An SMU Lyle quantum engineering graduate student works on cutting-edge technology in a research lab.

Graduate programs

Master’s in quantum engineering

Where trailblazing technology intersects with innovative applications

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Program format

In-person

Commitment

Full time or part time

Duration

Two years (full time);
Three years (part time)

Overview

SMU Lyle’s M.S. in quantum engineering is a pioneering program designed for forward-thinkers ready to drive advancements in quantum technology. This comprehensive program delves into quantum informatics and quantum engineering, enabling you to create and improve advanced processes, systems and devices.

Explore diverse areas of quantum engineering, from sensing and computation to communications and bespoke systems. Engage with both established and emerging technologies and prepare to innovate and excel in a rapidly evolving field.

SMU Lyle’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department prepares graduates for the full range of career opportunities in the high-technology marketplace and enables them to reach their fullest potential as a professional, researcher and member of society. 

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Envisioning a brighter future? Think grad school at SMU, where you join a lifelong family network and see immediate returns on your educational investment. Take your new big step at SMU.

Student success

Our graduates consistently secure positions at leading technology companies and conduct cutting-edge research. SMU quantum engineering master’s students become leaders across industries, making advances in quantum technology and finding innovative applications to other fields such as power systems, data science and cyber security.

This program prepares you to excel in the following areas and professions:

  • Quantum hardware engineering
  • Quantum software and algorithm development
  • Quantum systems integration and engineering
  • Quantum energy science and clean tech
  • Quantum computational chemistry and materials science
  • Spintronics and quantum materials engineering
  • Quantum communication and cryptography
  • Quantum sensing and metrology

Top 20%

Best National Universities

U.S. News & World Report (2026)

9:1

Graduate student-to-faculty ratio

$95,000

Median starting salary for Lyle graduate students (2024)

Career Outcomes Dashboard

Student stories

SMU Lyle alum Saurabh Gupta ’18

An algorithm for success

SMU Lyle’s computer engineering program formulated success for Saurabh Gupta ’18, senior DFT engineer at NVIDIA.

SMU Lyle Alumna Thear Sy Suzuki '96

A Dallas powerhouse

SMU Lyle alum Thear Sy Suzuki ’96 persevered from refugee to Dallas powerhouse.

Admissions

Deadlines and details

Key dates and admissions information to help plan your application with confidence.

International students

All the essential admission requirements international students need to know.

Application questions

Find answers to Lyle application questions.

Additional links

Requirements

  1. Application
  2. Application fee
  3. Official transcripts
  4. English language proficiency documentation (if applicable)
  5. Bachelor's degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering is preferred, while students with a degree in other STEM fields will be considered

All applications are holistically reviewed.

View all requirements

Ready to apply?

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition and costs

Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for graduate programs.

Financial aid

Find information on scholarships and financial support available at SMU.

Curriculum and learning

Featured courses

OREM 7370

Probability and Statistics for Data Analytics

Introduces fundamental concepts of probability and statistics from the first principles for scientists and analysts.

ECE 7383

Introduction to Quantum Informatics

Introduction to quantum informatics. Also includes a well-grounded introduction to implementation technology.

ECE 8384

Quantum Communications

Overview of emerging quantum technologies that are supposed to revolutionize the field of communication in the near future.

View course catalog

Outside the classroom

  • Centers and institutes

    Grow as an engineer with collectives that promote leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship.

  • Maria Murad with friends in Jordan

    Internships

    Get practical experience to develop industry skills, build a professional network and gain valuable insights. Internships can open doors to future opportunities and contribute to long-term career success.

  • Clubs and organizations

    Explore interests, develop leadership skills and connect with like-minded peers.

  • SMU students working with plants at Bontham Family Farms

    Community engagement

    Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world issues while making a positive impact.

Research

Participate in graduate research opportunities and tackle real-world challenges in cyber security, electronic design automation, VLSI test, computer arithmetic algorithms, and disaster and fault tolerance.

Lyle students and faculty perform research that has global implications, taking advantage of state-of-the-art facilities and funding from government agencies, foundations and private companies.

Faculty

Our distinguished faculty are industry leaders and subject matter experts, bringing real-world experience and industry insights to the classroom. SMU Lyle maintains small class sizes, allowing students to develop meaningful mentorships with their professors.

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Mahesh Krishnamurthy, Ph.D.

Vin and Caren Prothro Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering…
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Carlos E. Davila, Ph.D.

Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer…
Ken Berry Headshot

Kenneth Berry, Ed.D.

Clinical Assistant Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Dr. Jerome Butler

Jerome K. Butler, Ph.D.

University Distinguished Professor

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Joe Camp, Ph.D.

Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering Professor of Computer Science (by…
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J.C. Chiao, Ph.D.

Mary and Richard Templeton Centennial Chair Professor of Electrical and Computer…
Dr Scott Douglas

Scott C. Douglas, Ph.D.

Associate Vice Provost for Research Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering

Jennifer Dworak

Jennifer Dworak, Ph.D.

Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering Professor of Computer Science (by…
Gary Evans Headshot

Gary A. Evans, Ph.D.

Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Headshot of Professor Ping Gui of SMU Lyle

Ping Gui, Ph.D.

Associate Chair of Graduate Studies and Research Cecil H. Green Professor of Electrical…
Dr. Mohammad Khodayar

Mohammad E Khodayar, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Dr. Scott Kingsley

M. Scott Kingsley, Eng.D

Director of Graduate Network Engineering Program Associate Clinical Professor of…
Eric Larson Headshot

Eric Larson, Ph.D.

The Bobby B. Lyle Endowed Professorship of Engineering Innovation Associate Professor of …
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Sanjaya Lohani, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Affiliate Faculty …
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Xiao Luo, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Computer Science Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer…
MacFarlane, Duncan

Duncan MacFarlane, Ph.D.

Bobby B. Lyle Centennial Chair in Engineering Entrepreneurship Professor of Electrical & …
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Sukumaran Nair

Vice Provost for Research and Chief Innovation Officer Professor of Electrical &…
Behrouz Peikari Headshot

Behrouz Peikari, Ph.D.

Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering

Dinesh Rajan, Ph.D.

Dinesh Rajan, Ph.D.

Cecil and Ida Green Chair in Engineering Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and…
Prasanna Rangarajan, Ph.D

Prasanna Rangarajan, Ph.D

Assistant Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering
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Choon Sae Lee, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Headshot of Himanshu Thapliyal, Ph.D. of SMU Lyle.

Himanshu Thapliyal, Ph.D.

Inaugural Walden and Paula Rhines Endowed Quantum Informatics Professor Professor of…
Mitchell Thornton, Ph.D.

Mitchell Thornton, Ph.D.

Cecil H. Green Chair of Engineering Executive Director of Darwin Deason Institute for…
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Jianhui Wang, Ph.D.

Mary and Richard Templeton Centennial Chair Professor Professor of Electrical & Computer …

Facilities

SMU Lyle students have access to state-of-the-art facilities where they can conduct research, meet with industry leaders, and gain skills on new and established technologies.

Faculty experts in cybersecurity lead the Darwin Deason Institute.

Darwin Deason Institute for Cyber Security

Advancing the science, policy, application and education of cyber security through basic and problem-driven interdisciplinary research.

SMU Lyle Engineering students build prototypes in the Deason Innovation Gym, aka The DIG.

Deason Innovation Gym

The Deason Innovation Gym (the DIG) provides the tools and space to work on immersion design projects to accelerate learning, innovation and leadership. Get trained on 3D printers, power tools, metal shop machines and more.

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Frequently asked questions

Quantum engineers design and implement systems, processes and devices based upon the principles of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. Graduates with a Master of Science in quantum engineering can pursue roles such as quantum algorithm developer, quantum systems designer, quantum application engineer, consultant and researcher, among many other positions across the tech industry.

Skilled quantum engineers are in high demand as the world responds to increasing demand for innovations in quantum technology. A quantum engineering master’s degree can help accelerate your career by providing technical specializations, leadership skills and industry connections.

Graduates with a quantum engineering degree can pursue roles such as applied quantum algorithm developer, quantum software engineer, quantum hardware engineer, quantum machine learning (QML) engineer and quantum computing research scientist, among others.

Quantum computing is a specialization within the discipline of quantum engineering. Quantum engineering addresses the broader practice of designing and implementing applications for quantum science principles. Quantum computing is a prominent example of a field of application.

Entry-level quantum engineers have reported starting salaries ranging between $104,000–$200,000 at major tech companies; mid-level to senior level professionals in the industry have reported salaries upward of $300,000 (Aqora Quantum Computing Jobs Report 2024).

SMU Lyle’s quantum engineering master’s is a flexible program designed for working professionals, allowing students to tailor their experience to their schedules. Students can pursue part-time study and take advantage of our flexible learning options, including evening classes.

Quantum engineers are being hired in industries including STEM sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security, software and algorithm development; financial institutions; aerospace and defense; as well as academia.

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