UW Madison vs UMD College Park [for Masters in quantum computing]

[Unfunnypanda]

@DadOfJerseyGirl

It does make a big difference in finding a job because a lot of roles involving quantum computing require US citizenship and/or security clearance.

Oh really! I don’t know this before. Thanks a lot

[Unfunnypanda]

@DadOfJerseyGirl

And why do you think you need a Master’s first before doing a PhD? What do you plan to do with a PhD?

I planned on doing this masters because it gives me the required knowledge and skills. I tried different resources before but they are not complete. I would get good experience from a masters course.

Since Quantum Computing in still in a research field doing a PhD will boost my research experience.

[tsbna44]

@Hippobirdy

It is a non thesis masters.

So let me ask you this or for anyone else familiar - I’m not and thank you for this info @Hippobirdy - for a student who then wants to pursue a PhD, is a non-thesis major a way to get there? Or it’s not “academic” enough?

When I first pulled up the major, it actually took me to the college of extended studies (it wasn’t the right link but it pulled up in the search).

I don’t know the right answer but it’s concerning enough on paper that I’d want to validate - is this degree ok for that potential future PhD student vs. an MS at Wisconsin? Should this be a consideration for this student?

[Hippobirdy]

You are correct to ask these questions.
The Graduate Science Academy offers Master of Professional Studies for working professionals.

About | College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences | University...

And if you look at the link for FAQ, it is not eligible for OPT STEM designation.

[Unfunnypanda]

@momsearcheng

You will not have a visa to work anywhere but campus. No internships while doing Masters.

Wisconsin is giving STEM OPT as apart of the program. Will that change anything in terms of working?

[thumper1]

@Unfunnypanda

Wisconsin is giving STEM OPT as apart of the program

Sounds like that would be for work on that campus. I don’t think folks can do this for other employers.

IIRC correctly, there is also a time limit for OPT and if you start using it now…that counts…I think.
@MYOS1634

[MYOS1634]

If done during the studies, it’s called CPT. It can include up to 3 months full time, or twice the number in weeks of part time hours. The total in months is seducted from the OPT, so if STEM OPT and 2 13-week semesters CPT part time, there’s 24 months left.
Oncampus work (research, etc), doesn’t count.

[Mwfan1921]

OP, did you use up any of your OPT time to this point?

[MYOS1634]

Opt “recharges” with each degree but CPT within a degree cuts time from that degree’s associated OPT.

[Unfunnypanda]

@MYOS1634

If done during the studies, it’s called CPT. It can include up to 3 months full time, or twice the number in weeks of part time hours. The total in months is seducted from the OPT, so if STEM OPT and 2 13-week semesters CPT part time, there’s 24 months left.
Oncampus work (research, etc), doesn’t count.

So with STEM Extension OPT, I can work off campus for sometime right?

[Unfunnypanda]

@Mwfan1921

OP, did you use up any of your OPT time to this point?

Not yet, as I’m still in the process of selecting the university to go between Wisconsin and Maryland.

[tsbna44]

Did you see what @Hippobirdy wrote - it seems like (but again maybe I’m wrong) that UMD from a getting into PhD and working - might be the lesser option. In other words, it might make the decision for you.

Just reminding if you didn’t see that earlier - unless I got that wrong.

Please correct me all if I’m wrong - but I believe that UW automatically becomes the better option for OPs goals.

Thanks

[MYOS1634]

Yes, but you have to ask if the degree is eligible.