Curriculum

The Master of Science in Quantum is a full-time STEM-designated 30-point program divided into two tracks:

1. Engineering Track
2. Physics Track

The program starts in the fall semester, and students complete the program over three semesters, generally finishing it by December of the following year.

Students are required to complete a set of core and elective courses, jointly taught by Columbia Engineering and Columbia Physics Department faculty members.

We also collaborate with the Flatiron Institute (a privately funded institute with one department devoted to quantum physics) and industry partners in the quantum space to design curricula, provide content for courses, and offer internships to students.

Please download the Quantum MS Program Checklist here. 

Required Core Courses

15 credits of core courses are required for both tracks: 

1. COMS W4281 Introduction to Quantum Computing
2. ENGI E4000 Professional Development and Leadership
3. PHYS GU5081 Quantum Physics Laboratory
4. PHYS GR5084 Quantum Simulation and Computing Lab
5. PHYS GU4021 Quantum Mechanics I
6. PHYS GR4022 Quantum Mechanics II

Electives

Students will select from a variety of approved electives from Columbia Engineering and Columbia Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.  A selection of approved electives are listed below. Students consult their academic advisors to select appropriate electives to achieve their academic and professional goals. 

Students must select a track: (1) Engineering Track or (2) Physics Track.  Students in the Engineering Track select 15 credits from the Engineering Track electives listed below.  Physics Track students select 3 credits from Physics and 12 credits from Engineering.  Students can consult their academic advisors to select appropriate electives to achieve their academic and professional goals.