MS in Quantum Science & Engineering
The Master of Science (MS) in Quantum Science & Engineering (QS&E) program is designed to provide advanced training in Quantum Information Science, Quantum Materials, Quantum Sensing, and Quantum Technology. The program requires students to establish the necessary foundation in quantum science and technology, and also the most advanced state-of-the-art developments in quantum materials, quantum optics, quantum technology platforms, and quantum algorithms. All students in the cross-college program are expected to take courses offered by the participating departments in chemistry, computer science, electrical & computer engineering, mathematics, and physics, as well as electives and complete a laboratory. Students may opt to participate in an internship in a research laboratory at Boston University in one of the participating laboratories or at an industrial partner.
The program is designed to be completed by full-time students in one calendar year for students choosing the internship option; part-time study is also permitted. Students who excel in the MS program may be encouraged to apply to PhD programs in the participating departments.
MS in QS&E students must take 32 units (can include credit for research internship).
Learning Outcomes
- Students will learn the foundation of quantum science, which includes learning the mathematical language of quantum theory, of quantum information science, quantum measurement and sensing, and their relationship to 21st-century needs.
- Students will obtain training in programming quantum computers, with specific applications in chemistry, physics, and technology; learn about different quantum information processing platforms; and understand the comparative advantages and disadvantages of classical vs quantum approaches to solving the most important problems in 21st-century society.
- Students who wish to participate in an internship program that trains them in performing research will learn “soft skills” critical to working in collaborative environments, learning to do technical presentations, build communication skills and teamwork, and write technical reports for publications, IP filing, and presentations.
- Students will leave the program with a solid mathematical background including especially the use of linear algebra needed for quantum science and engineering, in ideas drawn from information theory on entropy and information content, and a level of experience in quantum science and technology that is different from existing master’s programs.
Requirements
The curriculum is as follows:
- Core courses – 12 units
- Elective courses – 16 units
- Research project or external internship – 4 units
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
| CAS CS/PY 536 Quantum Computing (4 units) | CAS PY 582 Quantum Laboratory (4 units) | Research project or external internship (4 units) |
| CAS PY 537 Quantum Platforms (4 units) | Elective III (4 units) | |
| Elective I (4 units) | Elective IV (4 units) | |
| Elective II (4 units) | Elective V (4 units) OR summer research or internship |
Elective courses that fit within the QS&E master’s framework:
- CAS CS 530 Advanced Algorithms
- CAS CS 535 Complexity Theory
- CAS CS 538 Fundamentals of Cryptography
- CAS CS 548 Advanced Cryptography
- CAS CS 599 Quantum Computer Science
- CAS MA 569 Optimization Methods of Operations Research
- CAS PY 502 Computational Physics
- CAS PY 511 Quantum Mechanics 1
- CAS PY 512 Quantum Mechanics 2
- CAS PY 541 Statistical Mechanics 1
- ENG EC 513 Computer Architecture
- ENG EC 517 Introduction to Information Theory
- ENG EC 524 Optimization Theory and Methods
- ENG EC 525 Optimization for Machine Learning
- ENG EC 561 Error-Control Codes
- ENG EC 565 Introduction to Electromagnetics and Photonics
- ENG EC 570 Lasers and Applications
- ENG EC 585 Quantum Engineering & Technology
- ENG EC 762 Quantum Optics
- ENG EC 763 Nonlinear and Ultrafast Optics
- GRS CH 651 Molecular Quantum Mechanics 1: Fundamentals
- GRS CH 652 Molecular Quantum Mechanics 2: Dynamics and Spectroscopy
- GRS CH 653 Molecular Quantum Mechanics 3: Electronic Structure
- GRS CH 655 Statistical Mechanics 1
Electives other than the ones listed above can be taken for credit with approval of the director of the QS&E master’s program.
Optional Project or External Internship
A one-term, for-credit, hands-on project on campus in a participating BU research group or external internship in industry.
This component aims at practical training in an area of direct relevance for quantum science and engineering. The emphasis is on experimental work or theoretical projects that use quantum hardware available on the cloud (e.g., IBM Quantum, IonQ, or QuEra).
Alternatively, the practical training requirement can be satisfied through an external internship at either a Boston-area company or elsewhere.
Students will receive credit toward the master’s program and may be able to finish their master’s program by summer of the first year.
Students who do not opt for a research project or internship may fill their last elective with another course.
Language Requirement
There is no foreign language requirement for this degree.
Additional Information
Students may begin the program in fall only.
Admissions Information
Students who have obtained a bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, chemistry, computer science, or mathematics are eligible to apply. Undergraduate coursework in a) linear algebra and multivariate calculus typically required for engineering or physical science, and b) an undergraduate course in modern physics, modern chemistry, or physical chemistry with associated undergraduate laboratory experience are required.
