This article reviews a graduate-level University of Colorado Boulder course in GaAs and GaN MMIC design conducted in collaboration with WIN Semiconductors. The course focuses on: 1) theory; 2) design using industry-standard CAD tools; 3) the tapeout process; 4) on-wafer measurements; 5) packaging techniques; 6) data processing; and 7) technical writing and publication, all in parallel with learning the fundamentals of microwave circuit theory. Students gain a systematic knowledge of different simulators available: linear, harmonic balance, transient, and full wave. The course culminates in final projects where each student completes a MMIC design that WIN Semiconductors fabricates, leading to a peer-reviewed publication.