The ISMIN program trains engineers in microelectronic and computer systems, capable of designing and integrating connected, intelligent, and secure systems.
The curriculum combines scientific instruction, projects, internships, international exposure, and specialization tracks.
Semesters are numbered from S5 to S10: S5 and S6 for the 1st year, S7 and S8 for the 2nd, S9 and S10 for the 3rd.
Beyond the three-year classic track, Mines Saint-Étienne offers several specialization tracks and double degrees, allowing each student to customize their education according to their ambitions: research, entrepreneurship, industry, management, or cybersecurity.
The Classic Track
This is the track followed by the majority of ISMIN engineering students.
It is based on a pedagogical progression structured around three stages:
| Year | Objective | Main Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Year (S5–S6) | Acquire the Fundamentals | Electronics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering Sciences, civic projects, and introductory internship |
| 2nd Year (S7–S8) | Develop a Systems Approach | IoT Project, Project Management, Entrepreneurship, technical electives, and technical internship |
| 3rd Year (S9–S10) | Specialize and Integrate Professionally | Major + technological focus, research project, Innov’Actions, final internship |
This track includes a mandatory international experience (academic exchange, internship, or double degree) and can be enhanced by a gap year.
The “Adapted” Curriculum
A credit exchange mobility can be undertaken in semester 9, at one of the Institut Mines-Télécom (IMT) schools.
The Institut Mines-Télécom comprises:
- 8 major engineering and management schools,
- 2 subsidiary schools,
- and 13 affiliated or associated schools with partnerships and privileged relationships.
This curriculum allows ISMIN engineering students to:
- explore new research or innovation themes,
- take complementary modules at another institution within the network,
- and validate a semester of study recognized as part of the ISMIN degree.
Objective: to foster academic mobility and personal enrichment within a network of excellence.
This inter-school experience helps strengthen the transversal skills and adaptability of future engineers, by placing them at the heart of the Mines-Télécom ecosystem.
Tracks with Double Degrees and Co-accredited Master of Science in Engineering Programs
From the 3rd year, ISMIN engineering students can customize their education through several double degree or scientific specialization tracks.
University Master of Science in Engineering Double Degrees
Two tracks allow students to obtain a University Master of Science in Engineering degree in parallel with the ISMIN engineering degree, thanks to co-accreditation agreements:
| Master of Science in Engineering | Partner Institution | Targeted Fields |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Science in Engineering Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies | Aix-Marseille Université | Nanosystems, microfabrication, bioelectronics… |
| Master of Science in Engineering Hybrid Electronics | Aix-Marseille Université | Hybrid Electronics, Microfabrication, Nanotechnologies, Bioelectronics |
| Master of Science in Engineering Industrial Engineering | Université Jean Monnet / École Centrale de Lyon / École Nationale d’Ingénieurs de Saint-Étienne | Production Systems, Industrial Optimization, Operations Research |
| Master of Science in Engineering Networks and Telecommunications | Aix-Marseille Université | Internet of Things (IoT), intelligent and secure networks of connected objects |
These tracks offer dual academic recognition and facilitate access to research with doctoral studies or to advanced technical expert roles.
3rd Year Double Degree Tracks
The 3rd year of the ISMIN program can also be dedicated to a double degree at a partner institution, in France or abroad.
These tracks allow students to broaden their skill set and acquire dual legitimacy.
Examples of Available Double Degrees
| Double Degree | Partner Institution | Target Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Ingénieur Civil des Mines (ICM) | Mines Saint-Étienne (Saint-Étienne campus) | In-depth study in science and management, dual generalist and technological culture |
| Business Mediation | emlyon business school | Profile at the interface between engineering, management, and entrepreneurial innovation |
| Computer and Communications Systems Security | EURECOM (Sophia Antipolis) | Specialization in cybersecurity, intelligent networks, and communication systems |
Other partnerships with international universities and schools (Europe, North America, Asia) also allow students to complete a semester or a full year abroad, sometimes leading to a double degree.
Program Transfers within Mines Saint-Étienne
ISMIN students can also request to change programs to join another Mines Saint-Étienne program:
- ISMIN → Ingénieur Civil des Mines (in 2nd year, based on application and motivation),
- or conversely, Ingénieur Civil des Mines → ISMIN, to strengthen digital specialization.
These transfer options offer the possibility to build a customized pathway, combining generalist education and technological expertise.
The Gap Year: An Opportunity for Broader Experience
Between the 1st and 2nd year, or between the 2nd and 3rd year, students can undertake a gap year validated by the school.
It allows for:
- a long-term internship in a company (in France or abroad),
- to conduct a personal or entrepreneurial project,
- or to experience an immersive international experience.
This break enriches the education and helps students build a solid professional project.
An Integrated International Experience
The ISMIN curriculum includes mandatory international mobility of at least 3 consecutive months.
It can take several forms:
- an internship in a company abroad,
- an academic exchange at a partner university,
- or an international double degree.
Mines Saint-Étienne has over 140 partner universities in 50 countries.
Students can also benefit from Erasmus+ scholarships, from the Mines Saint-Étienne Foundation, or regional aid to finance their mobility.
An Adaptable and Open Education
The ISMIN curriculum offers a flexible and demanding framework, conducive to building an individualized pathway:
- the possibility to adapt one’s curriculum according to one’s ambitions,
- personalized support from the teaching staff,
- integration into the Institut Mines-Télécom network of schools,
- and openness towards research, entrepreneurship, or international opportunities.
Choosing ISMIN means choosing a rigorous, innovative, and open education, where each student becomes an active participant in their professional future.