From its advent in the 1990s, Quantum Information Science has grown rapidly as a field of research. It offers the promise of new and fundamentally different technologies for information processing. These technologies draw on the unintuitive properties of quantum mechanics to allow radically different and more efficient algorithms for some computationally hard problems; new types of sensors and measurement methods; and communication protocols that offer perfect security, reduced communication complexity, and other advantages. At the same time, the quantum information viewpoint provides new insight into quantum mechanics
itself.
In recent years, experimental progress has led to the construction of the first small quantum information processors and quantum communication systems. Both established companies (like IBM, Google, Intel and Microsoft) and startups (like ID Quantique, D-Wave, Rigetti and IonQ) have begun investing heavily into the development and commercialization of quantum technologies. Initially, the quantum workforce was engaged largely in research, and was dominated by scientists and engineers with PhDs. Now, there are increasing opportunities for engineers with non-research based backgrounds in quantum information science to work on the design, construction and programming of quantum systems. This Master's program is designed to fill this new need in a field with great potential for future growth.
International Students: This program is eligible for the OPT STEM extension.
- This program requires completion of 28 units of coursework
- Thesis option and Directed Research (research without thesis) may be requested after completing first semester. Thesis option is not guaranteed
- USC Catalogue
- USC Schedule of Classes
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
| Fall | December 15 (Scholarship consideration)
January 15 (Final deadline) |
Visit our Ready to Apply page for more information
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants to the Master of Science program in Quantum Information Science must have a bachelor’s degree or be in the process of completing a bachelor's degree. Most applicants have degrees in engineering or closely related fields, such as Computer Science or Finance.
Applicants without a bachelor's degree in a directly related field may still be considered if they have completed and demonstrated strong proficiency in the following coursework (or equivalent):
This is not an exhaustive list. Applications are reviewed holistically; simply taking these courses does not guarantee admission.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The following materials are required to be included with your online application:
- Transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation (Optional)
NOTE: The GRE is not required for 2026 applications.
The following link will take you to an overview of the tuition & fees for graduate engineering students, including payment information. Both on-campus and DEN@Viterbi students pay the same tuition
TUITION AND FEES OVERVIEW
Use the link below to download the Cost of Attendance to see a summary of tuition and fees by semester. The document is a typical example and the number of courses, and time to complete the program, will vary by student.
Estimated Cost of Attendance - 28 Unit Program
2025 First Destinations Survey - Outcomes*
Alumni Employment - 2025*
Companies & Job Titles (multiple positions may be listed)
Average Reported Salary: $124,800
- AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC - Financial Engineer
- C & S Transportation - Logistics Analyst
- Global Quantum Intelligence, LLC - Analyst
- Microsoft - Software Engineer II
- NeoQuortex Inc. - Quantum Software Developer / Quantum Software Engineer / Software Developer
- New York University - Research Intern
- Q-CTRL - Senior Research Scientist
- Stealth Quantum AI Startup - Founder
Previous Years
Companies & Job Titles (multiple positions may be listed)
- Carnegie Mellon University - Associate Research Scientist, Quantum (2024)
- Murray Associates of Utica - Quantum Algorithm Scientist (2023)
- Novelis - Data Scientist (2023)
- Thinkom Solutions, Inc. - Systems Engineer (2023)
Internships (Summer 2023)**
Rigetti Computing
.
* Information is based on a voluntary survey and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive view of the 2025 graduating class.
** Internship data is from CPT internships done by our international student population. 2025 CPT data pending.
This program is not available via DEN@Viterbi.
