Engineering Science (Quantum Science and Nanotechnology) MS
Next-gen engineering requires next-gen engineers. Learn how you can position yourself at the forefront of the quantum revolution.
Over the course of the past half century, and driven by continuous innovation in the semiconductor industry, we have witnessed a remarkable evolution in computer technology, impacting all aspects of our daily life. Today, however, we stand at the dawn of an even more profound revolution, which will see computer technology expand dramatically beyond its current horizons. This will be made possible by the emergence of new generations of quantum computers, which utilize purely quantum-mechanical principles to achieve massive enhancements in performance. Realizing this promise requires the next generation of electrical engineers to gain broad interdisciplinary training in areas of quantum physics, nanoscale devices and quantum materials.
Our Engineering Science MS with a course focus in Quantum Science and Nanotechnology provides students with such a cross-cutting education that will enable them to ultimately become effective contributors to the quantum revolution. Building on a solid foundation of instruction in quantum mechanics and solid-state electronics, the curriculum introduces students to foundational concepts of quantum computing, while also discussing the role of nanotechnology for emerging scalable hardware realizations in this exciting field.
The Engineering Science (Quantum Science and Nanotechnology) MS is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with cutting-edge training in the emerging area of quantum technologies in response to technological advances. This program is unique in that it provides advanced training in the related underlying physics while combining this knowledge to acquire new cutting edge innovative skills in engineering and information sciences.
Graduates of the program will be well prepared for careers in the rapidly emerging quantum technology industries which continue to play an increasingly important role in: quantum computing and communication; quantum sensing; the simulation of quantum systems; and advanced transistor concepts. The training obtained in this program will prepared graduate for positions necessary in the development of quantum technologies in industry, research institutions and government laboratories.
Prospective students should meet the following requirements:
- Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Materials Engineering/Science or a closely related field.
- Undergraduate Grade Point Average: equivalent of a B or 3.0 (on a US scale) average or better from a regionally accredited institution.
- GRE scores and letters of recommendation are not required, but students are welcome to submit them.
Applicants must also provide the following materials:
Students can apply online. New applicants must create an account. If you have applied in the past, you will be asked to log in to your existing account to start a new application.
The application includes sections that will ask you to provide us with personal/biographical information, contact information, citizenship details, your past or current college/university, and degree details. You will be able to enter the names and contact information of your recommenders and upload supporting materials to your application. You may upload supporting documents while completing the application form or after you have submitted your application in your Application Status Portal.
You do not need official transcripts or test scores to apply. Unofficial copies are sufficient for application review, but students are encouraged to provide official copies if they have them.
A non-refundable fee of $100 is required to apply for Spring 2025 or later terms. The application fee for Fall 2024 is $85. After you submit your application form, you can pay the application fee online in your Application Status Portal with a credit card or e-check.
GRE scores are optional for this program. If you would like to take the GRE, you can arrange to take it through the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Official scores should come directly from ETS.
Note: the University at Buffalo Institutional Code is 2925.
Upload a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to your application. Your resume or CV should include details about your education, employment, and internship history. Pertinent research experience should be included as well.
Please upload a brief personal statement describing your educational objectives, your academic experience, and why you're interested in the program. There is no required length or word limit for the statement.
Copies of transcript(s) for all post-secondary schoolwork must be uploaded with your application for initial review. Upon an offer of admission, accepted applicants will be required to submit official transcripts and proof of degree(s).
International applicants are required to provide proof of English proficiency. The chart below outlines acceptable test types and the university's minimum score required for admission. All applicants whose native language is not English will be required to provide proof of English proficiency.
Copies may be submitted for initial review. Official scores must be sent directly to UB from the testing agency.
| Test Type | University Minimum Score | To Order... |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL (IBT) (including MyBest scores) TOEFL Home Edition | 79 | Use Institution Code 2925 |
| TOEFL Essentials | 8.5 | Use Institution Code 2925 |
| TOEFL ITP Plus | 550 | Use Institution Code 2925 |
| IELTS and IELTS Indicator | 6.5 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" |
| 55 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) | 185 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" |
| Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) | 185 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | 120 | ADA Department of Testing will report your official scores to central application services |
Exam results must be dated within two years from your proposed date of admission and remain valid upon entering the term for which you applied.
It is strongly recommended to make test arrangements early in the year so sufficient time can be allowed for the results to be reported before application deadlines.
Exemptions to English Language Proficiency requirements can be found on The Graduate School website.
The Engineering Science (Quantum Science and Nanotechnology) MS is a 30-credit-hour program that can be taken full-time or part-time. The program is only offered in-person and typically takes 1.5 years to complete. Students typically follow the following path:
- EE 518: Quantum Mechanics for Engineers
- EE 563: Semiconductor Materials
- Elective I
- PHY 527: Solid-State Physics I
- EE 530: Fundamentals of Solid-State Devices
- EE 520: Quantum Computing & Devices
- EE 539: Principles of Information Theory & Coding
- Elective II
Engineering elective credits can be distributed throughout the fall, winter, spring and summer semesters to support a one-year graduation pathway. If a project or thesis option is followed, then three project credits or six thesis credits can be substituted for course credits.
- PHY XXX: Physics of quantum information and quantum computing
- Elective III
- EE 524: Introduction to Nanoelectronics (Fall)
- EE 555: Photonic Devices (Fall)
- EE 638: Quantum Materials & Devices (Spring)
- PHY 528: Solid-State Physics II (Spring)
- Special Topics: Introduction to 2D Electronics (TBD)
- MDI 501: Introduction to Materials Design & Informatics (Fall)
Questions?
If you have questions about the Engineering Science (Quantum Science and Nanotechnology) MS curriculum, contact eegrad@buffalo.edu. If you have questions about your application or admissions requirements, contact gradeng@buffalo.edu.