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The Optical Sciences MS - Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) subplan is a national model in QISE education, designed to train a transdisciplinary workforce -- spanning Engineering, Computer Science, Physics and Math -- while exposing students to the social, ethical, and legal implications of QI technology. The goal of the QISE emphasis is to develop an interdisciplinary quantum education plan for this growing area of study, to build up the quantum workforce. The curriculum will combine tailored courses in quantum mechanics, information theory, computer science, optics and materials, algorithms, and communications system engineering with experiential courses in law and social sciences, and laboratory courses.
The skills associated with the QISE program are in high demand with industry partners. Unique to the program is a balance across theoretical and hands-on experience, with opportunities to work with an array of quantum equipment. The emphasis includes a set of required courses, a set of elective courses (to include cross-listed clinical and experiential courses in law and social sciences) and laboratory courses. Electives can be chosen in discussion with academic or research advisors, from courses not listed formally as part of this sub plan, as long as the student’s course plan adheres to the program objectives.
The MS in Optical Sciences – QISE subplan differs from our Optical Sciences MS program in that it requires 12 units of core courses, as well as 11-14 units of approved elective courses.
Per Graduate College policy, the maximum amount of time for the completion of an MS in Optical Sciences is 6 years, however, extensions of time to degree beyond the 6 year limit are available to students who are enrolled part-time, or who must extend their graduation term beyond the 6-year limit for other reasons.
With over 80 courses taught by faculty who are leaders in the field (see our full course list), and faculty research spanning everything from medical technologies, to communications, to space exploration, our Master of Science in Optical Sciences programs, including the QISE subplan, offer students the flexibility to
As the largest optical sciences program in the United States, the Wyant College of Optical Sciences is the world’s premier optical institute, with outstanding faculty members, an international student body, a challenging curriculum, pioneering research programs and close relationships with the optics industry. The research programs at OSC span the breadth of the optical sciences, from the big — polishing the telescope mirrors that explore the stars — to the small — applying optical nanotechnologies in quantum information, agriculture, energy generation, medicine and more. We encourage you to review the exciting research being conducted by our students and faculty.
We are unique in that nearly all research is sponsored: funded by contracts from industry and governmental agencies. Faculty members and their graduate students partner with scientists, researchers, engineers and administrators from industry, government and academia to conduct the cutting-edge research that powers the future of the world’s high-technology industries. Read more about the work we do here in Dean Thomas L. Koch's welcome message.
James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences
University of Arizona - Main - Tucson
Arizona Online - Online
Please visit our Admissions page for more information.
For International Students, acceptable English Proficiency credentials include:
Students admitted to our Main Campus MS programs, who are residents of Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, or the Federal States of Micronesia, qualify for in-state tuition through the WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program).
Masters students have the opportunity to apply to open Research Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships. No funding is guaranteed for MS students. Please note that RA and TA positions are competitive and limited. M.S. students may also apply for optics scholarships for which they qualify.
For more information on tuition, funding, and scholarships, please visit our website: http://www.optics.arizona.edu/academics/funding.
At this time, the QISE subplan is offered only as a Main Campus program. Admissions deadlines are as follows:
Domestic Applicants:
International Applicants:
International applicants will not be considered for conditional admission by this program.
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The MS in Optical Sciences – QISE subplan can be completed with the completion of a Master's Thesis or Master's Report. Total units of coursework required (including required labs) for completion of the MS are as follows:
- Master's Thesis: Total 32 units (26 units coursework + 6 units OPTI 910: Thesis), with thesis defense and submission of final approved thesis to the Graduate College.
- Master's Report: Total 32 units (29 units coursework + 3 units OPTI 909: Master's Report), with report defense and submission of final MS report to College of Optical Science.
CORE COURSES - 12 UNITS, REQUIRED OF ALL QISE SUB-PLAN STUDENTS
EMPHASIS ELECTIVES – 11 - 14 UNITS REQUIRED. Thesis students must complete 11 units of elective courses, including a minimum of 2 units of lab courses. Master’s Report students must complete 14 units of elective courses, including a minimum of 2 units of lab courses. Approved elective courses include:
ELECTIVE LAB COURSES - AT LEAST TWO ELECTIVES MUST BE LAB COURSES. One lab can be waived for relevant industry experience (with approval by Assoc. Dean):
Additional course units may include any technical OPTI course not listed above (up to 3 units allowed) or an OPTI 599: Independent Study enrollment (up to 3 units allowed).
Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for students who are pursuing this program of study.