Quantum Computing is a new course being offered by The University of Tulsa’s College of Engineering & Computer Science beginning in fall 2025.
“We are excited by this new opportunity for students to study at the bleeding edge of technology,” said John Hale, chair of UTulsa’s Tandy School of Computer Science. “Quantum promises to revolutionize computing and obliterate existing performance barriers for computers, networks, and information systems. If this technology delivers on its promise, this will be the way all computing is done.”
Philip Rahal, who is pursuing bachelor’s degrees in computer science, data science, and applied mathematics, is passionate about quantum computing and approached his faculty about creating such a course. He surveyed dozens of students and faculty across departments to gauge interest. The response, he found, was overwhelmingly supportive.
“I began speaking with faculty to put my vision into action,” Rahal said. “Currently, my fellow undergraduate Cameron Walker and I are doing an independent study with Dr. (Brett) McKinney on quantum computing. It will be offered for the first time as a formal course this fall.”
“While today’s research-grade quantum computers can solve only small problems, the field is advancing rapidly,” said McKinney (B.S. ’96), professor of computer science and theoretical physicist. “If this pace continues, future quantum computers could reach practical scales and outperform classical systems on tasks previously thought to be intractable.
“As a result, quantum computing is poised to transform industries ranging from material science and cryptography to machine learning and artificial intelligence. Learning about quantum computing equips students with the tools to contribute to and shape the future of this groundbreaking field.”
The short-term goal, Rahal said, is to create a minor in quantum computing, with the potential for a major and a graduate degree option in the future. The new course is open to undergraduate and graduate students.
“This is only the beginning,” added Hale (B.S. ’90, M.S. ’92, Ph.D. ’97). “We are rapidly moving down the path to expand the educational opportunities in this space, which we find essential for training the next generation of computer scientists and software developers.”