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
Matthias Troyer
Elevate Quantum Board Member & Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Quantum
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
10,000 sq. ft. fabrication lab/cleanroom building
22 faculty in 7 departments
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
Curriculum
The curriculum comprises seven groups of coursework and experiential learning for a total of 129 credits.
The degree includes the Mines Core Curriculum:
- Math, Basic Sciences, Computing: 26 credits
- Design and Innovation: 3 credits
- Culture and Society: 18 credits
- Success and Wellness: 3 credits
- FREE Electives: 6 credits
Beyond the Core, there are an additional 20 credits of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science courses, 50 credits of Engineering and Design courses, and 3 credits of Technical Electives.
View course descriptions (PDF)
First Year
| MATH111 |
CALCULUS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS I |
4.0 |
| CHGN121 |
PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY I |
4.0 |
| HASS100 |
NATURE AND HUMAN VALUES |
3.0 |
| CSCI128 |
COMPUTER SCIENCE FOR STEM |
3.0 |
| CSM101 |
FRESHMAN SUCCESS SEMINAR |
1.0 |
| S&W |
SUCCESS AND WELLNESS |
1.0 |
| MATH112 |
CALCULUS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS II |
4.0 |
| CSCI200 |
FOUNDATIONAL PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS & DESIGN |
3.0 |
| HASS215 |
FUTURES |
3.0 |
| PHGN100 |
PHYSICS I – MECHANICS |
4.0 |
| EDNS151 |
CORNERSTONE – DESIGN I |
3.0 |
| MATH213 |
CALCULUS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS III |
4.0 |
| MATH225 |
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 3.0 |
3.0 |
| CEEN241 |
STATICS |
3.0 |
| PHGN200 |
PHYSICS II-ELECTROMAGNETISM AND OPTICS |
4.0 |
| CSM202 |
INTRODUCTION TO STUDENT WELL-BEING AT MINES |
1.0 |
|
|
33.0 |
Sophomore
FALL
| MATH213 |
CALCULUS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS III |
4.0 |
| MATH225 |
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS |
3.0 |
| CEEN241 |
STATICS |
3.0 |
| PHGN200 |
PHYSICS II-ELECTROMAGNETISM AND OPTICS |
4.0 |
| CSM202 |
INTRODUCTION TO STUDENT WELL-BEING AT MINES |
1.0 |
|
|
15.0 |
SPRING
| MATH332 |
LINEAR ALGEBRA |
3.0 |
| CSCI210 |
SYSTEMS PROGRAMMING |
3.0 |
| PHGN215 |
ANALOG ELECTRONICS |
4.0 |
| PHGN310 |
HONORS PHYSICS III-MODERN PHYSICS |
3.0 |
| MEGN261 |
THERMODYNAMICS I |
3.0 |
|
|
16.0 |
SUMMER
| PHGN384 | FIELD SESSION TECHNIQUES IN PHYSICS (New version specifically redesigned for this program) | 3.0 |
Junior
FALL
| CSCI341 |
COMPUTER ORGANIZATION |
3.0 |
| EENG284 |
DIGITAL LOGIC |
4.0 |
| EENG307 |
INTRODUCTION TO FEEDBACK CONTROL SYSTEMS |
3.0 |
| PHGN315 |
ADVANCED PHYSICS LAB I |
2.0 |
| EDNS220 |
PROBLEM FRAMING & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT (TAKES THE PLACE OF CULTURE AND SOCIETY (CAS) MID-LEVEL RESTRICTED ELECTIVE) |
3.0 |
|
|
15.0 |
SPRING
| EENG383 |
EMBEDDED SYSTEMS |
4.0 |
| EBGN321 |
ENGINEERING ECONOMICS |
3.0 |
| PHGN320 |
MODERN PHYSICS II: BASICS OF QUANTUM MECHANICS |
4.0 |
| EDNS311 |
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING (NEW, SIMILAR TO EDNS310) |
3.0 |
| PHGNXXX |
QUANTUM DEVICES LABORATORY (NEW) |
3.0 |
|
|
17.0 |
Senior
FALL
| EDNS491 |
CAPSTONE DESIGN I |
3.0 |
| EENG421 |
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE PHYSICS AND DESIGN |
3.0 |
| PHGN417 |
FUNDAMENTALS OF QUANTUM INFORMATION |
3.0 |
| CAS ELECTIVE |
CULTURE AND SOCIETY (CAS) MID-LEVEL RESTRICTED ELECTIVE |
3.0 |
| TECHNICAL ELECTIVE |
TECHNICAL ELECTIVE I |
3.0 |
|
|
15.0 |
SPRING
| EDNS492 |
CAPSTONE DESIGN II |
3.0 |
| CSCI581 |
QUANTUM PROGRAMMING (REFORMAT AT 4XX-LEVEL) |
3.0 |
| CAS ELECTIVE |
CULTURE AND SOCIETY (CAS) 400-LEVEL RESTRICTED ELECTIVE |
3.0 |
| FREE ELECTIVE I |
FREE ELECTIVE I |
3.0 |
| FREE ELECTIVE II |
FREE ELECTIVE II |
3.0 |
|
|
15.0 |
The 3 credits of Technical Electives and 6 credits of Free Electives can be selected from the below list of courses. Students can choose to focus on a particular thread in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics, to further specialize in a particular technical domain. Students can also choose to be more versatile and adaptive by selecting a set of three courses across these disciplines.
| CSCI404 |
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE |
3.0 |
| CSCI410 |
ELEMENTS OF COMPUTING SYSTEMS |
3.0 |
| CSCI470 |
INTRODUCTION TO MACHINE LEARNING |
3.0 |
| EENG385 |
ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND CIRCUITS |
4.0 |
| EENG433 |
ACTIVE RF & MICROWAVE DEVICES |
3.0 |
| EENG484 |
ADVANCED DIGITAL DESIGN |
3.0 |
| MEGN351 |
FLUID MECHANICS |
3.0 |
| MEGN461 |
THERMODYNAMICS II |
3.0 |
| MEGN423 |
APPLIED COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS |
3.0 |
| PHGN435 |
INTERDISCIPLINARY MICROELECTRONICS PROCESSING LABORATORY |
3.0 |
| PHGN440 |
SOLID STATE PHYSICS |
3.0 |
| PHGN466 |
MODERN OPTICAL ENGINEERING |
3.0 |
| PHGN480 |
LASER PHYSICS |
3.0 |
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.
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
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.