With Micron in mind, Le Moyne to offer new physics major in 2026

SYRACUSE — Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) has plans to build a massive semiconductor-manufacturing campus in the town of Clay, and Le Moyne College wants to help prepare future students to secure a job with the Boise, Idaho–based company. The school is set to offer a bachelor’s degree in applied physics “as the region prepares for the arrival of Micron Technology within the next several years.” The New York State Department of Education approved Le Moyne’s request to offer the degree program, the school said in a Nov. 21 announcement. It’ll be available for new and current students starting with the 2026 fall semester. The new major “unlocks the physical principles behind modern breakthroughs” such as semiconductors, sensors, renewable-energy systems, and other technological advances, preparing students to work in fields that are expected to “grow significantly” over the next 10 years. “Le Moyne is excited to offer the new applied physics major, which will strengthen Le Moyne’s position as a key player in emerging careers in engineering, as well as specific fields such as semiconductors and material sciences,” Le Moyne College President Linda LeMura said in the school’s announcement. “Building from a foundation in liberal arts and sciences provided by our core curriculum, the program was created to meet the anticipated employment growth and a strong student interest within the region and across the state.” These careers could include positions at the Micron facilities that will be built in the town of Clay. With an investment of up to $100 billion over the next 20 years, the firm estimates the fabrication (fab) plants could eventually result in 9,000 jobs at Micron and 9,500 jobs in businesses that supply Micron. Le Moyne cites both state and federal labor statistics as indicating job growth in areas such as electrical engineering and materials science are anticipated to grow between 6 percent and 7 percent through 2034, higher than the average for all occupations. The industries that will be hiring individuals with applied physics degrees include semiconductor and microelectronics (e.g., chip manufacturers, fabs); advanced manufacturing and materials; aerospace and defense; medical imaging and diagnostic sonographers; energy and renewable technology; software developer (instrumentation, embedded systems); government and national labs; and analytics and quantitative finance, per the Le Moyne announcement. “Applied physics has been described as where scientific curiosity meets hands-on innovation,” Christopher Bass, chair of Le Moyne’s physics department, said. “Applied physics fully embraces Le Moyne’s educational mission by incorporating ethical scientific conduct and inquiry into the curriculum. The program will offer personalized mentoring, advanced labs and research opportunities where students will gain the knowledge and experience that will allow them to step confidently into high-demand careers.”