Graduate programs

This department offers one of the most interdisciplinary and cutting-edge graduate chemistry programs in Canada. Its award-winning faculty member’s research improves the fundamental understanding of the world around us.

The program is designed to provide students with knowledge of quantum information, including both theory and its implementations, advanced expertise in quantum information science and in home program disciplines, as well as training in research. Graduates receive a 'Quantum Information' designation on their degree.

Some areas of research include:

• Structural, optical, and electronic properties of low-dimensional, quantum materials
• Experimental investigation of spin qubits in quantum dots
• Experimental nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) implementations of quantum information processing (QIP)
• Quantum molecular dynamics simulations

Thesis-based MSc and PhD program option

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Waterloo is exploring the quantum world broadly with active theoretical and experimental research programs in quantum cryptography and communication, quantum computing and simulation and quantum sensors. In our state of the art laboratories, we are advancing the field with a diverse array of quantum systems including ultracold atoms and ions, superconductors, photonics, nuclear and electronic spins, neutron interferometry, and quantum dots.

Quantum information is an inherently multidisciplinary field, often overlapping with Quantum Materials and Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics research groups. The University of Waterloo is a global centre with world-class quantum researchers across campus and within the Waterloo community from other disciplines such as mathematics, computer science, chemistry, and engineering. Graduates receive a 'Quantum Information' designation on their degree.

Some areas of research include:

• Quantum memory and dark-state polaritons
• Experimental investigation of spin qubits in quantum dots
• Exploring nanometer scale quantum phenomena in condensed matter systems
• Global satellite-based quantum communication
• Large-scale solid-state quantum simulators and computers for quantum information processing (QIP) and communications

Note: This information is specific to the thesis-based program options. A one-year course-based MSc program in physics, with a specialization in Quantum Technology is also available.

Learn more about the course-based MSc in Physics, Quantum Technology Specialization option.
 

MSc Course-based option

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Waterloo offers a one-year, course-based Master of Science with a specialization in Quantum Technology. This program provides advanced training in quantum science and prepares students for careers in Canada’s growing quantum industry.

Students learn from leading researchers and gain exposure to a wide range of quantum platforms, including superconducting devices, quantum optics, and spin-based systems. The program emphasizes practical, interdisciplinary learning that connects physics with engineering, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science.

Areas of study include:

• Core concepts in quantum mechanics, quantum information, and quantum technology
• Hands-on exposure to quantum hardware and experimental techniques
• Applications in quantum computing, communication, and sensing
• Interdisciplinary problem-solving for real-world quantum technologies

This course-based MSc is ideal for students seeking advanced technical training without a thesis requirement.

Note: This refers to the course-based MSc. Thesis-based MSc and PhD options in Quantum Information are also available.

Deepen your knowledge of calculus and differential equations: the foundation for most mathematical models. There is a wide range of interdisciplinary research being undertaken which provides a stimulating environment for our graduate programs. The Department of Applied Mathematics is one of five units that comprise the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Waterloo, which was ranked 20^th worldwide in the 2015 QS University Rankings for mathematics. 

Students' research projects involve cutting-edge applications of mathematical theory in a broad range of fundamental and applied sciences. These applications include, for instance, cancer therapy optimization, control of shape memory alloys, fractal image processing, and the study of climate variability, inflationary cosmology, nanotechnology and quantum computing. Graduates receive a 'Quantum Information' designation on their degree.

Some areas of research include:

• Tests of Gravitational Theory, Black Holes
• Quantum cryptography
• Theory of quantum measurement
• Quantum Gravity and String Theory
• General relativistic quantum physics

Join the world’s first Combinatorics and Optimization (C&O) department. An intensely research-oriented department, C&O has a strong international reputation in six major areas and the largest concentration of faculty and researchers in the field. Optimization deals with determining the values of variables that maximize or minimize an objective.

Research and teaching in our department emphasizes six areas: algebraic combinatorics, combinatorial/discrete optimization, continuous optimization, cryptography, graph theory, and quantum computing. Graduates receive a 'Quantum Information' designation on their degree.

Some areas of research include:

• Computational complexity of quantum many-body systems
• Quantum algorithms
• Theory of quantum information
• Fault-tolerant quantum error-correction
• Quantum cryptography

The David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science has an international reputation in teaching, academics, research, and employment. It attracts exceptional students from all over the world to study and conduct research with its award-winning faculty.

The quantum information specialization is a cross-disciplinary degree provided by the Institute for Quantum Computing and a number of departments in the Faculty of Mathematics, including computing, or the Faculties of Engineering and Science. Apply theories from various areas of study to understand and use properties from the quantum world. Graduates receive a 'Quantum Information' designation on their degree.

Some areas of research include:

• Quantum algorithms
• Quantum complexity theory
• Quantum zero-knowledge
• Theory of quantum information
• Quantum security models

This department offers exciting and challenging programs leading to MMath and PhD degrees. It has an active research community that is intensely devoted to both ground-breaking research and teaching excellence.

With over 80 faculty members, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students in the department, there is a huge level of research activity covering a wide range of topics in pure mathematics such as algebra, geometry and topology, functional harmonic analysis, mathematical logic, number theory and quantum information. Graduates receive a 'Quantum Information' designation on their degree.

Some areas of research include:

• Device independent testing and verification
• Mathematics of quantum information
• Quantum entanglement
• Quantum channels

Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) is at the core of almost all technology - from the everyday, to the unimaginable. Diverse and talented students come from all over the globe to experience our first-rate faculty, education, and research programs. Graduates from ECE programs are among the most sought after in the world. This collaborative programs is an opportunity to conduct electrical and computer engineering research at the cutting edge of quantum information science.

Research flowing from this department consistently leads to the creation of new patents and prototypes for future market use. ECE faculty members are internationally recognized for their expertise and are holders of many prestigious awards and research chairs. In this program, you will work under the supervision of an Electrical and Computer Engineering faculty member, while gaining perspectives from other disciplines in the Institute for Quantum Computing. Graduates receive a 'Quantum Information' designation on their degree.

Some areas of research include:

• Nanophotonics and quantum optics
• Global satellite-based quantum communication
• Quantum artificial intelligence and quantum security
• Semiconductor nanowire quantum light sources
• Superconducting qubits

If you have any questions regarding admission or application requirements for the Electrical and Computer Engineering (Quantum Information) MASc and PhD programs please complete the following information form.