Quantum Engineering Subplan, Professional Master’s Program

Be part of the quantum future.

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The job market for engineers and physicists is growing, as quantum device development demands a large, well-trained and diverse workforce. The Quantum Engineering (QE) subplan of our professional master’s program provides a unique overview of one of the fastest-growing technological fields and will help to prepare you for the quantum workforce. 

As quantum sensing and computing technologies show promising success, companies are investing heavily in research and development. Large companies like IBM, Google, Intel and Amazon have established efforts to develop the first universal quantum computer. 

Besides these tech giants, numerous smaller start-ups and established companies on the software and hardware sides have devoted efforts in Colorado and nationwide. A vibrant ecosystem of quantum-adjacent companies has grown around them, focusing on areas such as dilution refrigerators, cryogenic microwave components and specialized electronics.

Through core course options and electives, students enrolled in the QE subplan pursue a 30-credit-hour professional MSEE degree. The program is intended for those with a bachelor’s degree in STEM, including solid knowledge in calculus, linear algebra and probability. 

Core Courses

  • ECEN 5915 Foundations of Quantum Engineering
  • ECEN 5925 Foundations of Quantum Hardware
  • PHYS 7570 Quantum Information and Computing
  • ECEN TBD Quantum Metrology & Sensing

Elective Courses

  • ECEN 5634 Microwave and RF Laboratory
  • ECEN 6006 Crystal & Nonlinear Optics
  • ECEN 5616 Optoelectronic System Design
  • ECEN 5156 Physical Optics
  • ECEN 5712 Machine Learning for Engineers
  • ECEN 5345 Introduction to Solid State Physics
  • ECEN 5114 Electromagnetic Theory
  • ECEN 5154 Computational Electromagnetics
  • ECEN 5104 Passive Microwave Circuits
  • ECEN 5014 Active Microwave Circuits
  • ECEN 5696 Fourier Optics
  • ECEN 5645 Introduction to Optical Electronics
  • ECEN 5126 Computational Optical Imaging
  • ECEN 5623 Real-Time Embedded Systems
  • ECEN 5803 Mastering Embedded Systems Architecture
  • ECEN 5593 Advanced Computer Architecture
  • ECEN 5783 Embedded Interface Design
  • ECEN 5863 Programmable Logic Embedded System Design
  • PHYS 5250 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics 1
  • PHYS 5260 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics 2
  • ECEN 5345 Introduction to Solid State Physics
  • PHYS 7560 Quantum Optics

All courses are 3 credits and taught in-person on the Boulder campus. There is no option for online/distance coursework.

See our spreadsheet for when courses are generally taught. 

The Quantum Engineering courses are a subplan in the Professional Master of Science degree. Students must apply and be admitted to the Professional MS program and the QE subplan. 

QE subplan requirements:

  • Complete 3 of the 4 Quantum Engineering core courses
  • Complete 4 of the listed approved electives
  • Three open 5000-level electives, either Quantum Engineering core or elective, other ECEE or other technical coursework in College of Engineering and Applied Science departments (must be approved by academic advisor).
    • Students may take one non-technical elective, if approved by academic advisor. 

Students graduate with a Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering, Subplan: Quantum Engineering. 

No, the Quantum Engineering subplan is in-person only.

 

Application & Admissions Information