The University of Idaho will begin offering a new four-year electrical engineering degree pathway this fall in collaboration with Hiroshima University in Japan, designed to prepare students for careers in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and energy systems.
The Microchip Engineering and Security Alliance program, known as MESA, will accept its first students in August 2026. Participants will complete their initial two years of coursework in English at Hiroshima University before relocating to Moscow to finish their degrees at U of I.
Program Structure and Student Status
Students enrolled in MESA will be considered University of Idaho students from enrollment, according to Dean Kahler, vice provost for strategic enrollment management. The university will maintain dedicated classroom and office facilities on the Hiroshima campus to support students during their time in Japan.
The program accepts applications from Idaho residents, domestic students from other states, and international applicants. University officials indicated the cost structure may particularly benefit nonresident and international students, while donor-funded scholarships will be available to help Idaho students with expenses.
Addressing Industry Workforce Needs
College of Engineering Dean Suzie Long said the partnership combines practical experience in U of I’s fabrication, manufacturing and artificial intelligence laboratories with Hiroshima University’s expertise in materials and device engineering.
The program targets a significant projected workforce gap in the semiconductor sector. Industry projections indicate more than 1 million semiconductor-related positions will need to be filled globally by 2030.
University administrators plan to expand MESA enrollment to as many as 100 new students annually. Long said current electrical engineering capacity falls short of demand driven by artificial intelligence and semiconductor production technologies.
Historical Foundation of Partnership
The collaboration builds on a relationship dating to 1951, when Hiroshima University President Tatsuo Morito reached out to institutions worldwide for assistance in rebuilding following the atomic bombing. University of Idaho forestry professor Merrill Deters responded by sending tree seeds, a forestry book, and a small monetary donation.
That initial contact evolved into an ongoing academic relationship. In recent years, the universities have operated a short-term student exchange program focused on cultural understanding, sustainable solutions, and global issues. The first group of U of I students participating in that exchange is scheduled to travel to Hiroshima this spring.
Sean Quinlan, dean of the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, who helped develop the international partnership, said the program reflects the transformation of the relationship between the United States and Japan from former adversaries to allies and partners.
What Comes Next
The university is currently accepting applications for the inaugural MESA cohort beginning in August. Additional information about the program, including application requirements and scholarship opportunities, is available on the University of Idaho website. The success of the first cohort will likely shape future expansion plans as the university works to meet its enrollment targets and contribute to addressing the global semiconductor workforce shortage.