10 Best Bachelor’s in Quantum Information Science & Engineering (QISE)

Quantum technology is quickly moving from science fiction to real-world innovation. This interdisciplinary field blends quantum physics, computation, and engineering—three areas that together shape the foundation of next-generation technologies.

Because this field is still emerging, program enrollment tends to be small, often limited to a few dozen students per cohort. However, demand is rising quickly as governments and global tech companies invest heavily in quantum development.

Why Quantum Information Science & Engineering is Under-explored

Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) is still a young and developing field, which is why only a handful of universities currently offer it at the undergraduate level. Several factors explain this:

• New academic territory: QISE combines quantum physics, computer science, and engineering. These are fields that were traditionally taught separately. Creating a curriculum that effectively bridges them takes time and collaboration across departments.
• High specialization required: Quantum studies demand advanced lab setups, specialized instructors, and cross-disciplinary research opportunities, which not all schools are equipped to provide yet.
• Grad-level focus until recently: For decades, quantum topics were mainly explored in master’s or PhD programs. It’s only now that universities see the need to train students earlier to meet workforce demands.

The main point is that QISE is under-explored simply because it’s new, complex, and evolving fast.

Career Paths and Relevance

The quantum industry is creating brand-new careers while redefining traditional ones. Here are the most in-demand roles in 2026:

• Quantum Engineer – Works on building and testing quantum processors and circuits, turning theory into functioning devices.
• Quantum Algorithm Developer – Designs clever algorithms to solve problems that classical computers can’t handle efficiently.
• Quantum Software Engineer – Creates software tools and simulators to help run and test quantum systems.
• Quantum Research Scientist – Explores advanced topics in quantum theory, cryptography, or new materials for quantum devices.
• Quantum Data Scientist – Applies quantum computing techniques to analyze data and improve AI models.
• Cryogenic/Hardware Engineer – Builds the precise cooling systems and hardware that quantum machines rely on.
• Quantum Network Engineer – Develops secure communication networks using quantum technologies.

Industry Growth and Demand Outlook

• McKinsey and Avery Fairbank report a 3:1 gap between open roles and qualified talent, with fewer than half of positions expected to be filled by 2025.
• Salaries in the U.S. reflect that premium: for example, a “Quantum Engineer” averages around $165,000/year, ranging from $125,000 to over $220,000.
• The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is investing heavily in quantum research and education. NSF’s initiatives include the creation of the Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes and the National Quantum Virtual Laboratory.

10 Bachelor’s in Quantum Information Science & Engineering (QISE)

Middle Tennessee State University 

B.S. in Physics (Quantum Science and Computing Concentration)

• Length: 4 years
• Tuition: $29,000/year
• Courses:
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Scientific Computing
  • Quantum Computing Basics
  • Quantum Applications
• Standout Feature:
  • Supported by major NSF and DOE research grants totaling over $5.5 million through the MTSU Quantum Science Initiative.

Learn more: MTSU Physics – Quantum Science and Computing Concentration

University of Wyoming

Quantum Information Science & Engineering, Minor

• Length: 4 years as part of a bachelor’s degree
• Tuition: $19,000/year
• Courses Include:
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Quantum Computing
  • Quantum Algorithms
  • Engineering Applications
• Standout Feature:
  • Offers interdisciplinary research and internships through the Center for Quantum Information Science and Engineering (C-QISE), launched in 2023 with multi-million-dollar funding for hands-on quantum projects.

Learn more: University of Wyoming – Quantum Information Science and Engineering Minor

University of Chicago

Molecular Engineering Major, Quantum Track

• Length: 4 years
• Tuition: $65,000/year
• Courses Include:
  • Quantum Information Science
  • Quantum Engineering Principles
  • Applied Quantum Systems
• Standout Features:
  • Among the first programs worldwide to offer a formal undergraduate Quantum Engineering track through the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering.
  • Connected with the national Quantum Information Science and Engineering Network (QISE-NET)

Learn more: University of Chicago – Molecular Engineering Quantum Track

Cornell University

Quantum Science and Engineering

• Length: 4 years
• Tuition: $66,000/year
• Courses Include:
  • Introductory Quantum Computing
  • Nonlinear and Quantum Optics
  • Quantum Information Processing
  • Physics of Semiconductors and Nanostructures
• Standout Feature:
  • Cornell offers one of the broadest interdisciplinary pathways into Quantum Science & Engineering through multiple departments, namely Applied Physics, Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Physics, that are all connected to active research centers like the Kavli Institute at Cornell.

Learn more: Cornell – Quantum Science and Engineering

Temple University

Quantum Materials Science BS

• Length: 4 years
• Tuition: $40,000/year
• Courses Include:
  • Quantum Theory
  • Computational Materials Design
  • Artificial Intelligence in Materials Science
  • Materials Synthesis and Characterization
• Standout Feature:
  • Integrates AI and machine learning into materials research, preparing students for careers in next-generation quantum technologies.

Learn more: Temple – Bachelor of Science Quantum Materials Science

University of Washington

Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Quantum Technologies Pathway

• Length: 4 years
• Tuition: $42,000/year
• Courses Include:
  • Quantum Mechanics for Engineers
  • Quantum Computing Fundamentals
  • Photonics and Quantum Communication
  • Electronic and Photonic Device Design
• Standout Feature:
  • Students gain hands-on access to quantum hardware and can combine this pathway with other ECE specializations, preparing them for roles in scalable quantum systems and next-gen devices.

Learn more: UW – Quantum Technologies Pathway (BSECE)

University of Illinois Chicago

Quantum Information Science and Engineering

• Length: Typically completed within 4 years as part of an ECE degree
• Tuition: $36,000/year
• Courses Include:
  • Quantum Information Science and Technology for Engineers
  • Quantum Computation and Communication
  • Quantum Hardware and Sensing
• Standout Features:
  • UIC’s Quantum Information Science and Engineering sequence offers an accessible entry point for engineering and computer science students to explore quantum computing, communication, and hardware.
  • It is backed by hands-on coursework and alignment with the UN’s 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.

Learn more: UIC – Quantum Information Science and Engineering

University of Colorado Boulder

Quantum Engineering Minor

• Length: Typically completed within 4 years
• Tuition: $41,000/year
• Courses Include:
  • Foundations of Quantum Engineering
  • Foundations of Quantum Hardware
  • Introduction to Quantum Computing
  • Quantum Mechanics I & II
• Standout Features:
  • CU Boulder’s Quantum Engineering minor equips students with hands-on training in quantum hardware, sensors, and communications.
  • It integrates coursework across physics, computer science, and electrical engineering to prepare graduates for emerging quantum technologies.

Learn more: UC Boulder – Quantum Engineering Minor

Michigan University

Quantum Engineering Science & Technology (QuEST) Lab / Programs

• Length: 4 years (undergraduate foundation, with advanced research opportunities at the graduate level)
• Tuition: $57,000/year
• Courses Include:
  • Quantum Information Science and Engineering
  • Quantum Devices and Photonics
  • Quantum Algorithms and Computation
  • Quantum Sensors and Materials
• Standout Features:
  • Michigan’s QuEST Lab integrates electrical engineering, computer science, and physics to train students in developing real-world quantum devices and algorithms.
  • The program offers access to state-of-the-art labs, interdisciplinary projects, and participation in Michigan’s Quantum Research Institute.

Learn more: UM – Quantum Engineering, Science, and Technology

Miami University

Bachelor of Science in Quantum Computing

• Length: 4 years
• Tuition: $38,000/year
• Courses Include:
  • Quantum Information Processing
  • Quantum Algorithms
  • Advanced Quantum Computing Applications
  • Machine Learning
  • Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Business Models
• Standout Features:
  • Miami’s B.S. in Quantum Computing is the first of its kind in Ohio, developed in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic.
  • Students gain hands-on experience with IBM Quantum System One and can choose interdisciplinary tracks like AI, Cybersecurity, Neuroscience, or Finance.

Learn more: Miami University – Bachelor of Science in Quantum Computing

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of high school preparation is recommended for a Quantum Information Science & Engineering bachelor?

Take advanced math (calculus, algebra, statistics), physics, and some programming. These build the core skills needed for quantum studies.

Will I need to specialize further after the bachelor’s degree to work in quantum technologies?

Yes, most research or design roles need a master’s or PhD, though software and systems jobs may be open to bachelor’s grads.

Are there fully online bachelor’s programs in QISE?

Almost none. Most programs are on-campus because they require labs and hands-on hardware training.

How is this degree different from a standard physics or computer science bachelor?

QISE combines quantum physics, computing, and engineering, while traditional programs focus on just one area.

What is the likely class size or cohort size for such programs?

Usually small—often only a few dozen students—since the field is still new and highly specialized.

Is a Bachelor’s in QISE future-proof? What if quantum tech doesn’t take off?

Yes. The skills in Math, Physics, and Computing are transferable to many STEM careers, so graduates remain employable even if the field evolves.