This is a named option in the Physics MS.
The MS in Physics–Quantum Computing (MSPQC) is an intensive professional master’s degree designed to provide flexibility to students. It can be completed in one calendar year (three semesters) or it can take up to six semesters on a part-time basis. The program provides students with a thorough grounding in the discipline of quantum information and quantum computing. It begins with a study of the relevant parts of quantum theory, and proceeds to quantum gates, measurements, algorithms, quantum error correction, and decoherence. Quantum communication theory and the secure transmission of information are also covered. The supporting areas of statistical mechanics, solid-state physics, and atomic physics form part of the classroom training. Just as important, the program gives students a mastery of advanced lab skills involved in quantum computation and participation in mentored research projects is required.
Students who graduate from this program will have the tools to succeed as researchers or program managers in a quantum computing or quantum technologies enterprise. They may also use the program as a springboard to PhD programs in physics or related areas. MSPQC students interested in applying to the PhD at UW–Madison must adhere to all PhD admission requirements and deadlines.
The program collaborates closely with faculty across campus that are involved in Quantum Information Science and Technology research.
Admissions
Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.
Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online.
| Fall Deadline | March 15 |
| Spring Deadline | November 1* |
| Summer Deadline | The program does not admit in the summer. |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) | GRE General Test not required. GRE Physics Subject Test not required. |
| English Proficiency Test | Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Requirements for Admission policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1241. |
| Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT) | n/a |
| Letters of Recommendation Required | 3 |
- *
The spring application is only open to UW-Madison undergraduate and graduate students who complete their previous program by the start of the spring semester.
Prospective applicants must apply for admission to the UW Graduate School and satisfy requirements for undergraduate GPA, bachelor’s degree, English proficiency, and financial information.
Admissions Materials
- Three letters of recommendation
- Unofficial transcripts: unofficial transcripts are allowable for application review, if the applicant is recommended for admission, the Graduate School will request official transcripts.
- Resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose: Address relevant experiences and future research/industry interests and goals. Communicate motivations for pursuing the MSPQC, and convey how interests/experiences align with the strengths of the UW– Madison program
For more details about the MS in Physics-Quantum Computing, visit the FAQ page.
* Current UW-Madison undergraduate and graduate students who graduate in the preceding fall semester may be eligible to apply for spring semester. Applicants should reach out to the MSPQC Graduate Program Manager for more information.
Funding
Graduate School Resources
The Bursar’s Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.
Program Information
Students enrolled in this program are not eligible to receive tuition remission from graduate assistantship appointments at this institution.
Minimum Graduate School Requirements
Review the Graduate School minimum degree requirements and policies, in addition to the program requirements listed below.
Named Option Requirements
Mode of Instruction
| Face to Face | Evening/Weekend | Online | Hybrid | Accelerated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | No | No | No |
Mode of Instruction Definitions
Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.
Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules. Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.
Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.
Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats. Contact the program for more specific information.
Online: These programs are offered 100% online. Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.
Curricular Requirements
| Minimum Credit Requirement | 30 credits |
| Minimum Residence Credit Requirement | 16 credits |
| Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement | 15 credits must be graduate-level coursework. Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Graduate Coursework (50%) Requirement policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1244. |
| Overall Graduate GPA Requirement | 3.00 GPA required. Refer to the Graduate School: Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1203. |
| Other Grade Requirements | n/a |
| Assessments and Examinations | n/a |
| Language Requirements | n/a |
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | ||
| PHYSICS 701 | Graduate Introductory Seminars | 1 |
| PHYSICS 709 | Introduction to Quantum Computing | 3 |
| PHYSICS 531 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| or PHYSICS 731 | Quantum Mechanics | |
| or PHYSICS 448 | Atomic and Quantum Physics | |
| PHYSICS elective: Any PHYSICS course numbered 300 or above. | 3 | |
| PHYSICS or other elective: Any PHYSICS course numbered 300 or above; courses outside of PHYSICS must be approved by the MS Physics-Quantum Computing program. | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYSICS 779 | Advanced Quantum Computing | 3 |
| PHYSICS 551 | Solid State Physics | 3 |
| or PHYSICS 545 | Introduction to Atomic Structure | |
| or PHYSICS 449 | Atomic and Quantum Physics | |
| or PHYSICS 732 | Quantum Mechanics | |
| PHYSICS or other elective: Any PHYSICS course numbered 300 or above; courses outside of PHYSICS must be approved by the MS Physics-Quantum Computing program. | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| PHYSICS 707 | Quantum Computing Laboratory | 4 |
| PHYSICS 799 | Independent Study | 1 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Students in this program may not take courses outside the prescribed curriculum without faculty advisor and program director approval. Students in this program cannot enroll concurrently in other undergraduate or graduate degree programs.
Graduate School Policies
The Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures serve as the official document of record for Graduate School academic and administrative policies and procedures and are updated continuously. Note some policies redirect to entries in the official UW-Madison Policy Library. Programs may set more stringent policies than the Graduate School. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.
Named Option-Specific Policies
Prior Coursework
Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions
Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.
Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison
Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.
Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison (Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary careers)
Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.
Credits Earned as a University Special student at UW–Madison
With program approval, students are allowed to transfer no more than 9 credits of coursework numbered 300 or above taken as a UW–Madison University Special student. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admission to a master’s degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
Probation
Refer to the Graduate School: Probation policy.
Advisor / Committee
All students will be assigned a faculty advisor upon matriculation.
Credits Per Term Allowed
15 credit maximum. Refer to the Graduate School: Maximum Credit Loads and Overload Requests policy.
Time Limits
Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.
Grievances and Appeals
These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:
- Bias or Hate Reporting
- Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
- Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Policies and Procedures
- Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
- Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
- Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
- Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
- Office Student Assistance and Support (OSAS) (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
- Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
- Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
- Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)
L&S Policy for Graduate Student Academic Appeals
Graduate students have the right to appeal an academic decision related to an L&S graduate program if the student believes that the decision is inconsistent with published policy.
Academic decisions that may be appealed include:
- Dismissal from the graduate program
- Failure to pass a qualifying or preliminary examination
- Failure to achieve satisfactory academic progress
- Academic disciplinary action related to failure to meet professional conduct standards
Issues such as the following cannot be appealed using this process:
- A faculty member declining to serve as a graduate student’s advisor.
- Decisions regarding the student’s disciplinary knowledge, evaluation of the quality of work, or similar judgements. These are the domain of the department faculty.
- Course grades. These can be appealed instead using the L&S Policy for Grade Appeal.
- Incidents of bias or hate, hostile and intimidating behavior, or discrimination (Title IX, Office of Compliance). Direct these to the linked campus offices appropriate for the incident(s).
Appeal Process for Graduate Students
A graduate student wishing to appeal an academic decision must follow the process in the order listed below. Note time limits within each step.
- The student should first seek informal resolution, if possible, by discussing the concern with their academic advisor, the department’s Director of Graduate Studies, and/or the department chair.
- If the program has an appeal policy listed in their graduate program handbook, the student should follow the policy as written, including adhering to any indicated deadlines. In the absence of a specific departmental process, the chair or designee will be the reviewer and decision maker, and the student should submit a written appeal to the chair within 15 business days of the academic decision. The chair or designee will notify the student in writing of their decision.
- If the departmental process upholds the original decision, the graduate student may next initiate an appeal to L&S. To do so, the student must submit a written appeal to the L&S Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Academic Affairs within 15 business days of notification of the department’s decision.
- To the fullest extent possible, the written appeal should include, in a single document: a clear and concise statement of the academic decision being appealed, any relevant background on what led to the decision, the specific policies involved, the relief sought, any relevant documentation related to the departmental appeal, and the names and titles of any individuals contributing to or involved in the decision.
- The Assistant Dean will work with the Academic Associate Dean of the appropriate division to consider the appeal. They may seek additional information and/or meetings related to the case.
- The Assistant Dean and Academic Associate Dean will provide a written decision within 20 business days.
- If L&S upholds the original decision, the graduate student may appeal to the Graduate School. More information can be found on their website: Grievances and Appeals (see: Graduate School Appeal Process).
Other
n/a
Professional Development
Graduate School Resources
Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.
Program Resources
Students are encouraged to attend Graduate School sponsored Professional Development events and participate in Graduate School Professional Development resources, such as the Individual Development Plan (IDP). The MSPQC program is affiliated with the Wisconsin Quantum Institute (WQI), the home for quantum science and engineering at UW-Madison. Students also have access to professional development opportunities through UW–Madison’s membership in the Chicago Quantum Exchange, the National Science Foundation’s Quantum Leap Challenge Institute, HQAN, and the Department of Energy’s Q-NEXT Center.