The minor in Quantum Science and Engineering (QSE) is an interdisciplinary program offered by the Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering. Students in the minor will develop fundamentals in math and physics needed for studying quantum systems. They will also be introduced to different aspects of quantum, such as quantum computing technologies, algorithms for quantum computers, characteristics of quantum materials, and sensing and noise in quantum systems. Besides theory courses, students will be given hands-on laboratory experience, either in building quantum hardware or in programming quantum computers.
Minor Requirements & Courses
In order to complete the minor, students must complete all 15-16 required credits with a minimum GPA of a 2.0 in all minor courses. Each course must be completed with a minimum grade of a "C-". A maximum of six credits applied to the minor may double-count for the student’s major.
The QSE minor requires students to take one course from each of the following categories in the following sequence: (1) Math, (2) Introduction to Quantum, (3) Core, (4) Laboratory. Your (5) Elective course can be taken alongside or after your Core course.
Math Courses
Choose 1:
MATH 240 – Introduction to Linear Algebra (4) (Fall/Spring)
MATH 243 - Introduction to Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (4) (Fall/Spring)
MATH 341 - Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations II (Honors) (4) (Spring Only)
MATH 461 – Linear Algebra for Scientists and Engineers (3) (Fall/Spring)
ENEE 290 – Introduction to Differential Equations and Linear Algebra for Engineers (4) (Fall/Spring)
1 course with a minimum grade of C- from (ENEE290, MATH240, MATH341, MATH461, MATH243); and 1 course with a minimum grade of C- from (CMSC351, PHYS313).
Prereqs: CMSC457 or PHYS467; familiar with basic programming languages (e.g., Python).
Elective Courses
Choose 1:
ENEE 435 (Formerly 489C) – Quantum Information Processing (3) (Typically Fall Only; Offered Spring 2026)
Prereqs: Minimum grade of B- in MATH 240, MATH 461, ENEE 290, or PHYS 274; Minimum grade of C- in ENEE491 or equivalent. ENEE324 or STAT400 is recommended but not required.
Prereqs: ENEE491, PHYS360, PHYS401, or ENMA434; or permission of instructor.
ENMA 481 – Introduction to Electronic and Optical Materials (3) (Next offering Fall 2026)
Prereqs: ENMA300; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Another course from the Core or Laboratory categories
Sample Pathways
Below you can find some sample pathways for students in related majors. This is not a comprehensive list and there are many viable paths for students in other majors.
Math
Intro to Quantum
Core
Lab
Elective
Total Credits
Electrical Engineering
ENEE290(4)
ENEE491(3)
ENEE492(3)
ENEE493(3)
ENEE435(3)
16
Computer Engineering
ENEE290(4)
PHYS360(3)
CMSC457(3)
CMSC437(3)
ENEE489W(3)
16
Mechanical Engineering
MATH461(3)
PHYS360(3)
ENME434(3)
ENEE493(3)
ENEE489W(3)
15
Materials Science & Engineering
MATH461(3)
ENMA434(3)
ENMA436(3)
ENEE493(3)
ENMA481(3)
15
Physics
PHYS274(3)
PHYS401(4)
PHYS467(3)
ENEE493(3)
ENEE489W(3)
16
Computer Science
MATH461(3)
PHYS360(3)
CMSC457(3)
CMSC437(3)
ENEE489W(3)
15
Minor Admissions Requirements
1. MATH141 Calculus II
Grade of B- or higher required
Course prerequisite: MATH140
2. A cumulative GPA of a 3.0 at UMD
3. 30 credits (not including AP/IB credits)
Application Process
Students interested in applying to the minor must have completed at least 30 credits (not including AP/IB credits), satisfied all prerequisite course/grade requirements, and have a minimum grade point average of a 3.0 at UMD for admissions consideration. Students must apply no later than 1 year prior to their anticipated graduation semester. The program will review applications holistically and will be looking for applicants with a strong academic performance. The minor will accept applications for both fall and spring semesters.
Restriction: Students in the Computer Science major Quantum Information specialization (0701G) may not enroll in the Quantum Science and Engineering minor.
Applying to the Program
The application for the Quantum Science and Engineering minor will open online on November 3rd, 2025 for the Spring 2026 semester. The deadline to apply is December 12th, 2025.
Applicants who meet the criteria will be notified before the beginning of the semester. Applicants with a pending grade in MATH141 will be reviewed after final grades are posted.
Course Permission Requests and Contact Information
Students in the Quantum Science and Engineering Minor can use this form to request permission to enroll in the following required QSE courses: ENEE491, ENEE492, ENEE493, ENMA436, ENME434, CMSC457/PHYS457, CMSC437, ENEE435 (formerly ENEE498Q), ENEE489W.
Please note that this form is to be used by non-ECE majors only and you can only request permission for up to two ENEE courses per semester.
For permission for ENMA or ENME please use the corresponding permission request forms below and add "I am in the QSE Minor" as a note:
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering oversees the Quantum Science and Engineering minor. Students with questions about the minor can email eceadvise@umd.edu.
QSE Minor Advising Worksheet in their application.