Princeton Launches Interdisciplinary PhD Program in Quantum Science and Engineering

Princeton Graduate School offers a PhD program in Quantum Science and Engineering, a new discipline at the intersection of quantum physics and information theory. The program aims to train students in the development of new quantum technologies, including advanced computers and highly sensitive sensors. The curriculum includes a three-course core and opportunities to explore current research. The program is unique in its interdisciplinary approach, combining many-body physics, materials, devices, quantum information theory, and computer architecture. Students typically enter the program with a degree in physics, electrical engineering, computer science, chemistry, materials science, or a related discipline.

There are now a range of specialized quantum courses available at various levels from undergraduate to masters to Ph.D. level.

Quantum Science and Engineering PhD Program at Princeton

The program promises to enable fundamentally new technological applications. These include new types of computers capable of solving currently unsolvable problems, communication channels with security guaranteed by the laws of physics, and sensors that offer unprecedented sensitivity and spatial resolution.

Interdisciplinary Research at Princeton

The Quantum Science and Engineering community at Princeton is unique in its interdisciplinary breadth combined with foundational research in quantum information and quantum matter. Research at Princeton encompasses every layer of the quantum technology stack. This includes many-body physics, materials, devices, new quantum hardware platforms, quantum information theory, metrology, algorithms, complexity theory, and computer architecture.

This vibrant environment allows for rapid progress at the frontiers of quantum science and technology, with cross-pollination among quantum platforms and approaches. The research community strongly values interdisciplinarity, collaboration, depth, and fostering a close-knit community that enables fundamental and impactful advances.

Curriculum and Learning Approach

The curriculum of the Quantum Science and Engineering program is designed to place students in an excellent position to build new quantum systems, discover new technological innovations, and make deep, lasting contributions to quantum information science. The program aims to provide a strong foundation of fundamentals through a three-course core, as well as opportunities to explore the frontiers of current research through electives.

First-year students are also required to take a seminar course that is associated with the Princeton Quantum Colloquium, in which they closely read the associated literature and discuss the papers. The curriculum has a unique emphasis on learning how to read and understand current literature over a large range of topics. The curriculum is complemented by many opportunities at PQI for scientific interaction and professional development.

Student Cohort and Professional Development

A major goal of the program is to help form a tight-knit graduate student cohort that spans disciplines and research topics united by a common language. Most students enter the program with an undergraduate degree in physics, electrical engineering, computer science, chemistry, materials science, or a related discipline.

When students apply, they should indicate what broad research areas they are interested in: Quantum Systems Experiment, Quantum Systems Theory, Quantum Materials Science, or Quantum Computer Science.

Application Process

The application for the Quantum Science and Engineering program can be found through the Princeton Graduate School portal. Prospective students can find complete information about the program structure and requirements from Princeton Graduate School.

Quick Summary

Princeton Graduate School is offering a PhD program in Quantum Science and Engineering, a new discipline that combines quantum physics and information theory, with potential applications in creating new forms of matter, understanding the emergence of the classical world, and developing new technologies such as quantum computers. The program aims to equip students with the skills to build new quantum systems, discover technological innovations, and contribute to quantum information science, with a curriculum that includes a strong foundation of fundamentals, opportunities to explore current research, and a focus on understanding current literature over a wide range of topics.

• Princeton Graduate School offers a PhD program in Quantum Science and Engineering, a new discipline at the intersection of quantum physics and information theory.
• The program aims to explore the potential of quantum mechanics, including the creation of new forms of matter, understanding the emergence of the classical world, and our basic understanding of space and time.
• The program also explores new technological applications, such as new types of computers that can solve currently intractable problems, communication channels with security guaranteed by the laws of physics, and sensors with unprecedented sensitivity and spatial resolution.
• The Princeton Quantum Science and Engineering community is unique for its interdisciplinary breadth and foundational research in quantum information and quantum matter.
• The curriculum aims to provide a strong foundation of fundamentals, as well as opportunities to explore current research through electives.
• The program is designed to prepare students to build new quantum systems, discover new technological innovations, become leaders in the emergent quantum industry, and make deep, lasting contributions to quantum information science.
• Most students enter the program with an undergraduate degree in physics, electrical engineering, computer science, chemistry, materials science, or a related discipline.