Master of Science in Quantum Information Science

Application Deadlines

Fall:
December 15

Application to this program is only available for the fall semester

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

Visit our Ready to Apply page for more information

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Applicants to the master's of science programs in Quantum Information Science are required to have a bachelor’s degree or be in the process of completing a bachelor's degree. Degrees in any engineering or engineering-related disciplines are frequently represented among our program applicants, including but not limited to the following:

Chemistry
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Math
Physics

Applicants without a Bachelor’s degree in the preferred majors listed above will only be considered with coursework and demonstrated proficiency in the acceptable courses listed below (or equivalent).


Linear Algebra Multivariable Calculus
Physics

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

Spotlight Webinar: Recorded October 17, 2022

Published on June 2nd, 2020Last updated on May 30th, 2025