#How difficult would it be to earn a Computer Engineering MSc as someone with a Physics MSc?

3 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

polar crystal
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I have a Physics MSc (and physics BSc with a math minor), and I'm considering if I should pursue a second MSc in computer engineering. This would prepare me all the better for a career working in quantum computing. I'm particularly interested in architecture design in optimizing for specific quantum algorithms, and dynamic reconfiguration.

I have a hobbyist level knowledge of computer hardware (having built one some years back, and running a basic homelab with an RPi and a NAS today) and a basic familiarity with some high level languages (e.g. Python, Wolfram, LaTeX, LUA, etc.). Other than that though, the only "formal" background I have in computer engineering is an IBM certification on the fundamentals of quantum information. Of course, I also learned basic circuitry as an undergrad, and have since taught labs for that as a graduate TA and adjunct lecturer.

Is going from where I am into a computer engineering MSc program realistic, or would the lack of knowledge from undergraduate courses specific to this field be too much of a hindrance to my success? I'm not opposed to some independent learning, but there are limits to what I'm able to do entirely on my own, and I'd very much want to do this ASAP if realistic.

TL;DR: Is an undergraduate education in computer engineering necessary before approaching graduate schooling in it if the person in question already has a strong foundation in mathematics and physics?

polar crystal
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Or do you think a masters in quantum technology engineering makes more sense?

wide nexus
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I think it depends on the program. With your background I think you’d excel in a theoretical focused computer engineering degree, and if you have freedom in selecting your classes to be that way you’d be fine. On the other hand if your program involves classes that require you to write a lot of practical code (eg let’s build an operating system / database to learn, let’s implement a realtime graphics shader and run it) you’d struggle from not having a background in learning multiple languages and less experience being asked to do lengthy / complex coding tasks. I don’t have a masters so I can’t say for certain what different programs look like, but you could do some research into places you’re interested in.