Nearly all modern devices run on semiconductor chips — the tiny engines that keep information flowing, classrooms connected and digital communications powered. Without them, life as we know it would grind to a halt.
Arizona is rising as a national semiconductor manufacturing hub, with numerous major players like TSMC, Amkor Technology and Applied Materials strengthening its presence. Arizona State University is rising to meet the workforce development challenge by building strong talent pipelines through university programs and innovative training.
The ASU Universal Learner Courses program, or ULC, plays an important role in early student engagement. ULCs are college-level courses designed by ASU faculty that high school students can take with no prior experience required. Students begin with an initial $25 investment, with the option to pay $400 upon completion for transferable college credit. This gives learners an early, low-risk way to explore their passions.
Opportunities in computer-aided design and manufacturing
Featured classes like RAS 210 Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM), also known simply as RAS 210, cover the foundations of computer-aided design, or CAD, and computer-aided manufacturing, or CAM.
The virtual course teaches design and problem-solving while connecting students with knowledgeable faculty and the Southwest Advanced Prototyping Hub innovation ecosystem.
“The goal of this course is to teach students how products progress from an initial idea to a complete digital model and, ultimately, to a manufactured part,” says Farhad Ameri, an associate professor of manufacturing engineering in the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at ASU.
He is also an instructor for RAS 210.
“Students will be equipped with the technical competencies to generate parametric 3D models, define assemblies with joints and motion and produce manufacturable drawings with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing,” he says.
Students are introduced to design tools widely used in technical fields, like Autodesk Fusion. They learn to create 3D models, assemble parts and prepare drawings that communicate measurements and design details. These activities help learners understand how digital design supports work in engineering and manufacturing.
The course also walks students through the steps of transitioning a design from a computer environment to a manufactured part. Students generate simple toolpaths; study the structure of G-code, the set of instructions that tell a machine how to move; and use simulation tools to see how a machine might follow their instructions. These lessons build a foundation in the basic workflow behind computer numerical control, or CNC, for machining and other fabrication processes.
“The knowledge and skills learned in this course are foundational to how nearly every product is designed and built in today’s world,” says Binil Starly, director of the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks and a Fulton Schools professor of manufacturing engineering. “Offering students early access to these digitally enabled skills demystifies manufacturing engineering and helps them picture themselves in career paths within the aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing industries.”
Supporting student success
Class assignments encourage students to apply what they learn to small design tasks. These may include creating 3D models, reviewing instructor-provided examples, or preparing drawings that clearly communicate a part’s features.
For many students, RAS 210 also offers an opportunity to explore potential career interests. CAD and CAM skills are used in robotics, product development, microelectronics and advanced manufacturing. Exposure to these topics can nurture student interest and offer clarity in selecting a major when the time comes to pursue a college degree.
Educators and counselors may find the course useful when helping students plan future coursework. Since RAS 210 does not require previous CAD or engineering experience, it’s an accessible introduction for students who are curious about technical subjects but may have limited access in high school. Because the course is fully online, they can participate regardless of their locations or their school’s available resources.
“Science, technology, engineering and math conversations can’t wait until students show interest — educators and counselors play a crucial role in opening those doors early, as these skills are becoming foundational in every career,” says Adam Eklund, senior program manager for the ASU Microelectronics Workforce Development Hub. “RAS 210 gives learners a welcoming first step into the design and manufacturing world, while providing them with vital transferrable skills.”
The course also emphasizes communicating technical information effectively through engineering documentation. Students learn to prepare reports, CAD files and other materials that are clear and interpretable for machinists, engineers, teammates and non-experts. By producing drawings and basic documentation that explain how their designs function, students develop a strong foundation in technical communication, preparing them for the expectations of future engineering courses in college.
CAD and CAM skills are used in many entry-level technical roles. As Arizona continues to expand its semiconductor and manufacturing sectors, familiarity with digital design and fabrication helps students understand workplace expectations. RAS 210 provides a starting point for that preparation.
“This course introduces students to the full digital workflow from concept design to manufacturing, which represents how current product teams operate in the industry,” Starly says.
Students who want to get involved can register now through Jan. 19, 2026. Applicants must be enrolled in high school full-time, have a recommended 2.50 GPA and obtain counselor approval. Instructor recommendations may also be requested.
RAS 210 is just one of the many Universal Learner Courses ASU has developed over the years.
“We’re helping learners build confidence,” Ameri says. “Courses like this turn curiosity into opportunity.”
