NYU Tandon BASICS | NYU Tandon School of Engineering

NYU Tandon BASICS

Executive & Professional Education Programs
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Online
Computer Chip

Learn Chip Design. Online. With $0 Tuition*

*The grant-funded tuition for this program is only available to US citizens and permanent residents.

 

BASICS (Bridge to Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) is a groundbreaking program from NYU Tandon designed to provide foundational skills in chip design to learners of all backgrounds. Whether you're an undergraduate, a non-STEM professional, or simply curious about the field, BASICS opens the door to the world of Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). Join us to gain practical knowledge and embark on a journey into the exciting field of chip design, no matter your starting point.

computer chip being held by tool

Registration is Open!
Only 130 grant-funded seats are available this cohort. Start designing your chip this fall.

Build the Skills Behind the Chips

Cost: $0 grant-funded tuition

Grants fully fund the $3,000 tuition cost of this program

Async online with Teaching Assistants

TAs provide one-on-one support to help you succeed

No application required

Register in less than 10 minutes

Bridge to a tech career

Gain skills in high demand under the CHIPS Act

Master's degree preparation

By earning your certificate, you may be eligible for specific NYU Tandon master's programs

Design your own chip

Chip fabrication capstone project

Course Prerequisites

BASICS is a collaboration between the NYU Tandon Bridge program, NYU Tandon’s Electrical and Computer Engineering department, and the Zero to ASIC online curriculum.

To be successful in BASICS, learners should have:

  • Introductory knowledge of Python programming
  • Proficiency in precalculus concepts such as functions, exponents, and logarithms

Not sure if you’re ready? Take the BASICS Pre-Assessment to evaluate your readiness. If you need additional preparation, Bridge OnRamp is a short online course designed to help you build the foundational skills needed for BASICS.

*The Bridge On-Ramp course is not included in the grant sponsorship and does not guarantee selection into the BASICS program.
 

Course Calendar and Format

Semester

BASICS Registration Deadline

Course Start Date

Course End Date

Fall 2026

11/10/26 (if capacity allows)

11/30/26

5/31/27
  • Delivery: 100% Online, Asynchronous
  • Access: Course access ends on 5/31/2027
  • Assessment: Learners must earn a 70% or better on graded exams, quizzes and a final assessment to earn a credential
  • Credential: Earn a Certificate in Application-Specific Integrated Circuit Design
  • Cost: Tuition is fully covered by grant funding for eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents
 

Course Structure and Content

BASICS is designed for learners who want to build foundational skills in programming, computer engineering, and chip design—some STEM or technical background is helpful. You’ll build your knowledge step by step, from computing fundamentals to designing and testing your own chip.

Topics include:

Software Programming Fundamentals

  • Number Systems & Logic
  • Data Types and Expressions and Proofs
  • Branching Statements and Sets
  • Iterative Statements and Functions
  • Algorithm Analysis and C++ Functions
  • Functions and Counting
  • Arrays and Strings and Probability

ASIC & Chip Design

  • MOSFETs and Logic Gates
  • SPICE Simulations
  • Combinatorial Logic (Verilog)
  • Sequential Logic (Verilog)
  • Finite State Machines (Verilog)
  • Modularity (Verilog)
  • Scripting CAD Files
  • Design Verification and Testing
  • Caravel RISC-V Wrapper
  • FPGA Prototyping

Required Textbooks

  1. Required Text: Problem Solving with C++, Tenth Edition, Walter Savitch, University of California, ISBN-13: 978-0134448282, ISBN-10: 0134448286
  2. Optional Text: Data Structures and Algorithms in C++, Fourth Edition, Mark Allen Weiss, Pearson, ISBN-13: 978-0132847377, ISBN-10: 013284737X
*Textbook costs are not grant sponsored and are the responsibility of the participant
 

Technology Requirements

You will need:

  • Windows or Mac operating system (Linux can also be used during the second half of the program)
  • 20 GB of free space
  • Device for multi-factor authentication
  • Reliable internet connection
  • Built-in or external web camera and microphone
  • Please also review these online proctoring requirements
 

Applying from BASICS to a Master’s Program

BASICS can be a starting point for your next step in engineering. Students who complete the program are eligible to apply to select NYU Tandon master’s degree programs, including the Electrical Engineering, M.S.

The Electrical Engineering, M.S. prepares students for advanced careers in industry, business, government, and entrepreneurship, as well as further study toward a Ph.D. Students can pursue areas including computer engineering and VLSI, communications and signal processing, energy systems and power electronics, electromagnetics and analog/RF/biomedical circuits, and systems, control, and robotics.

Please Note

Successful completion of the BASICS course, or earning a certificate, does not guarantee admission into a graduate degree program. NYU Tandon graduate applications receive a comprehensive review by our Graduate Admissions office. This holistic evaluation considers all application materials and applications must meet admissions requirements – including GPA and academic history.

Next Steps

Determine your readiness with the BASICS Pre-Assessment to start designing your chip this fall.

Registration is Open

 

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