M.Sc. in Quantum Information Science and Technology
Program Overview
We offer a Master’s degree, the M.Sc. in Quantum Information Science and Technology (MSQIST), to prepare students for the rapidly growing field of quantum information science and technology.
The degree features several customized courses in QIST, along with a number of relevant courses already offered in Physics and other departments across campus. It also includes a research component that can be completed on campus, at Brookhaven National Laboratory, or through an internship with an industrial partner.
Prospective students should have an undergraduate degree in science or engineering, but need not be physics majors. See Eligibility and Requirements in Apply for MSQIST’s specific admission requirements, which differ from the PhD, MA, and MSI programs.
MSQIST Degree Requirements
To earn the degree, a student must complete a minimum of 30 graduate credits: 9 credits of required core courses, 15 credits of track electives, and 6 credits of research. Most students complete the degree in two years.
Core Courses
All students take:
- PHY 568 Quantum Information Science (Fall)
- PHY 569 Quantum Science and Technology Laboratory (Fall)
- PHY 631 Physical Systems and Materials for Quantum Information Processing (Spring)
Track Electives
Students take 15 credits of electives, focusing on one of two tracks.
Students in the Quantum Information Theory and Programming track must take at least one of:
- PHY 605 Quantum Programming
- PHY 680 Quantum Computing
Students in the Quantum Technology Hardware and Materials track must take at least one of:
- PHY 565/566 Quantum Electronics I/II
- ESE 515 Quantum Electronics
- ESE 511 Solid State Electronics
The remaining elective credits can be filled from:
- CHE 521 Quantum Chemistry I
- CSE 540 Theory of Computation
- CSE 546 Cryptography
- CSE 548 Analysis of Algorithms
- CSE 550 Quantum Computing and Applications
- CSE 613 Parallel Programming
- ESE 512 Introduction to Quantum Systems Engineering
- ESE 519 Semiconductor Lasers and Photodetectors
- ESE 538 Nanoelectronics
- PHY 511 Quantum Mechanics I
- PHY 512 Quantum Mechanics II
- PHY 514 Current Research Instruments
- PHY 515 Methods of Experimental Research
- PHY 555 Solid State Physics I
- PHY 556 Solid State Physics II
- PHY 562 Lasers and Modern Optics
- PHY 567 Theoretical Chemical Physics
Research Project
Students complete a research project and take 6 credits of research, from PHY 580 and/or PHY 595.
Funding and Tuition
MSQIST students are not guaranteed financial support, though they may find support from a research group. Students hired as an RA or TA do not receive a tuition scholarship; tuition cost depends on residency status – see the Cost of Attendance page for current figures.
General Policies
MSQIST students follow the same policies as MA students – see General Policies in The MA Degree page for professional conduct, good standing, TA/RA performance, and leave of absence. Like MA students, MSQIST students have up to three years to complete the degree, though most finish in two.