Microsystems packaging is a $125 billion worldwide market, employing more than a million people. If one were to include all the microsystem devices in end products, the market is even bigger, accounting for more than $300 billion; yet, microsystems packaging is not considered an academic subject. A typical academic subject such as microelectronics or VLSI has extensive courses, educational tracks, fundamental books, software tools, and hands-on facilities. None of these exist in microsystems packaging. The number of universities offering research programs and one or more courses, however, is increasing rapidly. It is estimated that this number in the United States, Europe and the Far East is about 50, having grown from less than ten universities about 10 years ago