Frequently Asked Questions About QISE Careers
Preparing for a QISE Career
How many years will I have to attend school to get a QISE job?
It depends on what kind of job you want! Technician jobs only require an associate’s degree (2 years of college after high school). Many entry-level scientist and engineer jobs require a bachelor’s degree (4 years after high school), and more advanced roles might require a master’s degree or Ph.D. (6-10 years after high school). You can get a QISE job no matter how long you want to attend school after graduating from high school!
Will I have to move to study QISE?
Not necessarily! More and more universities are offering QISE majors or courses that cover QISE topics, which means you can most likely study QISE near where you live.
Are there colleges or universities that offer QISE majors or programs of study?
Yes! Colleges and universities around the country are starting to offer QISE majors at all levels (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D.). Head over to the United States Quantum Education Landscape project to learn more!
The college or university I want to attend does not have a QISE degree program. Can I still study QISE or get a QISE job?
Yes! We are seeing more colleges and universities offering degrees specific to QISE, but that does not mean you need a QISE degree to secure a QISE job. Many science and engineering degrees can lead to a QISE career! Make sure to study what is most interesting to you.
Can I study QISE at a minority-serving institution, like a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)?
Yes! Many minority-serving institutions offer QISE degree programs or courses that cover QISE topics. To learn more about opportunities at HBCUs, check out the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center.
Can I start working on QISE research before I am done with school?
Many students join research groups and work on QISE research before they graduate. If you are working toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, look for undergraduate research opportunities with faculty members at your school. During the summer, undergraduate research experiences (REUs) can be a great way to gain research experience with a research group at another university. The University of Washington’s Quantum@UW program, the University of Arizona’s REU program, and Rice University’s program are some examples of quantum-related REU opportunities. Beyond joining a research group, a summer internship program can be a great way to gain experience working in the QISE field.
I am a high school student. How can I learn about QISE before starting college?
You are already learning about QISE, whether or not you realize it! Many high school courses, like chemistry and physics, include QISE topics. However, if you want to learn more, there are many online resources! Check out our resources page for more information.
Working in QISE
What kinds of jobs are there in QISE?
There are many different types of jobs in QISE that require many different skill sets. Some jobs focus more on researching quantum properties that can lead to the development of new quantum technologies. Other jobs focus on engineering and building new quantum systems. You can also find QISE careers in areas like computer science, math, chemistry, and physics. Beyond the lab, people work in science communication, education, policy, and business. Head over to the QISE Careers page to learn more about the many different types of QISE jobs.
Regardless of your level of education, there are many different QIS jobs available to you. Head over to the Career Pathways page to learn more about how you can work toward a QISE job.
What do quantum scientists and engineers do every day?
Quantum scientists and engineers explore how quantum mechanics can be used to develop new tools and technologies. What they do each day depends on their job. Some design and run experiments, while others build and test equipment. They might work in a lab, on a computer, or both.
Many quantum professionals work in teams with other scientists and engineers. Experienced researchers often mentor others or teach students. They also communicate about their work by writing papers, giving talks, or attending conferences. Visit the Meet QISE Professionals page to learn more about what a QIS job involves.
Are QISE jobs only for scientists and engineers?
Not at all! While many QISE jobs are for scientists or engineers, the field also offers lots of other exciting roles. For example, you might work at the intersection of QISE and science policy as a science policymaker. Or, if you are more interested in the business side of QISE, you could become a project manager or even start your own QIS company. Head over to the QISE Careers page to learn more about jobs outside of the lab.
Where will you work if you have a QISE job?
QISE jobs can be found all across the United States. Some people work at universities, national labs, companies, or for the US government. Head over to the QISE Careers page to learn more about different places where QISE professionals work
Are QISE jobs in demand?
Yes! QISE is a fast-growing and evolving field with many companies, labs, and universities looking to hire people. There are opportunities for people with many different skillsets and education levels. The US National Quantum Initiative includes a strong emphasis on workforce development. Additionally, the Quantum Index Report highlights that “the US labor market shows a strong growth, with quantum skills demand almost tripling since 2018.” Check out current opportunities by exploring the job postings from the Quantum Economic Development Consortium. Image from: Ruane, J., Kiesow, E., Galatsanos, J., Dukatz, C., Blomquist, E., Shukla, P., “The Quantum Index Report 2025”, MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, May 2025.