Ascend to Cyber Engineering

Build your core engineering skills through this summer program taught by Carnegie Mellon faculty.

The Ascend to Cyber Engineering (ACE) program empowers aspiring graduate engineering students with the foundational technical skills they need to succeed. Designed and taught by CMU faculty members, this remote, asynchronous bridge program covers core areas including C programming, object-oriented programming (OOP), data structures and mathematical foundations for artificial intelligence (AI) engineering like data analysis, probability and linear algebra. 

Through ACE modules, you will build your knowledge through instructional videos and apply your learnings by completing graded assignments. Each module is available for nine weeks during the summer, allowing you to pace yourself through the material and receive feedback on your assignments as you progress.  

Successfully completing an ACE module you will grow your skills in fundamental engineering topics, gain a better understanding of the core skills needed to succeed in technical graduate degrees and receive a digital ACE Badge for each module, which can be included in your portfolio.

Curriculum

Modules 

Modules can be taken individually or stacked to complete a track. Once you have successfully finished a module, you will receive a digital ACE Badge. If you complete one of the tracks by stacking two modules, you will receive an ACE Certificate. These markers certify completion of the INI’s ACE program, and they can be included in future applications or portfolios. 

Introduction to Programming in C: This module equips students with foundational knowledge in software development, focusing on critical aspects like system memory, data manipulation and program control flow using C. This foundation is essential for understanding and securing software systems, preparing students for advanced studies and careers in information security or software engineering. 
Instructor: Dr. Patrick Tague 

Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures: This module introduces students to essential programming concepts and techniques that are foundational for advanced studies in information security and information networking. By covering C++ fundamentals, OOP principles and key data structures and algorithms, this module equips students with the skills to design and implement efficient, secure software systems.  
Instructors: Dr. Mohamed Farag and Dr. Françeska Xhakaj 

Mathematical Foundations for Artificial Intelligence: This module aims to equip students with the mathematical foundations necessary for understanding and engaging with AI and its applications in information security. By covering exploratory data analysis, probability and linear algebra, this course prepares students to tackle AI-related challenges in information security, providing them with the analytical tools to interpret data, assess risks and develop intelligent security solutions. 
Instructor: Dr. David Varodayan

Meet the Faculty 

The ACE program is developed and taught by expert CMU faculty with domain expertise in the INI’s key areas: information networking, information security, AI engineering and mobile and IoT engineering. They bring deep technical knowledge of the core skills needed to succeed in our competitive programs and years of experience developing graduate-level engineering students. 

Dr. Mohamed Farag, INI Assistant Teaching Professor 

With over 10 years of experience in Big Data, Cloud Computing, AI and Machine Learning, Mohamed has worked in information technology consulting in both hands-on and leadership roles. At the INI, Mohamed teaches courses in AI engineering, cloud computing and data analytics, including 14-763: Systems & Toolchains for AI Engineers and 14-848: Cloud Infrastructure and Services. 

Dr. David Varodayan, INI Associate Teaching Professor 

David’s area of focus is the intersection of AI engineering, computer systems and information security. He helped design and launch the INI’s M.S. in Artificial Intelligence Engineering - Information Security (MSAIE-IS) and created several courses for the new degree program: 14-757: Introduction to Machine Learning with Adversaries in Mind and 14-795: AI Applications in Information Security.  

Dr. Patrick Tague, INI Associate Teaching Professor 

Patrick holds expertise in wireless communications and networking, mobile security and privacy and sensor networks. He is the faculty advisor for the INI’s bicoastal information security degree program and regularly advises applied projects and master’s theses. Patrick teaches courses including 14-642: Introduction to Embedded Systems, 14-742: Security in Networked Systems and 14-829: Mobile and IoT Security. 

Dr. Françeska Xhakaj, School of Computer Science Assistant Teaching Professor 

Through research and teaching, Françeska brings expertise in human-computer interaction, programming, data structures and teaching methodologies. She currently teaches within the School of Computer Science, with courses including 15-121: Introduction to Data Structures and 15-110: Principles of Computing.

Pricing

Module: $499
Track (two modules): $799 (20% discount)
Full program (three modules): $1199 (20% discount)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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For international students, does this program affect F-1 visas?