Quantum Science Initiative

EQUIS Program

The Middle Tennessee State University EQUIS Program, funded by the NSF, aims to support community college and undergraduate students interested in Quantum Information Sciences (QIS) education and careers. The program is open to all STEM majors.

Qualified participants will receive stipends to cover tuition and registration fees for two introductory courses in Quantum Computing.

Acknowledging the rising national demand for expertise and workforce development in QIS, the program offers two introductory courses specifically designed for novices in the field, available to both MTSU and non-MTSU students.

1. Fall 2024 – Course 1 (2 credits, Friday 9 am-11 am, CST. Online option is available.): Fundamentals of Quantum Computing for Everyone; Instructor: Dr. Hanna Terletska (MTSU). Topics to be covered: fundamentals of quantum computing, qubits, quantum gates, quantum circuits, basic quantum algorithms (Bernstein-Vazirani, Shor’s algorithm, QKD), hands-on QISKIT experience.

This course is open to all STEM majors; no previous knowledge of physics is required, only basic skills in linear algebra. The course is in a hybrid form, available in-person at MTSU and remotely otherwise.

Upon completion of the course, you will also receive a certificate.

2. Spring 2025 – Course 2 (3 credits): Quantum Computing Applications; Instructor: TBA

1. Eligibility Criteria

The program is open to both MTSU and non-MTSU students.
GPA: 2.5 and above
Participants must be enrolled in a community college or undergraduate program.

2. Complete the Application Form

To apply for the program, fill out the application form (please see link below).
You will be asked to: 1) submit your transcripts (unofficial), 2) provide a short paragraph why are you interested in this course?

MTSU users, please follow this link:

EQUIS APPLICATION LINK (for MTSU Users)

Non-MTSU users, please follow this link:

EQUIS APPLICATION LINK (for non-MTSU Users)

Note: Non-MTSU users – When the link is selected, please create a new account and the form will be displayed.

3. Award Notification and Registration for the Course

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your application.
Notifications regarding acceptance into the program and further instructions on how to register for the course will be sent via email closer to the start date of the courses.
Tuition fee reimbursement will be provided for accepted participants.

For questions, please contact Dr. Hanna Terletska. Email: hanna.terletska@mtsu.edu

Program Details:

The EQUIS program, titled “Beginnings: Creating and Sustaining a Diverse Community of Expertise in Quantum Information Science (EQUIS) Across the Southeastern United States”, is an educational initiative funded by the NSF. The program’s primary objective is to advance Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) education for the community college and undegraduate students from the partnering institutions, including Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), Tennessee State University (TSU), Fisk University, and Auburn University. Quantum technology, grounded in QISE principles, promises revolutionary changes. To adequately prepare for this innovative field, it is imperative to enhance workforce education and broaden participation in QISE. Our focus extends to reaching out to first-generation college students, women, and historically underrepresented groups in STEM fields. By ensuring a diverse and well-prepared workforce, we pave the way for future QISE applications.

Project coordinators (PI, Co-PIs): Hanna Terletska and Ron Henderson

Acknowledgment: this project is funded by NSF Award # 2322591