Do you want a high-paying job in quantum computing? These degrees can get you there

Despite unprecedented investments in private markets and government initiatives around the world, the quantum industry faces a significant talent shortage. There is only one qualified candidate for every three quantum specialist positions globally, and it is estimated that more than 250,000 new quantum specialists will be needed by 2030. Between 2011 and 2024, job postings in quantum computing will triple.

This demand means those who qualify can earn a median salary of $166,000, according to Glassdoor. Below, we’ll take you through the courses you’ll need for a quantitative career.

Best Degrees to Break into Quantum Computing

A 2024 Chicago Quantum Exchange analysis of more than 5,000 job openings found that more than half (55%) of quantum jobs do not require a graduate degree. Only 14% sought a master’s degree and 31% sought a doctorate, with roles qualifying for a bachelor’s degree increasing in recent years.

While a 2025 survey of schools across the United States identified only 61 US universities with dedicated quantum programs — specific majors, minors, or degrees in Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) — the field is expanding rapidly.

For example, last week the state of California announced a major initiative to expand the pipeline from UC institutions to the quantum computing workforce.

However, competition remains fierce for places at established programs such as MIT and Stanford.

Of the nearly 90 quantitative-focused academic programs across the United States, ranging from the undergraduate level to the postdoctoral level, nearly half (43%) are interdisciplinary.

Other common paths to careers in quantum computing

Physics: The classical gate, which provides the knowledge of quantum mechanics necessary to understand qubits of quantum states. Caltech, MIT, and Harvard University have highly regarded programs.

Computer Science (CS)Quantum algorithms are now central, and these programs focus on theoretical computer science, complexity theory, and linear algebra. MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and Stanford are among the notable programs.

mathematics: Pure mathematics majors with an emphasis on linear algebra, group theory, and topology are also heavily recruited. Look for programs that have quantum information theory courses.

Electrical engineering: This background is essential for building quantum devices. Yale University has a well-known program in this field that does exciting work with superconducting circuits.

chemistrySome of quantum’s biggest near-term applications include molecular modeling and solving difficult chemical problems. Programs at Harvard and the University of California, Berkeley provide opportunities for exploration.

How to discover quality quantitative software

The explosion in interest in quantum computing has given rise to several “certificate” programs that promise rapid entry into the field. Be careful, as many online quantum certificates are essentially expensive PDF files and not very popular in the industry. One red flag is any program that promises to guarantee employment in quantum computing within weeks or claims that you can master quantum mechanics without mathematics.

Instead, look for programs with clear industry relationships and academic rigor. You don’t even need to pay: IBM’s Qiskit, Microsoft Corporation’s (MSFT) Azure Quantum, and Alphabet Inc’s Google Cirq all offer services. (GOOGL) Free, self-paced training courses are making an impact on employers – and their certifications are showing up everywhere on legitimate quantitative resumes.

As a starting point for evaluating the quality of university degrees, check programs through the list of members of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium, which includes institutions that actively collaborate with quantum companies. Additionally, quality programs will feature published research faculty, access to actual quantum hardware, and partnerships with companies such as Rigetti Computing (RGTI), IonQ (IONQ), and D-Wave Quantum (QBTS).

As for courses, 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 cannot be learned without this mathematical foundation. Finally, check if graduates can be found on LinkedIn who work in quantum companies – if you can’t find graduates in quantum roles, that’s a great clue.