Apply to Build Critical AI Skills
If the prospect of learning how to implement AI feels daunting, you’re not alone. At CMU, we’re here to tell you that anyone can become confident and capable around AI adoption with the right training and support. And Carnegie Mellon University is the place to learn how to effectively approach, manage and execute AI from different perspectives.
In the Managing AI Systems graduate certificate, offered by CMU’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, students learn practical and accessible AI concepts from expert faculty with robust industry knowledge. By the end of the program, you'll have the confidence to evaluate, implement and manage AI solutions and the ability to address the organizational, risk and ethical considerations that impact the sustainability of AI systems to drive lasting technological change for your organization.
Is this the right program for you?
Let’s face it, pursuing any kind of advanced training is an investment of your time, energy and resources. Before you begin your application, take a moment to review the program requirements below.
Successful applicants will have:
- A bachelor’s degree in any field
AI technology is continuously evolving, which means every industry needs professionals who can understand and manage AI systems. Applicants do not need a technical background to apply for this program. Anyone can apply as long as they’ve earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. - Professional experience working in the public or private sector
Ideally, applicants will have at least 5 years of work experience as a manager, policymaker or non-profit leader within the public or private sector. However, candidates who lack this experience but possess a compelling background or purpose will be considered. - An enthusiasm for learning how AI can help your organization
Adopting AI solutions within your organization can seem daunting, but it’s more accessible than you think. To master the concepts in this certificate, students must have a curious mindset, a passion for innovation, and an enthusiasm for learning how AI could transform your organization for the better.
If you have questions about the program or how it aligns with your background, please call 412-501-2686 or send an email to apply@online.cmu.edu with your inquiries.
Application Requirements
Ready to apply? Here’s what you’ll need to complete the admissions process:
✔ Complete the online application
Submit your application in the application portal; it takes less than 30 minutes to complete.
✔ Submit your resume/CV
We’d like to learn more about your employment history, academic background, technical skills and professional achievements. Submit a 1 to 2 page resume or CV showcasing your experience.
✔ Submit your transcripts
Submit an unofficial copy of your transcript for each school you attended. Transcripts must include your name, the name of the college or university, the degree awarded (along with the conferral date), as well as the grade earned for each course. Email your transcripts directly to apply@online.cmu.edu. Please note: former Carnegie Mellon students and/or alumni can request a copy of their CMU transcript from The Hub.
✔ Upload a statement of purpose
Tell us your professional story. Where have you been and where do you hope to go? In 500 words or less, explain your objective for applying to this program and what you hope to gain from completing the coursework.
✔ Submit your TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo test scores (if applicable)
An official TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo test is required for non-native English speakers. However, this requirement will be waived for applicants who either completed an in-residence bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree program in the United Kingdom, United States, or Canada (excluding Quebec) or have at least three years of professional work experience using English as their primary language. If you fall into one of these categories, please include this information on your resume.
Tuition: Invest in Your Future
By enrolling in our graduate-level program, you'll be investing in your professional growth to become more confident and capable using AI. We know this is a significant investment. Not just for you, but for your family as well.
Scholarships
To help offset the cost of tuition, and to make our program as accessible as possible, we offer a limited number of partial, merit-based scholarships. All applications will be evaluated for these awards automatically; there is no need to submit additional materials. If you are awarded a scholarship, you will be notified in your decision letter. All applicants who submit by the priority deadline will receive a partial scholarship award.
In addition, Carnegie Mellon alumni are eligible for a scholarship to the Graduate Certificate in Managing AI Systems worth up to 20% of tuition. Indicate your alumni status within the application to be eligible.
So, what is the investment per course?
Below is a breakdown of our tuition for the 2024/2025 academic year:
Course |
Units |
Investment |
Fees |
AI Foundations |
3 units |
$2,121 |
|
Operationalizing AI Systems |
7 units |
$4,949 |
$235 technology fee |
Responsible AI |
7 units |
$4,949 |
$235 technology fee |
Building the AI Organization |
7 units |
$4,949 |
$235 technology fee |
Total Investment |
$16,968 |
|
- An additional technology fee of approximately $235 will be assessed each semester (subject to change).
- The rates above are for the 2024/2025 academic year only. If the program is not completed within that time frame, tuition may increase slightly for the following academic year.
Financing Your CMU Graduate Certificate
Monthly Payment Plan
CMU provides a monthly payment option, managed by Nelnet Campus Commerce, designed to help students spread out tuition payments into manageable monthly installments. This plan also offers the ease of online enrollment. Should you be admitted and choose to join us, we recommend registering for this plan early to fully benefit from the range of payment options available.
Financial Aid & Private Loans
Students pursuing a graduate certificate are not eligible to receive federal financial aid. However, private loans are a viable alternative to consider with competitive interest rates and borrower benefits. See FastChoice, a free loan comparison service to easily research options.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Many companies offer tuition reimbursement programs to foster professional development among their employees. We encourage you to contact your HR department to find out if similar opportunities exist at your workplace.
When you speak to your employer, you can share that our program:
- Consists of four transcripted, credit-bearing courses (not just continuing education units) taught by expert Carnegie Mellon professors from the nationally-ranked Heinz College of Information Systems & Public Policy.
- Equips you with the technical knowledge to understand AI fundamentals, the communication skills to translate "all things AI" for various stakeholders, and the confidence to manage AI effectively at the enterprise level.
- Includes customizable, hands-on projects that allow you to practice core concepts. At the end of the certificate, you’ll have a portfolio of tangible artifacts you can use to provide evidence of content mastery or as models for future AI implementation.
- Is delivered completely online, which means you can take classes on your own time while maintaining your normal work schedule.
Not sure how to approach your employer? Need specific documents to proceed with enrollment? Call 412-501-2686 or send an email to apply@online.cmu.edu with your inquiries. If you’re ready to build critical AI skills, we’re here to help you make that a reality.
CMU EMPLOYEE TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
The Graduate Certificate in Managing AI Systems is eligible for CMU tuition remission. Review the CMU tuition remission policy to check your eligibility.
A Note for International Applicants
As part of a global university with locations and students from around the world, the Heinz College of Information Systems & Public Policy welcomes the diverse perspectives that international students bring to our programs.
To help ensure you are fully prepared for the admissions process and, if admitted, for success as a student, this section provides detailed information about requirements for international applicants.
The Graduate Certificate in Managing AI Systems considers for admission international applicants who reside within, or outside of, the domestic United States. International applicants who reside within or outside of the domestic United States are advised of the following information and additional requirements for international applicants to the program.
Student Visas
Since this program is fully online, enrollment in this program will not qualify students for any type of visa to enter or remain in the United States for any purpose.
U.S. Sanctions; U.S. Sanctioned Countries
Individuals who are the target of U.S. sanctions or who are ordinarily resident in a U.S. sanctioned country or who live or expect to live in a U.S. sanctioned country while participating in the program are not eligible for admission to this program due to legal restrictions/prohibitions and should not apply. U.S sanctioned countries are currently Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria and the following regions of Ukraine: Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk. In addition, all or a portion of this program may not be available to individuals who are ordinarily resident of certain countries due to legal restrictions.
Applications received from these individuals will not be accepted. As well, if an individual is admitted to the program and subsequently, the individual becomes the target of U.S. sanctions, ordinarily resident of a U.S. sanctioned country or lives in a U.S. sanctioned country while participating in the program (or otherwise becomes ordinarily resident of country in which the program is not available due to legal restrictions), the individual’s continued enrollment in the program may be terminated and/or restricted (due to U.S. legal restrictions/ prohibitions) and the individual may not be able to complete the program.
Time and Attendance Requirement
Classes for the program will be taught in the U.S. Eastern Time Zone, and students must be available to attend all live classes, regardless of location.
Licensure in Various Jurisdictions
From time to time the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy reviews the licensing requirements of various jurisdictions in order to assess whether the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy may be precluded from making the program available to applicants that are residents of one or more of these jurisdictions prior to Heinz College obtaining the relevant license(s). Affected applicants from these jurisdictions, if any, will be notified prior to enrollment if the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy determines that it is unable to make the program available to them for this reason.
Value Added Tax (VAT) and Other Taxes
The tuition, required fees and other amounts quoted for this program do not include charges for applicable Taxes (hereinafter defined). The student is responsible for payment of all applicable Taxes (if any) relating to the tuition, required fees and other amounts required to be paid to Carnegie Mellon for the program, including any Taxes payable as a result of the student’s payment of such Taxes.
Further, the student must timely make all payments due to Carnegie Mellon without deduction for Taxes, unless the deduction is required by law. If the student is required under applicable law to withhold Taxes from any payment due to Carnegie Mellon, the student is responsible for timely (i) paying to Carnegie Mellon such additional amounts as are necessary so that Carnegie Mellon receives the full amount that it would have received absent such withholding, and (ii) providing to Carnegie Mellon all documentation, if any, necessary to permit the student and/or Carnegie Mellon to claim the application of available tax treaty benefits (for Carnegie Mellon review and completion, if warranted and acceptable).
Taxes mean any taxes, governmental charges, duties, or similar additions or deductions of any kind, including all use, income, goods and services, value added, excise and withholding taxes assessed by or payable in the student’s country of residence and/or country of payment (but does not include any U.S. federal, state or local taxes)