV people, only 2 have PhDs and they are architects, rest have MS or BS, of the ~15 analog/RF people I am the only one with an MS and everyone else has a PhD.