Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy & Technology

CMU's Home for Political Science and International Relations

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The world is changing. Are you ready to shape it?

The Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology (CMIST) is the ideal place for students who are interested in exploring the dynamic intersection of political science, international relations, and how emerging technologies affect international and national security. 

At CMIST, students learn to think critically about politics and international affairs, wrestling with issues that span the drivers of war and peace, the relationship between technology and security, and the formulation of effective domestic and foreign policies. With multiple opportunities for professional development including the opportunity to gain real-world experience in Washington, DC, CMIST students go on to successful careers in public policy, intelligence, law, national defense, consulting, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and more.

In its focus on political science and international relations, CMIST offers the following undergraduate degree programs and initiatives:

Carnegie Mellon University Washington Semester Program

wsp-logo-round-300x300.jpgThe Carnegie Mellon University Washington Semester Program (CMU/WSP) provides undergraduate students at CMU the chance to spend a full semester in Washington, DC to gain real-world experience. Students internship in the nation's capital while taking CMU classes on public policy, American politics, governance, institutions, and law. Students who complete CMU/WSP are well-positioned to earn the minor in politics and public policy and are eligible to apply for the accelerated version of the Master of Science in Security, Technology, and International Relations (MS STAIR-AMP), earning both an undergraduate and graduate degree within five years.  LEARN MORE

Academic Highlights

Undergraduate Advising

Emily Half
Emily Half, CMIST's Deputy Director of Academic Affairs is the advisor for all undergraduate students at CMIST.  Dedicated to holistic academic advising, she supports her students in their decisions around course selection and degree requirements, study abroad and in Washington, research opportunities, fellowships and scholarships, internships and post-graduation opportunities. Emily is passionate about knowing each and every one of her advisees and their individual passions in order to assist them in developing a network of resources to support their undergraduate experience and post-graduation plans.