Florida State University Launches Florida’s First Graduate Certificate in Quantum Information Science & Technology

Florida State University (FSU) has announced the launch of Florida’s first formal graduate credential in quantum information science and engineering: the Graduate Certificate in Quantum Information Science & Technology (QIST). Administered by the FSU Quantum Initiative, the 14-credit-hour interdisciplinary program is accepting applications through October 1, 2026, for its inaugural Spring 2027 enrollment cohort.

The program bridges departments across the FSU College of Arts and Sciences and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering—including Physics, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Materials Science & Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering—to train graduate students and industry professionals across quantum materials, low-temperature device packaging, and quantum algorithm design.

[ FSU QIST Graduate Certificate Ecosystem ] │ ┌─────────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────────┐ ▼ ▼ ▼ Core Academic Curriculum Specialized Research Facilities Industry & Center Networks • Mandatory Quantum Computing. • National MagLab (High Fields). • Commercial Partnerships (IonQ). • 3 Advanced Technical Electives. • Interdisciplinary Research Bldg. • Hardware Integration (Qblox, Keysight). • QSE Research Seminars. • Cleanroom & Cryogenic Dilution. • Quantum Software Labs (Amazon).

Program structure and institutional research assets include:

• Curriculum Requirements: A 14-credit-hour framework comprising a mandatory core course in Quantum Information and Computing (3 credits), three specialized STEM electives (9 credits), and two semesters of the Quantum Science & Engineering Seminar (2 credits).

• Research Infrastructure Access: Enrolled students gain direct access to the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab) and the newly constructed Interdisciplinary Research & Commercialization Building (IRCB), which houses cleanroom nanofabrication suites and sub-Kelvin dilution refrigerators for quantum device testing.

• Faculty & Industry Expansion: Supported by FSU’s recent cluster hire of ten quantum-focused faculty members, the program integrates collaborative channels with commercial quantum partners, including IonQ, Amazon, Qblox, QuantrolOx, and Keysight.

Led by FSU Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson, FSU Quantum Initiative Director Michael Shatruk, and Deans Sam Huckaba and Suvranu De, the credential establishes a dedicated workforce development pipeline within Florida's expanding tech sector.

Review program details via FSU Quantum Initiative here, and read the official announcement on FSU News here.

August 14, 2026