Executive Summary
Illinois is one of the nation’s strongest quantum information science and technology (QIST) hubs, with a rare combination of research leadership, federal investment, commercialization infrastructure, and education and workforce assets. The state is home to leading universities, two national laboratories, multiple federally funded quantum centers, the Chicago Quantum Exchange, and the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park—the nation’s first dedicated campus designed to accelerate quantum technology development and commercialization.
Quantum computing represents one of the strongest application areas for QIST. As quantum computing technologies move from discovery toward deployment, Illinois’ ability to sustain its leadership will depend not only on scientific excellence, but on the strength, scale, and adaptability of its talent pipeline. Quantum computing and related technologies will require researchers, engineers, software developers, technicians, manufacturing specialists, and other professionals across a wide range of education levels and technical domains.
Yet defining that talent pipeline is difficult. Like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, and other critical emerging technologies, quantum computing does not map neatly onto existing degree programs or occupational categories. There is no single “quantum” Classification of Instructional Programs code. Many of the programs that prepare students for quantum-relevant work are housed in broader fields such as physics, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science, mathematics, manufacturing technology, and precision production.
This edition of Index Insights addresses that challenge by proposing a structured framework for identifying specific degrees and certificates relevant to quantum computing hardware and software. Developed through a review of 2020 Classification of Instructional Programs codes by quantum engineers, workforce leads, and economic research partners in Illinois, the framework identifies programs with relevance to quantum technologies and applies that list to assess Illinois’ postsecondary talent production.
The analysis finds that Illinois produced more than 33,441 quantum computing-relevant postsecondary completions in 2024 across certificates, associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. This reflects a growing talent pool, with a 33% increase in completions since 2018, when the National Quantum Initiative Act was signed. These completions span both software- and hardware-relevant fields, illustrating the breadth of the talent base needed to support a growing quantum computing economy.
This work is not intended to suggest that every graduate of a quantum-relevant program is entering the quantum computing workforce. Rather, it provides a practical, replicable method for understanding the educational fields that can contribute to quantum talent development. It also offers a foundation for future analysis linking education supply to workforce demand in Illinois, the Midwest, and the nation.
