Who We Are

Carnegie Mellon University has been a birthplace of innovation since its founding in 1900. Today, CMU is a global leader bringing groundbreaking ideas to market and creating successful startup businesses.

Our award-winning faculty are renowned for working closely with students to solve major scientific, technological and societal challenges. We put a strong emphasis on creating things — from art to robots.

We have become a model for economic development in forming partnerships with companies such as Uber, Google and Disney. Our students are recruited by some of the world’s most innovative companies.

“ My Heart is in the Work.”

Andrew Carnegie, Founder November 15, 1900

#1 School of Computer Science
U.S. News & World Report, 2022

#1 Time-Based/New Media
U.S. News & World Report, 2019

#1 Management Information Systems
U.S. News & World Report, 2022

#1 Artificial Intelligence
U.S. News & World Report, 2022

#4 College of Engineering
U.S. News & World Report, 2022

#1 Software Engineering
U.S. News & World Report, 2022

#19 Among U.S. Universities
Times Higher Education World University Ranking, 2023

#28 University in the World
Times Higher Education World University Ranking, 2023

49.8% of Computer Science's First-Year Students Were Women in 2019
Nearly triple the national average

1,000+ companies greenlighted across the U.S. and internationally

The first smile in an email, created in 1982 by professor Scott Fahlman

The leading university center for cybersecurity, providing support to more than 110 centers around the world

Cognitive tutors, which improve the math skills of 500,000+ students each year

Kevlar Fiber, invented by alumna Stephanie Kwolek (MM 1946)

The world’s first university robotics department, founded in 1979

The first U.S. school to award a degree in drama in 1914

The Last Lecture, written by alumni Randy Pausch (CS 1988) and Jeffrey Zaslow (DC 1980)

James Gosling (CS 1983) invented the Java computer programming language

In 1919, CMU’s first Ph.D. was awarded to Mao Yisheng, father of Chinese bridge construction.

Alumnus Andy Warhol (A 1949), pop artist pioneer and cultural icon

The first exclusive higher education partner of the Tony Awards®, co-creating the first, national recognition program honoring K-12 theatre educators

Duolingo, invented by professor Luis von Ahn (CS 2003, 2005), had 10 million downloads in 12 months and was named Apple’s 2013 app of the year.

One of only 25 universities invited to be a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global University Leaders Forum

14,500+ Students

Representing 100+ Countries

1,300+ Faculty

Representing 50+ Countries

109,900+ Alumni

Representing 140+ Countries

65 Members of the National Academy of Engineering

20 Members of the National Academy of Sciences

6 Members of the National Academy of Medicine

58 Tony Awards

13 Academy Awards

146 Emmy Awards

13 Turing Awards

20 Nobel Laureates

A university Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office works across the university to enact real and lasting changes in how CMU addresses racism, classism, sexism and the language of othering

The Cyert Center for Early Education is a full-day early care and education program at CMU for children ranging in age from 12 weeks through kindergarten

Carnegie Mellon's U.S. campuses observe 11 official holidays and since 2017, CMU has closed regular operations for three days creating an extended winter break

The Tartan Scholars Program guides high-achieving students from limited-resource backgrounds through their first year on campus using mentorship and community building

Employee resource groups (ERGs) unite individuals to a common cause and provide a structured framework for awareness opportunities for members

Faculty Senate and Staff Council provide platforms for policy advocacy and community involvement

Economic Impact

Attracting major companies — including Google, Intel, Uber and GE — to locate operations and create new jobs in Pittsburgh
Fostering an innovation ecosystem that created 36 spinoff companies in 2014
Contributing to the cultural and civic life of the city with performances, exhibitions and research collaborations

Schools and Colleges

Leadership

Farnam Jahanian
President

David Coulter
Chair, Board of Trustees

James H. Garrett Jr.
Provost and Chief Academic Officer

https://www.cmu.edu/leadership/

Vice Provost for Education Search