Quantum information science and technology (QIST) explores how the principles of quantum mechanics can be harnessed to encode, manipulate, process, learn, and distribute information in fundamentally novel ways. This rapidly evolving field unites experts from physics, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and materials science to develop transformative technologies in computing, simulation, sensing, timing, and networking.
Yale College’s Certificate in Quantum Science and Engineering prepares students to become the next generation of quantum scholars and innovators. Students will have the opportunities to interact with leading researchers in the field through activities at Yale Quantum Institute. The program equips graduates with the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills needed to excel in this dynamic field, opening pathways to advanced study in PhD programs and impactful careers as quantum software and hardware engineers in industry.
Application
You must formally declare your intent to earn the certificate by the last day of add/drop period in their final term of enrollment. This declaration should be submitted through the “Declare Major, Concentration within the Major, Certificate” page on Yale Hub. Once declared, Degree Audit will track your progress toward completing the certificate.
Advising
If you have questions about the undergraduate Certificate in Quantum Science and Engineering, please check the FAQ below. If you do not find your answer there, you may consult the Certificate Director, Yongshan Ding (yongshan.ding@yale.edu). You may also join any regular advising sessions during academic year on Tuesdays 1:30-2:25 PM ET on Zoom.
Requirements
Students selecting this certificate need to complete 5 course credits from the approved courses but cannot select more than a 2-credit overlap with their major. To help them select courses that would satisfy the requirements, the courses proposed below for the certificate are divided by department, and example tracks for several majors are provided.
All students in the certificate will be required to take a core course in the area of quantum information and quantum computation as one of the five course credits. This is a common course for all Quantum Science and Engineering students to help build a community of quantum scholars.
How to pick courses for the certificate:
- Choose one of the core courses for the certificate (PHYS 3450 or CPSC 4470)
- Choose four other electives that carry the YC Quantum Elective attribute
The minimum grade for all courses is a C. No more than two course credits may overlap in the fulfillment of the requirements of the Quantum Science & Engineering Certificate and of a major, a simultaneous degree, or another certificate. In addition to the Yale College course overlap policy, students earning this certificate may not overlap any 100/200 level courses; only two 300+level courses may overlap. Additionally, no course credit may be applied toward the requirements of more than two curricular programs. For example, the same course credit may not be used to fulfill the requirements of two certificates and a major. Approved graduate and professional school courses may count toward the certificate. Non-Yale courses may not count toward the certificate.
Special Activities, Field Trips, and Events
The students taking part of this certificate will be encouraged to participate in these activities:
- Become an active member of the Yale Undergraduate Quantum Computing group.
- Participate in the YuQC (and other like QuantumCT) quantum hackathons for hands-on experience coding on quantum devices, and for networking with the invited speakers.
- Attend colloquia of interest offered by the Yale Quantum Institute on Fridays at noon during the academic year, as well as the YQI “Open Mic” informal presentations on Friday afternoons.
- Join one of the tours of the Yale Quantum Institute laboratories offered during the year.