:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-2244028587-8ebf6be858d940c8ba99f43c18e55a0f.jpg "Want a High-Paying Job in Quantum Computing? These Degrees Can Get You There")
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Key Takeaways
- There are nearly 90 quantum-focused academic programs across the U.S. from the bachelor’s to the postdoctoral level. They fall in the following disciplines: interdisciplinary (43%), physics (27%), electrical and computer engineering (12%), computer science (4.5%), molecular engineering (2%), optical science (1%), engineering (1%), chemistry (1%), and unknown (8%).
- About four in 10 programs are at the bachelor’s level, while a third are master’s programs—evidence that universities are rapidly expanding undergraduate options beyond traditional physics PhDs.
- A 2024 analysis of more than 5,000 job postings found that 55% of quantum jobs didn’t require a graduate degree. Only about 14% asked for a master’s degree and 31% asked for a PhD.
Despite unprecedented investments in the private markets and government initiatives worldwide, the quantum industry faces a significant talent shortage. There’s only one qualified candidate for every three specialized quantum positions globally, with estimates suggesting over 250,000 new quantum professionals will be needed by 2030. Between 2011 and 2024, job postings in quantum computing tripled.
That demand means those who qualify can get a median salary of $166,000, according to Glassdoor. Below, we take you through the courses you’ll need for a quantum career.
Best Degrees for Breaking Into Quantum Computing
A 2024 Chicago Quantum Exchange analysis of more than 5,000 job postings found that more than half (55%) of quantum jobs didn’t require a graduate degree. Only about 14% asked for a master’s degree and 31% for a PhD, with bachelor’s-eligible roles increasing in recent years.
While a 2025 survey of schools across the U.S. identified only 61 U.S. universities with dedicated quantum programs—specific majors, minors, or certificates in quantum information science and engineering (QISE)—the field is rapidly expanding.
For example, last week, the state of California announced a major initiative to expand the pipeline from the University of California institutions to the quantum computing job market.
Nevertheless, competition remains fierce for spots in established programs like MIT and Stanford.
Of the nearly 90 quantum-focused academic programs across the U.S., from the bachelor’s to the postdoctoral level, nearly half (43%) are interdisciplinary.
Other Common Pathways To Achieving Jobs in Quantum Computing
Physics: The traditional gateway, offering the quantum mechanics knowledge essential for understanding qubits from quantum states. Caltech, MIT, and Harvard have highly regarded programs.
Computer Science (CS): Quantum algorithms are now central, and these programs focus on theoretical CS, complexity theory, and linear algebra. MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and Stanford are among the notable programs.
Mathematics: Pure math majors with a focus on linear algebra, group theory, and topology are also highly recruited. Look for programs with quantum information theory courses.
Electrical Engineering: This background is critical for building quantum hardware. Yale has a noted program in this area that is doing exciting work with superconducting circuits.
Chemistry: Some of quantum’s biggest near-term applications involve molecular modeling and solving difficult chemistry problems. Programs at Harvard and the University of California, Berkeley offer opportunities for exploration.
How To Spot Quality Quantum Programs
The explosion in interest in quantum computing has spawned numerous “certification” programs promising quick entry into the field. Beware, since many online quantum certificates are essentially expensive PDFs with not much industry recognition. One red flag is any program that promises guaranteed job placement in quantum computing within weeks or claims you can master quantum mechanics without the math.
Instead, look for programs with clear industry connections and academic rigor. You don’t even need to pay: IBM’s Qiskit, Microsoft Corporation’s (MSFT) Azure Quantum, and Alphabet Inc.’s (GOOGL) Google Cirq offer free, self-paced courses that carry weight with employers—their certificates appear all over on legitimate quantum resumes.
As a starting point for assessing the quality of university degrees, verify programs through the Quantum Economic Development Consortium member list, which includes institutions actively partnering with quantum companies. In addition, quality programs will have published research faculty, access to actual quantum hardware, and partnerships with companies like Rigetti Computing (RGTI), IonQ (IONQ), and D-Wave Quantum (QBTS).
Tip
The best programs also offer specific pathways through research and industry partnerships, not vague slogans in hyped-up marketing materials.
As for coursework, look for programs that teach actual quantum programming languages (such as Qiskit, Q#, and Cirq) rather than just theory, and those that require prerequisites in linear algebra and complex numbers, because quantum computing can’t be learned without this mathematical foundation. Finally, check whether graduates are findable on LinkedIn working at quantum companies—if you can’t find alumni in quantum roles, that’s a big tell.
