Quantum Information Science Minor
The undergraduate minor in Quantum Information Science (QIS) offers students an interdisciplinary introduction to quantum information processing in terms of fundamental principles and hardware designs. The subjects of quantum computing and communication are taught within a broad curriculum that spans quantum mechanics, quantum algorithms, quantum information theory, quantum photonics and materials, and quantum devices.
This minor requires students to take quantum information courses offered across Electrical and Computer Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Materials Science and Engineering. These courses focus on material that is strongly connected to cutting-edge research areas and current interests within the QIS industry. Completing this minor will provide students with a strong foundation for advancing their careers in Quantum Information Science (QIS), whether they choose to pursue a graduate degree or join the rapidly growing QIS workforce after graduation.
Requirements
Starting Fall 2026, all students will have the ability to declare the minor. Courses completed prior to Fall 2026 can still be applied for credit toward the minor.
To successfully complete the QIS minor, at least 16 eligible credit hours are required. The courses having eligible credit hours are grouped into QIS Core and QIS Elective courses. At least two core courses must be taken to successfully complete the QIS minor. As with any campus minor, at least six hours must be distinct from credit earned for the student’s major or another minor.
The core courses expose students to a wide array of QIS-specific topics and elements. The elective courses complement the core courses by teaching material that builds a broad QIS and QIS-adjacent foundation.
Core Courses
Elective Courses
- CS 374 – Introduction to Algorithms & Models of Computation
- MATH 416 – Abstract Linear Algebra
- MSE 404 – Laboratory Studies in Materials Science and Engineering, sections QS & QM
- PHYS 403 – Modern Experimental Physics
- PHYS 446 – Modern Computational Physics
- PHYS 485 – Atomic Physics and Quantum Theory
- PHYS 486 – Quantum Physics I
- PHYS 487 – Quantum Physics II
- PHYS 495 – Where the Arts Meets Physics
- 398x / 498x / Graduate QIS courses accepted after official approval by the college
Suggested Tracks
Students are free to choose which core and elective courses they take, provided all requirements are met. However, here are three suggested tracks based on major or specific interest.
Engineering
- ECE 305 – Quantum Systems I [Core course]
- ECE 405 – Quantum Systems II [Core course]
- ECE 406 – Quantum Optics and Devices [Core course]
- MSE 404 – Laboratory Studies in Materials Science and Engineering, sections QS & QM
- CS 374 – Introduction to Algorithms & Models of Computation
- PHYS 446 – Modern Computational Physics
- 398x / 498x / Graduate QIS course
Physics
- PHYS 370 – Introduction to Quantum Information and Computing [Core course]
- PHYS 446 – Modern Computational Physics
- PHYS 486 – Quantum Physics I
- PHYS 487 – Quantum Physics II
- PHYS 403 – Modern Experimental Physics
- ECE 406 – Quantum Optics and Devices [Core course]
- 398x / 498x / Graduate QIS course
Theory and Computation
- PHYS 370 – Introduction to Quantum Information and Computing [Core course]
- PHYS 446 – Modern Computational Physics
- CS 374 – Introduction to Algorithms & Models of Computation
- CS 478 – Quantum Algorithms and Complexity [Core course]
- MATH 416 – Abstract Linear Algebra
- ECE 404 – Quantum Information Theory [Core course]
- 398x / 498x / Graduate QIS course
Contact
For advising questions about the minor, please contact College Advising. For course-related questions, please contact IQUIST Education and Outreach.