Master of Science in
Quantum Computing
Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators in the Quantum Revolution
Master of Science in
Quantum Computing
Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators in the Quantum Revolution
Northern’s Master of Science in Quantum Computing program provides a comprehensive education in both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of quantum computing. This program is your gateway to exploring a revolutionary field that pushes the boundaries of computational capabilities, addressing complex problems with unparalleled speed and precision.
Through a blend of rigorous instruction and hands-on experience, our program equips students with the skills necessary to solve real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to the development of quantum computing systems. Join us in pioneering the future of quantum innovation.
This two-year program is offered in online format, designed to provide flexibility while maintaining a robust academic structure.
The Northern University Quantum Computing program is distinguished by its three pillars: Accessible Education, Alignment with Industry Trends, and Affordable Excellence.
Accessible Education
- Our program reduces the traditional barriers to quantum computing education, which often required a Ph.D. in physics. We’ve structured our curriculum to be accessible, comparable to a Master’s in engineering.
- We support learning with custom-designed textbooks:
- Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Computing: A Scaffolding Approach
- Quantum Computing and Information: A Scaffolding Approach
- Quantum Algorithms and Applications: A Scaffolding Approach
Alignment with Industry Trends
- The curriculum reflects the rapidly evolving quantum computing landscape, incorporating cutting-edge hardware, software, and applications.
- Industry-focused projects and certifications from IBM, Google, AWS, and others ensure students are prepared for real-world challenges.
Affordable Excellence
- Our program offers a high-quality education at an accessible cost. With accomplished faculty and advanced technologies, students gain exceptional value without financial strain.
Graduates of the Master’s program will:
- Build a strong foundation in quantum computing mathematics, including linear algebra and probability theory.
- Master quantum algorithms and their implementation on quantum hardware.
- Apply quantum computing in real-world scenarios, analyzing its advantages and limitations.
- Program and simulate quantum systems using platforms like Qiskit, Cirq, and Braket.
- Stay informed on current advancements and research in the field.
Graduates are well-positioned to enter the quantum computing industry or pursue doctoral studies. Career paths include:
- Quantum Data Scientist: Developing machine learning algorithms and analyzing datasets with quantum tools.
- Quantum Applications Developer: Creating quantum-based solutions for industries such as finance and telecommunications.
- Quantum Researcher: Advancing knowledge in algorithms, hardware, or novel applications.
- Quantum Software Engineer: Building tools and optimizing algorithms for quantum systems.
- Quantum Hardware Engineer: Designing and improving quantum computing hardware.
- Quantum Cryptographer: Enhancing encryption methods through quantum technologies.
With industries actively incorporating quantum computing and significant investments in the field, the job market is flourishing for skilled professionals.
Admission Requirements
- Academic Background: Hold a Bachelor’s or higher in a STEM field with coursework in Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Probability Theory. Prior programming experience is recommended but not required.
- Minimum GPA: 3.3 or higher in the highest earned degree. Applicants below this threshold should strengthen their application with recommendation letters, a strong statement of purpose, or relevant industry experience.
- English Proficiency: Meet one of the following:
- TOEFL (79 iBT), IELTS (6.5), or Duolingo (110).
- Earned a degree from an English-instruction institution.
A complete application package must be submitted per the college’s standard procedures.
2025-26 Curriculum Overview
The Master of Science in Quantum Computing is a 30- or 33-credit program, comprising 10 or 11 core courses designed to provide a strong foundation in quantum computing principles, algorithms, and applications.
Graduation Requirements
To earn the degree, students must:
- Successfully complete the required coursework with a minimum GPA of B (3.0).
- Complete at least 50% of the required credits at Northern Online Learning.
Curriculum and Course Description
Code Course Title
Course Title
30(33)
Credits: 3
This course offers a high-level overview of quantum computing, covering its history, advantages, challenges, future directions, fundamental principles, and applications. Students will gain hands-on experience solving basic problems using quantum simulators and real quantum computers accessible via the cloud.
Credits: 3*
This course covers essential mathematical concepts in linear algebra and probability theory, providing the foundational tools necessary for understanding quantum computing. This course is prerequisite to QCI402.
Credits: 3
This course provides a rigorous introduction to the mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics and quantum computing, which form the basis for understanding and designing quantum algorithms and quantum information protocols.
Credits: 3
This course introduces the foundational principles of quantum computing, focusing on qubits, quantum gates, and quantum circuits. Students will explore key quantum mechanics concepts essential for understanding quantum computation, including superposition, entanglement, and measurement, providing a solid foundation for further study in the field.
Credits: 3
Expanding on fundamental quantum principles, this course explores quantum entanglement and its applications—key phenomena that distinguish quantum computing from classical computing. Students will examine how entanglement enables quantum information processing and plays a crucial role in quantum algorithms and communication protocols.
Credits: 3
This course offers an introduction to the principles of quantum computing hardware and systems. Students will explore various types of quantum hardware, including superconducting qubits, trapped ions, and photonic qubits, gaining insight into their unique architectures and functionalities. The course also delves into the fundamentals of quantum error correction, examining how it safeguards quantum information from noise and decoherence, ensuring reliable quantum computations.
Credits: 3
This course introduces the principles of quantum computing and algorithms that leverage the unique properties of quantum mechanics to outperform classical methods in solving complex computational problems. Students will study foundational quantum algorithms, including Deutsch-Jozsa, Simon’s, Grover’s algorithms, as well as advanced algorithms like Shor’s and HHL. Through hands-on practice with tools such as Qiskit, Cirq, or Braket, students will design, simulate, and analyze quantum algorithms, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
Credits: 3
This course offers an in-depth exploration of quantum machine learning, highlighting its principles and potential advantages over classical approaches. Students will develop a thorough understanding of quantum machine learning algorithms, such as quantum support vector machines and quantum neural networks, and learn how to apply these techniques to tackle complex classification and regression problems effectively.
Credits: 3
This course explores the practical applications of quantum computing across diverse fields, including quantum simulation, optimization, and machine learning. Students will gain hands-on experience with software tools like Qiskit, Cirq, or Braket to design, simulate, and analyze quantum-based solutions. By the end of the course, students will have developed strong problem-solving skills and the ability to apply quantum computing concepts to address real-world challenges in various domains.
Credits: 3
This seminar course offers an in-depth exploration of cutting-edge research and developments in quantum computing. Topics include advancements in quantum hardware, breakthroughs in quantum algorithms and their applications across diverse fields, and the latest innovations in quantum software tools.
Credits: 3
The Capstone Project course enables students to apply their knowledge of quantum computing by designing and executing a comprehensive project that addresses a real-world challenge. Students will engage in independent research and development, leveraging advancements in quantum hardware, algorithms, and software tools. The course emphasizes critical thinking, innovation, and the practical application of quantum computing concepts to deliver impactful solutions.
Credits: 3
This course offers a high-level overview of quantum computing, covering its history, advantages, challenges, future directions, fundamental principles, and applications. Students will gain hands-on experience solving basic problems using quantum simulators and real quantum computers accessible via the cloud.
Credits: 3*
This course covers essential mathematical concepts in linear algebra and probability theory, providing the foundational tools necessary for understanding quantum computing. This course is prerequisite to QCI402.
Credits: 3
This course provides a rigorous introduction to the mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics and quantum computing, which form the basis for understanding and designing quantum algorithms and quantum information protocols.
Credits: 3
This course introduces the foundational principles of quantum computing, focusing on qubits, quantum gates, and quantum circuits. Students will explore key quantum mechanics concepts essential for understanding quantum computation, including superposition, entanglement, and measurement, providing a solid foundation for further study in the field.
Credits: 3
Expanding on fundamental quantum principles, this course explores quantum entanglement and its applications—key phenomena that distinguish quantum computing from classical computing. Students will examine how entanglement enables quantum information processing and plays a crucial role in quantum algorithms and communication protocols.
Credits: 3
This course offers an introduction to the principles of quantum computing hardware and systems. Students will explore various types of quantum hardware, including superconducting qubits, trapped ions, and photonic qubits, gaining insight into their unique architectures and functionalities. The course also delves into the fundamentals of quantum error correction, examining how it safeguards quantum information from noise and decoherence, ensuring reliable quantum computations.
Credits: 3
This course introduces the principles of quantum computing and algorithms that leverage the unique properties of quantum mechanics to outperform classical methods in solving complex computational problems. Students will study foundational quantum algorithms, including Deutsch-Jozsa, Simon’s, Grover’s algorithms, as well as advanced algorithms like Shor’s and HHL. Through hands-on practice with tools such as Qiskit, Cirq, or Braket, students will design, simulate, and analyze quantum algorithms, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
Credits: 3
This course offers an in-depth exploration of quantum machine learning, highlighting its principles and potential advantages over classical approaches. Students will develop a thorough understanding of quantum machine learning algorithms, such as quantum support vector machines and quantum neural networks, and learn how to apply these techniques to tackle complex classification and regression problems effectively.
Credits: 3
This course explores the practical applications of quantum computing across diverse fields, including quantum simulation, optimization, and machine learning. Students will gain hands-on experience with software tools like Qiskit, Cirq, or Braket to design, simulate, and analyze quantum-based solutions. By the end of the course, students will have developed strong problem-solving skills and the ability to apply quantum computing concepts to address real-world challenges in various domains.
Credits: 3
This seminar course offers an in-depth exploration of cutting-edge research and developments in quantum computing. Topics include advancements in quantum hardware, breakthroughs in quantum algorithms and their applications across diverse fields, and the latest innovations in quantum software tools.
Credits: 3
The Capstone Project course enables students to apply their knowledge of quantum computing by designing and executing a comprehensive project that addresses a real-world challenge. Students will engage in independent research and development, leveraging advancements in quantum hardware, algorithms, and software tools. The course emphasizes critical thinking, innovation, and the practical application of quantum computing concepts to deliver impactful solutions.
Graduation Requirements
To earn the degree, students must:
- Successfully complete the required coursework with a minimum GPA of B (3.0).
- Complete at least 50% of the required credits at Northern Online Learning.
Total Credits Required for Graduation 30 (33)
Frequently Ask Question
The Master of Science in Quantum Computing program is a graduate-level educational program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of quantum computing fundamentals and their practical applications.
The Master of Science in Quantum Computing program emphasizes the theoretical foundations of quantum computing, its practical applications, and the development of quantum algorithms. The program is comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics including the theoretical foundations, quantum hardware principles, quantum algorithms, and practical applications of quantum computing.
Our Quantum Computing program is unique because it’s designed to be accessible, aligned with industry trends, and affordable. We welcome students with backgrounds comparable to a Master’s in engineering, keep our curriculum current with the latest advancements, and offer opportunities for industry certifications. All of this is available at an exceptional value, making a high-quality quantum computing education accessible to everyone.
By providing a thorough understanding of the theoretical foundations and exposing students to practical applications and algorithm development, the program ensures that students are well-prepared to contribute to the field of quantum computing.
Graduates of the program can pursue various career paths including Quantum Data Scientist, Quantum Applications Developer, Quantum Researcher, Quantum Hardware Engineer, Quantum Software Engineer, and Quantum Cryptographer in technology companies, government agencies, and research institutions.
Frequently Ask Question
The Master of Science in Quantum Computing program is a graduate-level educational program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of quantum computing fundamentals and their practical applications.
The Master of Science in Quantum Computing program emphasizes the theoretical foundations of quantum computing, its practical applications, and the development of quantum algorithms. The program is comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics including the theoretical foundations, quantum hardware principles, quantum algorithms, and practical applications of quantum computing.
Our Quantum Computing program is unique because it’s designed to be accessible, aligned with industry trends, and affordable. We welcome students with backgrounds comparable to a Master’s in engineering, keep our curriculum current with the latest advancements, and offer opportunities for industry certifications. All of this is available at an exceptional value, making a high-quality quantum computing education accessible to everyone.
By providing a thorough understanding of the theoretical foundations and exposing students to practical applications and algorithm development, the program ensures that students are well-prepared to contribute to the field of quantum computing.
Graduates of the program can pursue various career paths including Quantum Data Scientist, Quantum Applications Developer, Quantum Researcher, Quantum Hardware Engineer, Quantum Software Engineer, and Quantum Cryptographer in technology companies, government agencies, and research institutions.