The Master of Professional Studies in Quantum Computing is a 30-credit, 10-course, non-thesis graduate program that provides students with foundational, practical, and theoretical topics of quantum computing. Students discover current state-of-the-art quantum computing technology and areas of application, and explore origins, evolution, and possible future states of this technology. Experiential learning is at the core of the program and courses provide students with ample opportunities to apply concepts on current-day commercial quantum computing hardware.
The curriculum prepares students to apply the principles and techniques of quantum computing to the solution of a variety of problems in optimization, secure communications, encryption, materials discovery and any such problems that require considerable computing resources. Students develop quantum computing programs and implement them on quantum computing platforms. Students learn to differentiate the many technologies currently used to implement quantum computers and compare their intrinsic strengths and limitations. No prior knowledge in quantum physics or quantum computing is necessary.
This 30-credit graduate program that can be completed in less than two years. The program features in-person instruction. Classes meet in UMD College Park campus classrooms, offering a focused, distraction-free learning environment. The program is offered through the Science Academy in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. Instruction is provided by university faculty and experts in the field. Classes are held in the fall, spring, and summer terms.
Application Deadline
Fall 2024
Domestic Students: June 14, 2024
Any student applying for admission to a graduate program at the University of Maryland must meet the following minimum admission criteria as established by the Graduate School.
- Earned a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution.
- Earned a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework.
General Requirements:
- Statement of Purpose
- Transcript(s)
- TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)
Program-Specific Requirements:
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (optional)
- Resume/Curriculum vitae
- Description of research/work experience in engineering, mathematics, and natural sciences
- Prior coursework establishing quantitative ability (linear algebra and calculus required)
- Proficiency in programming languages, Python preferred, demonstrated either through prior programming coursework or substantial software development experience
No prior knowledge in quantum physics or quantum computing is necessary.
The MPS in Quantum Computing is 30 credits and consists of 7 core courses and 3 electives. Special topics include quantum networks, quantum thermodynamics, quantum machine learning, quantum Monte Carlo, quantum information theory, and quantum computing hardware.
Sample Plan of Study (Full-time, 1.5 years)
Semester 1 (fall)
MSQC601 The Mathematics and Methods of Quantum Computing (core)
MSQC602 Physics of Quantum Devices (core)
MSQC603 Principles of Machine Learning (core)
Semester 2 (spring)
MSQC604 Quantum Computing Architectures and Algorithms (core)
MSQC606 Practical Quantum Computing (core)
MSQC610 Quantum Machine Learning (elective)
Semester 3 (summer)
MSQC612 Quantum Computing Hardware (elective)
Semester 4 (fall)
MSQC605 Advanced Quantum Computing and Applications (core)
MSQC607 Advanced Topics in Quantum Computing (core)
MSQC615 Quantum Thermodynamics (elective)
Sample Plan of Study (Part-time, 2 years)
Semester 1 (fall)
MSQC601 The Mathematics and Methods of Quantum Computing (core)
MSQC602 Physics of Quantum Devices (core)
Semester 2 (spring)
MSQC603 Principles of Machine Learning (core)
MSQC604 Quantum Computing Architectures and Algorithms (core)
Semester 3 (summer)
MSQC612 Quantum Computing Hardware (elective)
MSQC613 Quantum Monte Carlo and Applications (elective)
Semester 4 (fall)
MSQC605 Advanced Quantum Computing and Applications (core)
MSQC607 Advanced Topics in Quantum Computing (core)
Semester 5 (spring)
MSQC606 Practical Quantum Computing (core)
MSQC610 Quantum Machine Learning (elective)
Find up to date tuition and fee information for the MPS in Quantum Computing.
