Colorado School of Mines is establishing a new Bachelor of Science in Quantum Systems Engineering, marking the first undergraduate degree of its kind in the United States. This program is designed to bridge a critical gap in the quantum workforce by preparing students to transition quantum scientific breakthroughs into deployable commercial technologies. While a significant portion of current quantum industry roles require only a baccalaureate level of training, the majority of existing educational programs have historically focused on master’s and doctoral degrees. By introducing this undergraduate pathway, the university aims to provide the industry with engineers capable of designing, integrating, and troubleshooting complex quantum-enabled systems as they move from research laboratories into practical applications.
The curriculum is built on an interdisciplinary foundation that integrates physics, electrical and mechanical engineering, computer science, and systems design. Unlike traditional physics-heavy programs, the Mines degree emphasizes a “systems-focused” approach, requiring students to develop core competencies in electronics, embedded systems, data analysis, and laboratory methods. Undergraduates will move beyond theoretical mechanics to focus on the full quantum technology lifecycle, including state preparation, coherent control, and readout. A defining feature of the program is a year-long, industry-sponsored capstone project where students will apply their skills to real-world challenges alongside corporate partners.
This academic expansion is closely aligned with Elevate Quantum, a regional consortium of over 120 organizations across Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Industry leaders from companies such as Atom Computing, Infleqtion, IonQ, and Quantinuum have noted that the lack of system-level engineers has become a primary bottleneck for scaling quantum hardware. Graduates will have access to the Quantum Commons, a collaborative fabrication and measurement hub in Arvada, Colorado, intended to incubate startups and facilitate hands-on learning. The program is set to enroll its first students in the Fall 2026 semester, with the inaugural cohort expected to graduate in the Spring of 2029.
Read the official announcement from here.
January 15, 2026
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