End-to-End Training in Quantum Science
Boston University offers New England’s first master’s in quantum science. This interdisciplinary program integrates physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, electrical and computer engineering, and materials science engineering.
Students learn from and are mentored by faculty at the forefront of quantum computing, quantum materials, sensing, cryptography, computational methods, and device engineering.
The program is structured to ensure that all graduates leave with the following skills:
- Mastery of quantum mechanics, information science, and engineering principles, and of current hardware/platforms.
- Ability to program quantum computers and implement simple algorithms.
- Hands-on experimental skills in operating and measuring real-world qubits.
- Basic analytical, computational and mathematical skills that are useful for most technical pursuits.
- Professional research skills, including technical communication, teamwork, and collaborative problem solving.
At BU, discovery extends beyond the classroom. Through a required research capstone or industry internship, students apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges using quantum hardware and computing. A newly designed laboratory course further enhances hands-on learning in BU’s state-of-the-art quantum lab, ensuring that graduates are fully prepared for the demands of the quantum industry.
Program Requirements & Curriculum (32 Credits)
The program guides students through core and elective courses (32 units total) over one year on campus as a full-time student. Program requirements are:
- 3 core courses (listed below) (12 credits)
- 4-5 select elective courses (18-20 credits)
- 1 optional research project or industry internship (2 credits)
The core courses, designed by our expert faculty, build the foundation of quantum science. These courses include:
CS/PY 536 Quantum Computing (4 credits)
Students are introduced to the core principles of quantum mechanics that make quantum computing possible. The course explains how information can be encoded in qubits, how quantum logic gates manipulate that information, and how these operations combine into quantum circuits. Topics include different models for quantum computing, quantum simulation, and the challenges posed by noise in quantum systems. Students also learn the basics of quantum error correction and explore landmark algorithms such as the quantum Fourier transform and Shor’s factoring algorithm—examining why they offer speedups over classical approaches.
By the end of the course, students understand the mathematical and computational framework underlying quantum computing and why it represents a fundamentally new model of computation.
PY 537 Quantum Platforms (4 credits)
This companion course focuses on how quantum computing is physically realized in the laboratory. Students learn how real-world systems function as qubits, how quantum gates are implemented using electromagnetic fields and pulse sequences, how quantum states are prepared, controlled, and measured, and how physical errors are mitigated/corrected. The course also surveys leading experimental platforms for quantum computing and sensing, including nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, neutral atom arrays, trapped ions, and superconducting circuits.
By the end of the course, students gain a practical understanding of how quantum devices are engineered and the technological challenges involved in building scalable quantum systems.
PY 582 Quantum Laboratory (4 credits)
This hands-on laboratory course completes the core sequence by giving students direct experience with building quantum hardware. Students develop practical skills needed to operate, design, and measure real-world quantum systems, including radio-frequency circuit design, pulse sequence programming, and photon counting. Using these skills, they implement basic single and two-qubit gates, quantum sensing protocols, and pulse sequences to mitigate the effects of quantum errors. The course culminates in a capstone project centered on the experimental realization of a quantum platform based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond.
By the end of the course, students gain hands-on experience bridging theory and hardware, developing the experimental and technical skills needed to work with quantum technologies in research and industry.
Electives
In addition to the core curriculum, students select four elective courses across the five disciplines of Computer Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering, allowing them to tailor their studies to their professional goals and interests.
Computer Science
| CAS CS 538 |
Fundamentals of Cryptography |
| CAS CS 548 |
Advanced Cryptography |
| CAS CS 599 |
Quantum Information Theory |
| CAS CS 535 |
Complexity Theory |
| CAS CS 630 |
Algorithms |
Math
| CAS MA 569 |
Optimization Methods of Operations Research |
Chemistry
| CAS CH 651 |
Molecular Quantum Mechanics I |
| CAS CH 562 |
Molecular Quantum Mechanics II |
Physics
| CAS PY 502 |
Computational Physics |
| CAS PY 511 |
Quantum Mechanics I |
| CAS PY 512 |
Quantum Mechanics II |
| CAS PY 541 |
Statistical Mechanics 1 |
| CAS PY 580 |
Machine learning for physicists |
Engineering
| CAS EC 531 |
Computer Architecture
|
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ENG EC 517
|
Introduction to Information Theory
|
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ENG EC 524
|
Optimization Theory and Methods
|
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ENG EC 526
|
Parallel Programming for High Performance Computing
|
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ENG EC 565
|
Intro to electromagnetics and photonics
|
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ENG EC 570
|
Lasers and Applications
|
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ENG EC 585
|
Quantum Engineering and Technology
|
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ENG EC 762
|
Quantum Optics
|
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ENG EC 763
|
Nonlinear and Ultrafast Optics
|
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ENG EC 577
|
Electronic Optical and Magnetic Properties of Materials
|
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ENG EC 572
|
Computational Methods in Materials Science
|
Students have the option to either engage with a participating BU research group, or do an industrial internship, drawing on our industrial partnerships. This provides practical training in an area of direct relevance while also building industry connections.
If a student does not opt for a research project or industry internship, they may acquire the additional two credits through another elective course.
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