Chicago State University Launches Illinois’ First Public-University Quantum and Semiconductor Workforce Programs

New IBHE-Approved Credentials Position CSU as a Statewide and National Hub for Quantum and Microelectronics Talent

Chicago, IL — Chicago State University (CSU) proudly announces the launch of two pioneering workforce education programs designed to prepare students for leadership in the fastest-growing technology sectors of the global economy: the Quantum Information Science & Engineering (QISE) Minor and Certificate and the Semiconductor Technology and Manufacturing Certificate. The programs are the first Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE)-approved quantum credential offered by a public university in Illinois. Together, these programs further establish CSU as a major contributor to the national quantum and microelectronics workforce pipeline, delivering accessible, future-ready pathways into industries projected to generate more than 100,000 high-skills jobs by 2030.

“At Chicago State University, we are committed to ensuring that students from every background can participate in the industries that will define the next generation of economic growth and technological leadership,” said Z Scott, President of Chicago State University. “These new programs reflect both our academic excellence and our mission to expand opportunity—preparing students through hands on learning, industry engagement, and cutting-edge research to thrive in a rapidly evolving innovation economy”

Through CSU’s direct pathways from classroom to laboratory to industry, CSU is a core partner in the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park (IQMP). The IQMP—located 15 minutes from CSU — is a first-of-its-kind quantum and microelectronics research and development park under development on Chicago’s South Side. Through this partnership, CSU students will gain access to state-of-the-art facilities, applied research environments, and collaborative projects with national laboratories, startups, and global technology firms. This strategic alignment positions CSU at the center of one of the most significant corporate and state-backed technology investments in Illinois history while advancing the university’s long-standing and leading role in fostering the development of future scientists and its mission to expands access and economic mobility for historically underrepresented students.

This milestone builds CSU’s leadership in the quantum and microelectronics fields. CSU leads, with University of Chicago, Harvard University, and University of Illinois Chicago, quantum workforce development programming that includes pre-college young adults and continues into National Science Foundation-funded research in the areas of semiconductors and quantum sensing binding with nanoscale molecules. CSU further founded the National Science Foundation (NSF)-backed Mic2ExL consortium, a national initiative accelerating workforce development in microelectronics and quantum-enabled technologies. Across these programs, students will benefit from integrated coursework, paid internships, mentorship, and industry-driven experiential learning.

“These programs provide CSU students with quantum science and advanced manufacturing,” said Dr. Valerie Goss, Principal Investigator and Director of the CSU Quantum Education, Science, and Technology Center (CQuest). “These partnerships exemplify our commitment to building a diverse and dynamic quantum and technology workforce.”

The QISE Minor and Semiconductor Technology and Manufacturing Certificate are open to both matriculated students and adult learners, offering flexible pathways designed to degree-seekers, career-changers, and incumbent workers. Graduates will be prepared for careers spanning quantum computing, microelectronics fabrication, cybersecurity and cryptography, advanced manufacturing, data science, and technology commercialization.

Through these initiatives, CSU is helping to build a highly skilled workforce while positioning Chicago as a national epicenter for academic and workforce innovation. CSU invites industry partners, research institutions, philanthropies, and community leaders to join in expanding this bold vision—one that connect talent, technology, and opportunity to drive the future of quantum and microelectronics in Illinois and beyond.

To learn more about our programs, visit here.   

What They Are Saying 

• Jack Lavin, President and CEO - Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

“The new programs at Chicago State University will be vital to the success of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, and to solidifying the Chicagoland region and Illinois as a global hub for quantum technologies,” said Jack Lavin, President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. “By investing in programs like this, we will increase innovation and equity in the tech sector, prepare a diverse workforce to lead in quantum and semiconductor technologies, and build a talent pipeline from all backgrounds to help attract employers to Chicago. This partnership demonstrates that Illinois and Chicago are at the forefront in developing the workforce needed to be a global leader in one of the most consequential technologies of the 21st century while providing opportunity for all.”

• Evajamania Brown, Principal - Corliss STEM High School

“Quantum education equips students with the foundational knowledge needed to thrive in a landscape that is currently moving beyond classical computing. Quantum education programs bridge the gap between emerging scientific breakthroughs and practical applications, said Evajamania Brown, Principal of Corliss STEM High School. “As different industries begin to harness quantum capabilities, building a pipeline proficient in quantum principles is essential.  Corliss is excited to partner with institutions like Chicago State University to provide student access to emerging technologies and future workforce pathways.”

• Emily Easton, Director of Education and Workforce Programs - Chicago Quantum Exchange

“Quantum education is essential to developing the skilled workforce needed to support emerging technologies and long-term innovation,” said Emily Easton, Director of Education and Workforce Programs at the Chicago Quantum Exchange and workforce co-lead at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. “These programs align with industry needs by strengthening pathways into quantum and semiconductor careers. Building on CSU’s experience in quantum education, they support innovation by preparing graduates to contribute as companies at the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park scale and grow.”

• Elgie R. Sims, Jr., Illinois State Senator – 17th Legislative District

"Chicago State University's new programs are creating clear pathways into quantum and semiconductor technologies – ensuring diverse students are equipped to lead the next wave of tech innovation."

• Christy George, President and CEO - Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC)

"Expanding educational opportunities is exactly the kind of initiative Illinois needs to build our skilled workforce, and that our advanced industries demand,” said Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC) President and CEO Christy George. “CSU is not only supporting students in launching careers, but it's also reinforcing why Illinois has quickly become a global leader in quantum and semiconductor development. As Illinois’ quantum ecosystem continues to expand, the minor and certificate programs will open doors to students and workers looking to reskill and will provide the IQMP and other quantum innovators with a pipeline of local talent.” 

• Wilbur C. Milhouse III, IQMP Board Chair - Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP)

"The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) is committed to building a diverse talent pipeline to fill the jobs this emerging industry will create,” said Wilbur C. Milhouse III, IQMP Board Chair. “Chicago State University’s new programs will be a critical part of that work, creating pathways for students to lead in innovative new sectors. We’re thrilled to see these new educational offerings and look forward to seeing how they help CSU students thrive.” 

• Mo Green, Head of Market Development & Community and Government Affairs - PsiQuantum

"Realizing the full promise of quantum computing will take a trained workforce to develop and deploy this technology. Now is the time to build the skills needed to succeed in the quantum economy, and that's why Chicago State University's new educational offerings are so important." 

• Phil Clement, President and CEO - World Business Chicago

“Chicago State University’s launch of new quantum and semiconductor workforce programs is a significant step forward for Chicago’s growing technology ecosystem,” said Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago. “By offering accessible, future-focused pathways into quantum science, computing, imaging, and microelectronics, Chicago State is helping build the skilled, diverse workforce that will drive long-term growth and competitiveness across the city and region.”