Pillar-last methods for forming semiconductor devices

Semiconductor devices having one or more vias filled with an electrically conductive material are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a first side, a plurality of circuit elements proximate to the first side, and a second side opposite the first side. A via can extend between the first and second sides, and a conductive material in the via can extend beyond the second side of the substrate to define a projecting portion of the conductive material. The semiconductor device can have a tall conductive pillar formed over the second side and surrounding the projecting portion of the conductive material, and a short conductive pad formed over the first side and electrically coupled to the conductive material in the via.