Program Overview and Objectives
The Quantum Cross-Platform Advanced Training for Future Innovators Program (Q-CAT) will prepare a diverse cohort of graduate researchers to lead the next wave of quantum technologies—bridging hardware, software, algorithms and applications across multiple quantum platforms. Completion of the Q-CAT is noted on the student’s final transcript, providing future employers with an indication of the student’s credentials in the field.
Q-CAT takes an interdisciplinary approach designed to give students a broad picture of the quantum space. Platforms covered include: superconducting, photonic, trapped-ion atomic, and emerging platforms.
The program is open to students currently enrolled in a UT graduate program in:
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics
- Materials Science and Engineering
Requirements
Coursework
Requirements for the Award of the Q-CAT
Students can count one (1) course from each category listed and must complete three (3) out of four (4) categories plus the seminar course, for a total of 10 semester credit hours. The remaining credit will be for a 1-hour quantum seminar class: ECE 197S – 1 hour Q-CAT seminar, Fall and Spring semester.
Categories and examples of approved classes include:
Foundational Quantum: ECE 396M.3, PHY 389K, CH 382K
Quantum Hardware: ECE 396M.2, ECE 383P, ECE 396K.26, PHY 392P
Quantum Materials: ME 381R.7, ECE 396K.28, ECE 383V.1
Quantum Algorithms: ECE 382V, PHY 394U, CS 395T, ASE 389/CSE 397
Please reach out to the Program Administrator for approval if you would like to include courses not listed that fit into these categories above.
Students must receive a letter grade ‘C’ or higher in each course. All coursework must be completed within a 6-year period.
*Please note that these courses may not be offered every semester or each year. Please check in with the departmental contact to determine availability if the course is not listed as available this academic year.
Admissions
Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis Fall 2026; decisions are typically made within one month.
Admission into the program will be contingent upon approval of the portfolio steering committee. Students are encouraged to apply to the portfolio program as early as possible, ideally during the first or second year of their graduate programs. Formal application to the portfolio program will require submission of the following materials to the program director/program coordinator:
- An application form listing the courses intended to be taken (the courses selected can be changed at any time with the approval of the program director or program coordinator).
- A letter of support or signature of approval from the student’s graduate advisor.
Applicants to the portfolio program must:
- Be currently enrolled graduate students (MS or PhD) in the ECE, PHY, CS, ME, Ch, ASE or MSE programs.
- Have maintained a graduate minimum GPA required by their program.
Certification
Candidates who have completed all requirements for the Q-CAT Portfolio must file an Application for Portfolio Certification with the Q-CAT Portfolio administrator, providing details of how the requirements of the portfolio program have been met. The Q-CAT administrator will notify the Graduate School when a student has completed all portfolio requirements by submitting a Graduate School Portfolio Completion Reporting Form. When the student’s graduate degree is certified, the Graduate School will forward the portfolio information to the Office of the Registrar, requesting a transcript notation. This notation will indicate that the student’s degree was awarded “with certification in the Quantum Cross-Platform Advanced Training for Future Innovators Graduate Portfolio Program.”
Steering Committee Members
- Jean Anne Incorvia
- Nick Hunter-Jones
- Michael Cullinan
- Xiuling Li