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Quantum Engineering (Non-Thesis)

Master of Science

Delivery Options

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Fall 2026 Deadline

Domestic: August 1st
International: March 1st

Department

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Quantum Engineering Non-Thesis at Colorado School of Mines prepares you to work at the intersection of physics, engineering and computing in a rapidly advancing technical field. Mines is home to one of the nation’s first quantum engineering graduate programs, reflecting a long-standing commitment to translating fundamental science into real-world engineering solutions.

This on-campus program builds on your bachelor’s degree by strengthening your understanding of quantum behavior while focusing on how those principles are engineered into practical systems. You gain the skills to think across disciplines, moving from theory to implementation with confidence.

Quantum engineering is reshaping how industries approach sensing, computation, communication and measurement. Organizations need professionals who understand both the science and engineering constraints behind these technologies. Mines stands apart by grounding quantum education in applied problem solving, engineering rigor and hands-on learning.

The non-thesis format emphasizes advanced coursework and applied experiences, making this program a strong fit if you want to move quickly into technical roles or expand your expertise without pursuing a research thesis. You will be prepared to contribute to emerging technologies while building a foundation for long-term career growth.

Program Detail

The Master of Science in Quantum Engineering Non-Thesis program focuses on advanced coursework rather than a traditional thesis. The curriculum is interdisciplinary by design, drawing from physics, electrical engineering, computer science and applied mathematics.

You study foundational quantum concepts alongside engineering-focused topics such as quantum devices, measurement techniques, system modeling and computational methods. Electives allow you to tailor the program to your interests, whether you are focused on hardware, software or system-level applications.

While a thesis is not required, many courses include projects that reinforce concepts through hands-on problem solving. These projects emphasize design thinking, data analysis and technical communication.

This program is offered on campus, giving you access to specialized facilities, close collaboration with faculty across departments and an immersive academic environment that supports interdisciplinary learning.

Program Opportunities

Interdisciplinary learning:

You engage with faculty and peers across multiple departments, reflecting how quantum technologies are developed in practice.

Applied project work:

Coursework often includes projects that connect theory to engineered systems and real-world constraints.

Emerging industry exposure:

You gain preparation for roles in organizations working to develop and deploy quantum-based technologies.

Faculty Expertise

Meet three faculty leaders whose research excellence and industry experience empower students to tackle quantum engineering, simulation, algorithms and software stacks you will need to drive the commercialization of quantum technologies.

Meenakshi Singh profile picture

Meenakshi Singh

Associate Professor

Wouter Van De Pontseele profile picture

Wouter Van De Pontseele

Assistant Professor

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Lincoln Carr

Professor

Application Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree

  • GRE: Not Required

  • Letters of Recommendations (3 letters).
    Letters are not required for current Mines students or Mines alumni.

  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Statement of Purpose

  • Transcripts

  • International students please review the English proficiency requirements

Program Curriculum

View Academic Catalog

World-Class Labs, Centers & Facilities

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Colorado Underground Research Institute

The Colorado Underground Research Institute (CURIE) is an innovative shallow underground research facility in the Edgar Experimental Mine in Idaho Springs, Colorado. CURIE supports a range of low-background research across disciplines, such as quantum information science, subatomic physics and quantum sensing.

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Singh Lab

Associate Professor Meenakshi Singh’s research group operates at the intersection of fundamental quantum physics and the development of next-generation technologies. In her lab, they investigate the rich and often counterintuitive behavior of systems at the nanoscale and under cryogenic conditions, focused on emergent phenomena in hybrid quantum systems

Quantum Commons

Quantum Commons will provide open-access user facilities critical to accelerating the speed of progress in the quantum industry. Owned and operated by Mines, the facilities will offer capabilities in solid state and AMO modalities, alongside FAB services to accelerate the speed of iteration across the entire quantum industry when it opens in 2026.

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Quantum Technologies at the Sensitivity Frontier Group

The Quantum Technologies at the Sensitivity Frontier Group develops advanced superconducting sensors and cryogenic instrumentation to search for rare particle interactions. Led by Assistant Professor Wouter Van De Pontseele, the group’s research focuses on creating low-threshold superconducting detectors and quantum-limited amplifiers for fundamental physics.

Salary Outlook

Median salary for recent program graduates $102,000. Learn more about Mines' comprehensive career development resources and this degree's salary potential.

Explore Mines Career Center

Employers who seek Mines graduates include:

Technology and Computing Organizations

Companies such as IBM, Google, Microsoft, Intel

Defense and Aerospace

Companies such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Boeing

Research and Technology Firms

Companies such as Honeywell, Rigetti Computing, IonQ 

Government and National Laboratories

Companies such as Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory (LBNL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), NASA (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NRL), Sandia National Laboratories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of a non-thesis master’s degree in quantum engineering?

A non-thesis master’s degree emphasizes advanced coursework and applied learning. It is well suited if you want practical preparation for technical roles without focusing on academic research.

What advances are shaping the quantum engineering field?

Advances include improved control of quantum systems, progress in quantum-enabled sensing and continued development of specialized hardware and software. These advances require engineers who understand both theory and implementation.

What career opportunities are available with this degree?

Career paths include quantum engineer, systems engineer, hardware or software specialist and technical roles in research-driven organizations.

What industries hire individuals with quantum engineering expertise?

Industries include technology, defense, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, government agencies and national laboratories.

How does Mines prepare you for applied quantum engineering roles?

Mines emphasizes engineering rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on problem solving. You graduate with the skills to apply quantum principles in practical, engineered systems.

Featured Alumni

Meet Connor Denney ’23, MS ’24

Graduates of Mines’ quantum engineering program are moving into roles with startups, national labs, and major corporations—and some are creating their own companies to meet emerging needs in the quantum marketplace. Connor Denney, who earned a master's in quantum and is pursuing a PhD in electrical engineering at Mines, saw firsthand how challenging the path to practical quantum computing can be and wanted to be part of the solution. “If we want quantum advantage to be a reality, engineers and scientists of every discipline will have to rise to the challenge. I want to be one of those engineers.