From Fear to Practice: Integrating Quantum Computing into CS Courses

When a student asked why quantum computers threaten RSA, I realized how little exposure most CS majors have to quantum topics. Initially unsure if I knew enough to teach quantum computing, I began small: I introduced a lecture on quantum cryptography in a cybersecurity course providing early motivation for expanding the effort described here. Later, I expanded with a week of lectures in a required computer organization class on superposition, qubits, and simple quantum circuits using analogies, interactive demos, and online simulators. Over time, this grew into a full pilot semester course in quantum computing. Students engaged with topics from Malus' Law and the Born Rule to Grover's algorithm, building circuits in Quirk and IBM Composer. In my pilot semester, nearly 20 undergraduate students (almost full capacity) successfully completed the class, and more than 100 students across other courses received at least an introduction to quantum computing. End-of-semester evaluations were highly positive, reinforcing the value of this incremental, hands-on approach. This is an emerging effort, begun in Fall 2023 and expanded with a pilot course in Summer 2025. It is not yet mature, and I am seeking discussion and input from colleagues on how to refine and sustain this integration of quantum computing into the CS curriculum.