A specialized graduate program in VLSI design tools and technology

This paper describes the features of an interdisciplinary industry-sponsored graduate program in VLSI design tools and technology. An active participation of industry in finalizing the course curriculum by interacting with academia on a graduate project with predefined goals and objectives has popularized this program with the students and sponsoring agencies. The customized course curriculum, with the option of selecting specialized courses on VLSI design and technology, provides uniqueness to the program. This paper describes the interaction and participation methodology of an academic institution in bridging the gap with industry.