Certificate Programs
Students earning certificates at Carnegie Mellon University apply to specific certificate granting programs within individual schools and colleges. Certificate programs are typically completed over a span of one semester to five years, depending on certificate requirements and the pace at which the student chooses to take coursework. Although a certificate is not the same as a degree, in some cases, a series of certificates may be stacked into a master's degree. Ideal for continuing education and skill development, certificate programs offer the flexibilty to earn credentials from a top-tier university at a pace that fits your busy schedule.
This page contains information for those interested in applying to one of Carnegie Mellon's certificate programs and resources for enrolled certificate students.
Who is eligible to become a certificate student?
Eligibility criteria for enrollment in certificate programs are determined by individual schools and colleges. Most certificate programs require applicants to have completed a bachelor's degree or to be in the process of earning one.
Who is not eligible to become a certificate student?
Eligibility criteria for enrollment in certificate programs are determined by individual schools and colleges; however, the following groups generally should not apply to become certificate students:
- Students on or facing academic or disciplinary action.
- CMU undergraduate applicants for the current or upcoming academic year.
- Prospective graduate applicants for the current or upcoming academic year should consult with their intended graduate program before applying to a certificate program.
- For in-person certificate programs, international students, who do not already have a valid immigration status which allows part-time study in the United States, may not be able to legally participate. Carnegie Mellon unfortunately is not able to issue student immigration documents to certificate students. For fully online or remote certificates, participation depends on the state or country of residence.
How do I apply to become a certificate student?
There is no centralized application to become a certificate student. Prospective certificate students should refer to the guidelines set by the school or college where the program in which they wish to enroll is based.
Registration Process
Explore & Apply
Explore Programs
Carnegie Mellon offers a range of certificate programs, from robotics, to business, to music education. Explore the certificate programs offered by individual schools and colleges to find the best fit.
Follow the School or College Application Process
Each school or college will set its own application guidelines and process. However, generally certificates require applicants to have earned a bachelor's degree and to have some existing experience in a field relevant to the certificate topic.
Receive Student ID Number & Andrew ID
If your application is accepted, you will receive a student ID number and your Andrew ID, a CMU username that grants you access to services including email, Student Information Online (SIO), and the Library Information System. You can learn more about Andrew IDs on the Computing Services website.
Enroll & Register
Plan Your Schedule
Work with an advisor within your certificate program to choose the course or courses in which you would like to enroll. Some certificate programs require you to take courses in a specific order, while others enable you to take courses in the order of your choice. Refer to your individual school or college with questions about certificate coursework.
Register for Courses
Some certificate students register themselves for courses within Student Information Online (SIO), while others will be registered by their departments. Refer to your individual school or college for registration information. Certificate students who will register themselves for courses can find information on the Registration Steps webpage.
Enrollment & Finance Resources
This section contains general enrollment and finance information for enrolled certificate students.
Questions? thehub@andrew.cmu.edu
Certificate Program Directory
Integrated Innovation Institute
Delivery: Online Only
iii Online is ideal for engineers, designers, and business professionals looking to push the boundaries of what's possible to create the next generation of products and services. Grow your skillset in product design and mangement, design engineering and strategy consulting, product development, UX/UI design, and user research. Certificates earned through iii Online can be taken individually or stacked into a Master's degree.
Heinz College
Delivery: Online, with In-Person Options
Heinz College offers IT leaders from around the world the opportunity to expand their knowledge and keep pace with digital transformation with five intensive and impactful executive certificate programs taught by faculty experts, practitioners from CMU’s renowned Software Engineering Institute (SEI), and top industry leaders.
School of Music
Delivery: In-Person
While intense training in a specific studio area is the heart of every musician’s education, broadening the range of musical skills can often make a difference in developing a successful career in the profession. The highly acclaimed certificate programs in Music Education and Advanced Music Studies augment the degree-granting programs offered to School of Music students.
Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy
Delivery: Online Only
Non-Credit Bearing
Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy certifications and microcertifications address the ways robots can be used to teach Computer Science, Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics in K-12 education.
Tepper School of Business
Delivery: In-Person, Online, & Hybrid Options
Non-Credit Bearing
The Carnegie Mellon Certificate in Executive Leadership is documented recognition of continued commitment to advanced professional education at the highest levels. Ideal for managers with a minimum of eight years' professional experience, this designation concretely demonstrates the awardee's dedication to maintaining cutting-edge skill and understanding, as well as the exceptional training received from a recognized top-tier university.
3D Bioprinting & Biofabrication
Delivery: Online with optional on-campus lab experience
With an Online Graduate Certificate in 3D Bioprinting & Biofabrication, tomorrow’s therapies are at your fingertips. The program’s unique curriculum teaches the fundamentals of fabricating structurally complex 3D tissues, so you can bring actionable knowledge back to your organization using easily accessible materials. You will acquire the skills needed to bring us one step closer to creating bio-fabricated tissues for patients in need — and change the future of medical care.
Computational Data Science
Delivery: Online Only
The online Graduate Certificate in Computational Data Science Foundations teaches technically-savvy professionals how to leverage AI and machine learning technology to harness the power of large-scale data systems. You will learn foundational skills in computer programming, machine learning, and data science that will allow you to leverage data science in various industries, including business, education, environment, defense, policy and health care.
Artificial Intelligence Engineering
Delivery: In-Person, Online, & Hybrid Options
The AI Engineering Fundamentals certificate program can transform you into a data science savvy engineer who can apply and advance this state-of-the-art technology. With artificial intelligence, you can create more efficient, accurate, and productive engineering solutions—and help your organization win in its industry. By the end of this program, you will be able to use AI to automate repetitive tasks, optimize designs, make predictions, improve quality control, advance the design of products, and much more.
Learning Engineering
Delivery: Online
Non-Credit Bearing
Learning engineers systematically apply evidence-based principles and methods from the learning sciences to i) create engaging and effective learning experiences, ii) support the difficulties and challenges of learners as they learn, and iii) through data-driven methods, better understand learners and learning. Learning engineering has been a part of Carnegie Mellon University’s approach to education since Herb Simon coined the term more than fifty years ago. Learning Engineering provides theory, methods, and technologies to make instruction effective, whether
it is in-person, online or hybrid. We provide a series of certificate courses that are ideal for anyone wanting to design and develop effective and innovative courses. Our certificate courses are relevant for professionals and for undergraduates with experience in any of computer science, psychology, education, or UX design.