Quantum Systems Engineering

Bachelor’s Degree

The Nation’s First Bachelor’s Degree in Quantum Systems Engineering

The Quantum Systems Engineering bachelor’s degree at Colorado School of Mines is tailored for students eager to lead in the next era of quantum technology. As the first undergraduate program of its kind in the nation, this degree program equips students with the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills essential for engineering the quantum future. Students receive rigorous training at the intersection of physics, electrical engineering, computer science and mathematics, with hands-on exposure to cutting-edge quantum systems and research.

With a Bachelor’s in Quantum Systems Engineering, graduates will be prepared to pursue careers in quantum computing, communications, sensing and other sectors across industries.

Mines’ curriculum blends foundational coursework with experiential learning opportunities, supporting students’ interests in advanced research, quantum hardware and software development and systems design. With access to world-class facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration and Mines’ commitment to translating quantum science into real-world solutions, students will stand out in both industry and academia. Mines’ leadership in quantum research and education ensures graduates are fully prepared to shape tomorrow’s technical breakthroughs and lead industries, governments and communities in the quantum future ahead.

“Quantum engineering is no longer only for PhDs. 80% of the Maybell team doesn’t have a MS or PhD graduate degree – we’re mostly welders, machinists, technicians, and engineers building the quantum future. This program gets that. By focusing on hands-on, systems-level training, Mines is preparing students for the jobs that actually exist in quantum today, as well as for pursuing advanced degrees that will help define the future of this critical technology.”

Corban Tillemann-Dick
CEO, Maybell

“As quantum technologies move from the laboratory to real-world deployment, we need engineers who understand the entire system and not only isolated components. The bachelor’s degree in Quantum Systems Engineering offered by the Colorado School of Mines is the first of its kind to provide students with a system-level perspective that will accelerate learning and innovation. This approach will be essential as demand grows for versatile engineers who can operate across research, manufacturing, and deployment.”

Matthias Troyer
Elevate Quantum Board Member & Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Quantum

“With AI on our doorstep, quantum is the single most powerful lever we have to secure a thriving advanced-technology future. Today, there are roughly three open quantum jobs for every one qualified worker—making workforce readiness the critical bottleneck for the industry. The Quantum Systems Engineering bachelor’s degree at Colorado School of Mines — the first of its kind in the U.S. — is built to meet that moment, combining hands-on engineering with deep industry partnership to produce graduates ready to have immediate, real-world impact across national security and nearly every major scientific and industrial domain.”

Zach Yerushalmi
CEO and Regional Innovation Officer for Elevate Quantum

Read more about what others are saying about the Mines bachelor’s degree in Quantum Systems Engineering.

Quantum Systems Engineering Engineering at a glance

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17,000 sq. ft open-access quantum labs
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10,000 sq. ft. fabrication lab/cleanroom building 

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22 faculty in 7 departments

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One of the nation’s first Society of Quantum Engineers chapters

Program Objectives

The Bachelor of Science in Quantum Systems Engineering prepares students to design, integrate and deploy quantum-enabled technologies as complete engineering systems. Students develop a strong foundation in quantum physics while gaining the engineering, computing and systems-level skills needed to translate quantum phenomena into reliable, real-world applications.

 

Careers for quantum engineers:

  • Quantum systems engineer
  • Algorithm Developer
  • Cryogenics Physicist
  • Nanofabrication Engineer
  • Fabrication Engineer
  • Back End Developer
  • Quantum Business Development Specialist
  • Quantum R&D Engineer
  • Senior Project Manager
  • Software Developer
  • Technical Sales
  • Computational RF Scientist
  • Field Service Engineer
  • Quantum Engagement Manager
  • Research Engineer
Meenakshi Singh headshot

Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Meenakshi Singh

Dr. Meenakshi Singh’s research bridges fundamental physics and applied device engineering, spanning everything from basic studies of reduced-dimensional systems to the design of novel nanoscale devices. Her work is driven by the idea that at the nanoscale, materials exhibit behaviors that differ fundamentally from their classical counterparts.

Through low-temperature charge, spin, and thermal transport measurements, Dr. Singh investigates quantum effects and other emergent phenomena at nanoscales. The insights gained from these studies directly inform the development of new materials and devices, with a particular focus on enabling alternative computing paradigms for a post-Moore, post-Dennard era.

Making Mines more affordable

Mines’ financial assistance program awards more than $60 million per year, and over 82 percent of the student body receives some form of financial aid.

Aerial View of Mines Campus
Green Reuleaux representing Mines

Why study Quantum Systems Engineering at Mines?

In the quantum systems engineering program at Mines, you don’t just learn physics. You learn how to design, integrate and manage entire quantum-enabled systems from the ground up. You’ll move from understanding basic quantum principles to engineering individual components then integrating those components into functioning systems before considering how that system is deployed in a real-world application. The program teaches you how all levels of a quantum system fit together, preparing you to bridge the gap between quantum theory, hardware and full-scale implementation.

And as the first quantum systems engineering bachelor’s program in the United States, Mines offers an educational experience you won’t find anywhere else—one that positions you at the forefront of one of the fastest-growing fields in science and technology.

Why do so many students choose Mines?

  • Hands-on learning and research experiences for both undergraduate and graduate students
  • Renowned interdisciplinary faculty dedicated to your success
  • Close industry partnerships
  • One-of a kind, world-class facilities accelerate progress across the quantum industry
  • Experience the life of an Oredigger with our traditions like the M Climb and Engineering Days
Mines researchers and students working with the quantum dilution fridge

Career Outcomes

When you graduate from Colorado School of Mines, you’ll leave with much more than a degree. At Mines, we strive to provide the resources, knowledge and support to ensure that you thrive in your next journey—wherever that may take you. Our undergraduate students will leave our quantum systems engineering program with the foundational knowledge, unique set of skills and passion to face the world’s greatest challenges.

A student experience like no other