MS Quantum Computing Program

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Active Learning

The MS Quantum Computing blends instruction, hands-on quantum computing lab skill development, and research involvement.

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Flexible Academic Plans

The MS Quantum Computing is designed so students of many STEM backgrounds can be successful and graduate in just one calendar year.

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STEM-Designated Program

Gain a solid foundation in quantum information and computing in this distinctive program.

Curriculum

Graduates will have the tools to succeed as researchers or program managers in a quantum computing or technologies enterprise. They may also use the program as a springboard to PhD programs. The curriculum provides the opportunity to develop skills that are hardware-specific or software/computation-specific. It includes:

  • Quantum theory and study of various hardware platforms
  • Quantum gates, qubit tune-up, measurements, algorithms, quantum error correction, and decoherence
  • Quantum communication theory and secure transmission of information
  • Supporting areas of statistical mechanics, solid-state physics, and atomic physics

The current MS Quantum Computing handbook contains detailed curriculum information that is also adopted in the MS Quantum Computing program.

Admissions & Program Overview

Fall 2026 applications are due March 15, 2026. We are currently accepting Fall 2026 applications on a rolling basis until May 31, 2026. Spring 2026 applications will be considered for current UW–Madison students majoring in STEM who graduate in Fall 2025. This spring application deadline is October 15, 2025. Applicants can apply using the Fall 2026 graduate school application that opens in September 2025. Prospective students 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
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose: Address relevant experiences and future research/industry interests and goals. Communicate motivations for pursuing the MS Quantum Computing, and convey how interests/experiences align with the strengths of the UW– Madison program
NOTE: GRE scores are NOT required and will not be considered in admissions decisions.  

Apply Today!

Credits: 30 credits required. Minimum of 15 credits (50%) must be graduate-level. A minimum of 16 graduate credits must be earned in residence at UW–Madison.

Tuition: $1,700/credit, $51,000.00 total. Segregated fees and living costs are in addition to the cost of tuition.

Duration: It is typically completed within five Terms but can be completed in one calendar year (three Terms) at an accelerated pace.

Courses: All core and core elective courses are offered by the Physics Department. All students must complete Physics 701, 707, 709, 763 and 779. Students can also choose courses in other departments (up to nine credits). List of Physics Courses Grades: Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. Advising: Students work with MS Quantum Computing faculty to develop a plan of study.

Funding: Students may accept teaching, research, or project assistantships, but may not accept tuition remission that may be offered with those positions. Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to discuss federal loan programs and other lending opportunities.

Why Study Quantum Computing at UW–Madison?

The MS Quantum Computing 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.

The QC global market is forecasted to reach 1.5 billion USD in 2026. Growth is expected in both hardware, software and end-user access.

  graph showing the global quantum computing market from 2019-2026 in $USD, showing a clear growth over time with an estimated $1,544,000 in 2026 (https://quantumconsortium.org/4th-annual-qc-global-market-forecast/, Hyperion Research)

Mark Eriksson gives a tour of his research lab

Is the MS Quantum Computing right for you?  To help prospective students answer this question, we asked three graduates, Why MS Quantum Computing? 

Connect with Us!

Sign up to attend a MS Quantum Computing Webinar or view past ones: Submit a “Stay in Touch” Form to Receive Webinar Recordings
UW–Madison booths at a conference. No people are in this shot. Connect with us in person at a conference

Current MS Quantum Computing Students

Useful Links

Upcoming MS Quantum Computing Events

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FAQs

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The new program offers much more specialized training in quantum computing hardware vs. software/computation. It is a flexible program, that can be completed in one calendar year (3 terms) or be extended to 5 terms. It offers a unique mix of classroom, laboratory instruction and research opportunities.

You would need to apply to the PhD program directly using the add/change major form for currently enrolled students.  Admission to the MS Quantum Computing is completely separate from the PhD program.

The level of degree received by the MSQC graduates is at the same level as that of the M.S. degree that students in the traditional M.S. program receive.

Yes. International applications are welcomed. If you accept our offer of admission, the Graduate School will send an I-20 form that you can use to apply for a visa to come to the UW–Madison campus to study.

At the moment, the MSQC program does not support this option. You would need to be present on the UW–Madison campus.

Students can contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to discuss federal loan programs and other lending opportunities. Students interested in financial assistance should call Student Financial Aid at (608) 262-3060.

Students enrolled in the MSQC program may accept research assistantships, teaching assistantships, project assistantships or other University appointments that grant waivers of tuition and/or academic fees anywhere on campus–they may accept the salary and any benefits offered through the appointment EXCEPT tuition waivers or tuition remission.

Students may accept corporate tuition support, waiver of tuition due to veteran status, or other private grants and scholarships that cover tuition or student fees.

Yes.  However, you must apply to each one individually.  Please note the Physics Ph.D. admissions deadline is December 15th so your application must be received by that time.  On the Graduate School application, you will be allowed to apply for up to three programs with one application.  If you are admitted into multiple programs, you must decide which one to attend before enrollment begins.

The MSQC program requires the completion of 30 credits, of which at least 15 must be at the graduate level.  Four courses in quantum computing: Physics 701, 707, 709, 763 and 779 are required. An overall GPA of 3.0 must be maintained.

The MSQC program is typically completed in 4-5 Terms. However, the program can be completed in one calendar year (3 Terms) in an accelerated pace. 

The tuition cost is $1,700.00 per credit and the program requires 30 credits.  Therefore, the cost is $51,000.00 for the whole program.  Segregated fees and living costs are in addition to this.

The application requirements are the same as the requirements for applicants to the regular M.S./Ph.D. program, except the GRE Subject test is not required. Applicants must:

  • satisfy the Graduate School requirements with respect to undergraduate grade-point average, bachelor’s degree, English proficiency, and international financial information
  • submit three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a resume/CV, and a personal statement.
Because the application deadline for the MSQC program is later than that for the traditional M.S./Ph.D. program (March 15 vs. December 15), you have more time to prepare and submit the required materials.

We use the personal statement (also known as “reasons for graduate study” or “statement of purpose”) to better understand your academic and professional background.  Any information you provide to help with the above goals is appreciated. If there is anything else you would like us to know, this is also the place to include it.

Please visit the MSQC Faculty page for a directory of current Committee members as well as quantum computing faculty in the department. In addition, the Wisconsin Quantum Institute (WQI) gathers faculty in Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) from across campus.

You can find out more about the program’s degree requirements and curriculum as well as the application process by reviewing the GUIDE MSPQC page or at the Department of Continuing Studies.

We welcome further questions. Please send questions to Katerina Moloni, MSPQC Associate Director (moloni@wisc.edu).