Ph.D. Degree | Quantum Science and Engineering

Getting the Degree

The QSE Ph.D. degree requires a minimum of 41 credits. The course sequence for each of the tracks is shown in the table below.

1. Quantum Nanotechnology (required courses in black and green)
2. Quantum Theory (required courses in black and orange)
3. Quantum Algorithms and Computation (required courses in blue and black)

The information presented in this table is also contained below in text-only format.

Ph.D. Course Credit Requirements Table

Course Requirements

All students will take three common required courses in their first semester:

1. Introduction to Quantum Computation and Quantum Information (3 credits)

2. Engineering the Quantum Revolution (3 credits)

3. Professional Communication in Quantum Science and Engineering (1 credit)

Students in the Quantum Nanotechnology or Quantum Theory tracks will typically take Applied Quantum Mechanics (3 credits) in the fall semester. Students in either of these tracks who have already taken coursework on quantum mechanics may take an elective in lieu of Applied Quantum Mechanics in the fall and take Quantum Mechanics 1 (PHYS811) in the spring instead. Students wishing to exercise this option should contact the graduate program director. Students following the Quantum Algorithms and Computation track will take, in the fall semester, one 3-credit course from the following options: Algorithm Design and Analysis (CISC621), Introduction to Machine Learning (CISC684), Elements of the Theory of Computation (CISC601), Advanced Topics in Algorithms and Complexity Theory (CISC830), Computational Methods for Equation Solving and Function Minimization (MATH612).

In the second semester of their first year, students following the Quantum Nanotechnology track will take:

1. Experimental Techniques for Quantum Systems (3 credits)
2. Semiconductor Device Design and Fabrication (3 credits)
3. Limited elective from list below (3 credits)
4. Professional Communication in Quantum Science and Engineering (1 credit)

In the second semester of their first year, students following the Quantum Theory track will take

1. Advanced Topics in Quantum Information (3 credits)
2. Limited elective from list below (3 credits)
3. An elective of their choice (3 credits)
4. Professional Communication in Quantum Science and Engineering (1 credit)

In the second semester of their first year, students following the Quantum Algorithms and Computation track will take

1. Advanced Topics in Quantum Information (3 credits)

2. Two electives of their choice (3 credits)

3. Professional Communication in Quantum Science and Engineering (1 credit)

In their third semester, all students will take one elective course (3 credits) and 2 credits of research. Students in the Nanotechnology and Theory Tracks will take Introduction to Quantum Hardware (3 credits), and students following the Quantum Algorithms Track will take Quantum Algorithms (3 credits).

In summary, Ph.D. Quantum Nanotechnology track students take 20 credits of core requirements, 6 credits of elective courses, 6 research credits and 9 dissertation credits. Ph.D. Quantum Theory track students will take 17 credits of core requirements, 9 credits of elective courses, 6 research credits and 9 dissertation credits. Ph.D. Quantum Algorithms and Computation track students take 17 credits of core requirements, 9 credits of elective courses, 6 research credits and 9 dissertation credits. Students are welcome and encouraged to do an internship during the summer after their first year. Students participating in internships may register for and receive internship course credit (QSE864), but such credits do not count toward the total number of credits required for the degree.