M.S. in Quantum Engineering

Program Overview

The M.S. in Quantum Engineering is a 30-credit graduate program, typically completed within 12-24 months for full-time students. The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of quantum physics, information technology, and their practical applications. Students must complete five core courses (15 credits) that establish foundational knowledge in quantum concepts. For the remaining 15 credits, students can choose from approved electives, which may include credits for an internship, or opt to complete a master's thesis. This flexible design caters to both full-time and part-time students, allowing them to tailor their studies. Stevens emphasizes practical skills, including a unique hands-on laboratory course in Experimental Quantum Information, ensuring graduates are prepared for research and development roles in both traditional and nascent quantum industries. Stevens reports a high employment rate for its School of Engineering and Science master's graduates, with 98% employed within six months of graduation and an average salary of $87,230 for the Class of 2023.

STEM-designated: Yes, the Stevens Institute of Technology M.S. in Quantum Engineering program is unequivocally STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students. The STEM designation makes them eligible for a 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States, allowing for a total of up to three years of valuable post-graduation work experience. This designation clearly reflects the program's rigorous quantitative, scientific, and technological focus, which is highly valued by employers in the rapidly expanding fields of quantum computing, communications, and sensing.

Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum provides a robust theoretical understanding of quantum physics and information technology, coupled with essential experimental skills. Core courses typically include: Quantum Information and Quantum Computation, Quantum Networking and Security, and Coherence Optics. Students also have the opportunity to take a unique hands-on laboratory course in Experimental Quantum Information. The remaining elective credits allow students to delve deeper into specialized areas such as Machine Learning in Quantum Physics, Nonlinear Optics, or other relevant graduate-level courses from physics or related engineering disciplines. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the ability to understand, apply, and innovate within the quantum technology landscape.

Research Focus: The M.S. in Quantum Engineering program at Stevens has a strong applied research focus, heavily integrated with the university's cutting-edge Center for Quantum Science and Engineering (CQSE). CQSE takes a cross-disciplinary approach to developing quantum technologies, with research spanning critical areas such as quantum computing and control (addressing device imperfections and operational errors), quantum big data analytics (harnessing quantum mechanics for complex data problems), quantum materials (studying exotic materials for quantum processing), and quantum communications and cryptography (developing unconditionally secure networking solutions). Faculty members are actively engaged in advancing the fundamentals and applications of quantum science, with significant funding and collaborations with governmental and industrial sectors. Students benefit immensely from access to state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking projects, such as those related to quantum communications and quantum entanglement.

Industry Engagement: Stevens Institute of Technology places an extremely high priority on industry engagement for its Quantum Engineering program, recognizing the nascent but rapidly growing quantum industry. Its strategic location provides access to major tech companies, defense contractors, and emerging quantum startups that are investing heavily in this field. The university actively collaborates with government, academic, and industry partners, fostering opportunities for students. Faculty often have direct ties to industry, bringing real-world challenges and insights into the classroom. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, including an experimental quantum information lab, which gives graduates a significant edge in the workplace. Stevens' strong alumni network and robust Career Center facilitate extensive networking, internships, and job placements in this highly specialized domain. Recent quantum engineering master's graduates have been hired by companies such as IBM, Google, and Amazon, demonstrating the program's success in meeting industry demand.

Global Perspective: Stevens Institute of Technology fosters a robust global perspective within its M.S. in Quantum Engineering program. This is naturally cultivated through its diverse international student body, which enriches classroom discussions with varied insights into global quantum research initiatives, international collaboration models in quantum technology, and cross-cultural approaches to ethical considerations in this nascent field. Quantum technology itself is a global endeavor, with research and development happening worldwide, impacting areas like global cybersecurity, international communication networks, and advanced scientific discovery. The program prepares graduates to contribute to multinational quantum projects, understand evolving international standards, and navigate the complexities of a globally interconnected quantum industry. This global outlook, combined with Stevens' rigorous scientific and engineering education and hands-on laboratory experiences, ensures graduates are well-equipped for impactful careers in the worldwide quantum landscape.