Apply to Advance Your Future
The mechanical engineering industry is rapidly evolving, and with the emergence of artificial intelligence, engineers can think bigger and bolder than ever before. Carnegie Mellon University’s online certificate programs will teach students how to leverage this technology by introducing core concepts in AI, machine learning, and deep neural networks.
After successfully completing the first certificate, AI Engineering Fundamentals, students have the option to continue their studies and explore more advanced topics in a second certificate, Advanced AI Models for Engineering. If you completed the first certificate and would like to progress to the second, please contact your Program Specialist for next steps.
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 for the AI Engineering Fundamentals certificate, take a moment ot review the program requirements below.
Successful applicants will have:
- A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field
While geared toward students with a background in mechanical engineering, other engineering degrees, as well as degrees with a significant quantitative focus in math, physics or chemistry, will also be considered. - A proficiency in mathematical concepts
Applicants should have successfully completed coursework and have proficiency in basic linear algebra, calculus, statistics and probability theory. - Experience with Python or other programming languages
Experience with simple file inputs/outputs, arrays and matrices, functions, class and for/while loops is important, as is a familiarity with NumPy and SciPy. Experience with other scientific programming languages like Matlab, Octave, R, C/C++ or Java is also helpful.
Students with limited experience in programming are encouraged to take CMU's free online course, Principles of Computation with Python.
- A motivated mindset and an innate curiosity
Harder to measure, but equally important, successful applicants will have an inquisitive mind, a hunger to learn, and a willingness to ask questions when the material gets tough. With two credit-bearing, graduate-level CMU courses, a consistent and conscious effort will be required to master each topic.
If you have questions about the program or how it aligns with your background, please call 412-501-2150 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 application process for the Graduate Certificate in AI Engineering Fundamentals:
✔ Complete the online application
Submit your application online in less than 30 minutes.
*If you have successfully completed the first certificate in AI Engineering Fundamentals and would like to start the second certificate, you do not need to reapply. Please contact your Program Specialist for next steps.
✔ 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, please share how our program would advance your capabilities in your current role or prepare you for a new role in the industry.
✔ 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 as outlined in your resume.
Tuition: Invest in Your Future
By enrolling in our graduate-level programs, you'll be investing in your professional growth to broaden the scope of your career. We know this is a significant investment. Not just for you, but for your family as well.
Fellowships
To help offset the cost of tuition, and to make our online certificates as accessible as possible, we offer a limited number of partial, merit-based fellowships. All applications will be evaluated for these awards automatically; there is no need to submit additional materials. If you are awarded a fellowship, you will be notified in your decision letter. All applicants who submit by the priority deadline will receive a partial fellowship award.
In addition, Carnegie Mellon alumni are eligible for a fellowship to the Graduate Certificate in AI Engineering Fundamentals 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 tuition breakdown for the AI Engineering Fundamentals and the Advanced AI Models for Engineering certificates during the 2024/2025 academic year:
Graduate Certificate in AI Engineering Fundamentals
Course | Units | Investment | Fees |
---|---|---|---|
Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence for Engineers |
12 units |
$8,484 |
$235 technology fee |
Introduction to Deep Learning |
12 units |
$8,484 |
$235 technology fee |
Total Investment |
$16,968 |
|
Graduate Certificate in Advanced AI Models for Engineering
Course | Units | Investment | Fees |
---|---|---|---|
Advanced AI Models for Engineering |
12 units |
$8,484 |
$235 technology fee |
Generative AI with Applications |
12 units |
$8,484 |
$235 technology fee |
Total Investment |
$16,968 |
|
- For each certificate, 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 certificates are 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 certificates:
- Consists of two transcripted, credit-bearing courses (not just continuing education units) taught by full-time Carnegie Mellon professors.
- Will equip you with fundamental skills in AI, machine learning, and deep neural networks from expert faculty at one of the top-ranked engineering programs in the world, renowned for their work in engineering, AI and machine learning.
- Will prepare you for the next wave of innovation in mechanical engineering. When you complete the certificates, you’ll be ready to implement AI techniques in your job right from the get-go.
- Are 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 412-501-2150 or send an email to apply@online.cmu.edu with your inquiries. If this is the next step in your professional journey, we’re here to help you realize your dreams.
CMU Employee Tuition Reimbursement
The Graduate Certificate in AI Engineering Fundamentals and the Graduate Certificate in Advanced AI Models for Engineering are eligible for CMU tuition remission. Review the CMU tuition remission policy to check your eligibility.
GI Bill Funding
We currently provide GI Bill funding for the AI Engineering Fundamentals - Mechanical Engineering online graduate certificate only.* Carnegie Mellon University provides services to veterans and their dependents who are eligible for Veterans Education Benefits under the Montgomery G.I. Bill®, Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. Please note, our online graduate certificates are not currently eligible for the Yellow Ribbon program.
The process starts with an application directly to Veterans Affairs and once approved, you will provide your Certificate of Eligibility to the Carnegie Mellon Veterans Affairs Coordinator. Contact Information and additional details about the process can be found here.
Students eligible for GI Bill funding may receive scholarship awards prior to full GI Bill funding confirmation. Scholarship awards will be adjusted to reflect GI Bill funding and cannot exceed the cost of tuition/fees.
*We are actively working on approval for the Advanced AI Models for Engineering certificate and will continue to update this website with our progress.
A Note for International Applicants
As part of a global university with locations and students from around the world, the College of Engineering welcomes the diverse perspectives that international students bring to our programs.
The Graduate Certificates in AI Engineering Fundamentals and Advanced AI Models for Engineering provide a unique opportunity for individuals nearly everywhere to earn a certificate at the intersection of engineering, AI, and machine learning from one of the top ranked engineering schools in the country.
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.
We look forward to reviewing your application.
The Graduate Certificates in AI Engineering Fundamentals and Advanced AI Models for Engineering 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 these programs are fully online, enrollment in these programs will not qualify students for any type of visa to enter or remain in the United States for any purpose.
Time and Attendance Requirement
Classes for each program will be taught on the U.S. Eastern Time Zone schedule, and students must be available to attend all live classes, regardless of location.
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 Belarus, 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 these programs 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 these programs (or otherwise becomes ordinarily resident of country in which the program is not available due to legal restrictions), the individual’s continued enrollment in these programs may be terminated and/or restricted (due to U.S. legal restrictions/prohibitions) and the individual may not be able to complete these programs.
Licensure in Various Jurisdictions
From time to time the College of Engineering reviews the licensing requirements of various jurisdictions in order to assess whether the College of Engineering may be precluded from making these programs available to applicants that are residents of one or more of these jurisdictions prior to College of Engineering obtaining the relevant license(s). Affected applicants from these jurisdictions, if any, will be notified prior to enrollment if the College of Engineering determines that it is unable to make these programs available to them for this reason.
Value Added Tax (VAT) and Other Taxes
The tuition, required fees and other amounts quoted for these programs 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 these programs, 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).
So, why CMU?



