Undergraduate Catalog

Department of mathematical sciences courses, about course numbers:.

Each Carnegie Mellon course number begins with a two-digit prefix that designates the department offering the course (i.e., 76-xxx courses are offered by the Department of English). Although each department maintains its own course numbering practices, typically, the first digit after the prefix indicates the class level: xx-1xx courses are freshmen-level, xx-2xx courses are sophomore level, etc. Depending on the department, xx-6xx courses may be either undergraduate senior-level or graduate-level, and xx-7xx courses and higher are graduate-level. Consult the Schedule of Classes each semester for course offerings and for any necessary pre-requisites or co-requisites.

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Undergraduate Admission

Mathematical sciences, help us push the boundaries of our collective mathematical knowledge even further..

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"One of my favorite things about being a math major is all of the amazing faculty I have gotten to know! All of my professors have been so friendly, accommodating and incredibly knowledgeable."

Mellon College of Science

Mathematics provides much of the language and quantitative underpinnings of the natural and social sciences — mathematical scientists built the foundation for modern computational and computer science and developed many of the most-used tools in business management. Whether you are drawn to the abstract beauty of theoretical math or the problem-solving elegance of applied math, our Mathematical Sciences program has a place for you. Here, thinkers and challengers are exploring and defining mathematics. Our faculty are advancing the leading edge of science, conducting research in an array of fields. The collaborative nature of CMU means we work across disciplines to support real-world applications. 

Mathematical Sciences Majors and Minors

Choose the path that fits you best. Browse all current Mathematical Sciences curriculums and courses. (opens in new window)

Bachelor of Science Minor

Mathematical Sciences offers wide latitude to tailor your courses to your interests. Within the major, you can choose a concentration that aligns with your goals:

  • The Mathematical Sciences concentration is the least structured of our programs, in recognition of the variety of interests that can be productively coupled with the study of mathematical sciences. It can be an appropriate choice for students planning for graduate studies or those seeking to design their curriculum to take a second major from another department in the University.
  • The Operations Research and Statistics concentration prepares students to enter operations research. Mathematicians with a background in operations research are especially valuable in such diverse activities as project planning, production scheduling, market forecasting and finance. 
  • The Statistics concentration prepares students for areas ranging from experimental design and data analysis in the sciences, medicine, and engineering, to modeling and forecasting in business and government, to actuarial applications in the financial and insurance industries. 
  • The Discrete Mathematics and Logic Concentration provides a background in discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, and theoretical computer science. This concentration prepares the student to do research in these and related fields, or to apply their ideas elsewhere.
  • The Computational and Applied Mathematics Concentration provides the background needed to support the computational and mathematical analysis needs of a variety of businesses and industries and is well suited to students with an interest in the physical sciences and engineering.

The minor will allow you to take courses across mathematical disciplines and includes space for electives.

Computational Finance

Bachelor of Science

The Mellon College of Science, the Heinz College of Public Policy and Management and the Tepper School of Business jointly offer this degree uniquely designed to prepare you for the quantitative needs of the finance industry. You will develop a deep knowledge of mathematics, probability, statistics, and the applications of these disciplines to finance. Graduates work in finance or other industries where applied mathematics training is appropriate, or pursue advanced degrees in economics, finance or the mathematical sciences.

Mathematical Sciences and Economics

This flexible program allows you to develop depth in both fields of study, providing courses that complement and develop depth of understanding of economic theory, applied economics, and applied mathematics. Students pursuing this degree will be well prepared to begin their research careers in academia, government, and industry. 

Discrete Mathematics and Logic

This minor develops the fundamentals of discrete mathematics and logic necessary to understand the mathematical foundations of many computer-related disciplines.

Department of Mathematical Sciences

Mathematical Sciences Website

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High School Course Requirements

*Four years of mathematics should include at least algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, elementary functions (pre-calculus) and preferably calculus. Advanced mathematics courses are encouraged, especially a course in calculus.

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You’re not just one thing. You’re a scientist. An artist. A technologist. A maker. A writer. Carnegie Mellon has been mixing it up for decades, and whatever you want to pursue, we’ve got the right mix for you.

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machine learning, computational aspects in economics and game theory, algorithms
Parallel algorithms and languages.
(Emeritus) Complexity Theory, cryptography, program checking.
Extremal Combinatorics.
Combinatorial geometry, combinatorial number theory.
(Emeritus) Combinatorial optimization, graph theory, integer programming.
Geometric and topological methods.
Average case analysis of algorithms, combinatorics.
Combinatorics.
Queueing theory, stochastic modeling, probability theory, heavy-tailed workloads, Web servers, networking.
(Emeritus) Operations research techniques in logic, artificial intelligence.
Convex optimization, large-scale algorithms, decision making under uncertainty.
Probabilistic and Extremal Combinatorics, and applications to Theoretical Computer Science.
(Emeritus) Algorithm design, parallel algorithms, scientific computing.
Design, analysis and evaluation of algorithms.
Complexity theory, analysis of boolean functions, approximation hardness.
Theory and algorithms for convex optimization, numerical analysis.
Combinatorics, Abelian Sandpile problem
Approximation algorithms, combinatorial optimization, computational biology.
Complexity theory, cryptography, combinatorics.
Market design, game theory, optimization (integer programming, search, stochastic optimization
Data structures, algorithms, parsing.
Theory of computation, symbolic computation.
Markov chains, Isoperimetry and Functional Analysis, Combinatorics, Computational Number Theory, and Algorithms.
Discrete Probability, Combinatorics, Convex Geometry, and Applications to Data Analysis.
Computational integer and combinatorial optimization, applications in sports and the social sciences.
Combinatorial optimization; constraint programming; mathematical programming; integration of constraint programming and mathematical programming.
Discrete Mathematics, primarily Graph Theory and Combinatorics.
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Related Web Sites

  • ACO Seminars Home Page
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  • CS Theory Lunch Home Page
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math phd cmu

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» » Graduate PhD Program

The Department of Mathematics offers a program leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

The PhD program is an intensive course of study designed for the full-time student planning a career in research and teaching at the university level or in quantitative research and development in industry or government. Admission is limited and highly selective. Successful applicants have typically pursued an undergraduate major in mathematics.

In the first year of PhD studies, students must pass written examinations in the areas of the basic . In the second year an oral examination on two selected topics must be passed. Subsequent years are devoted to seminars, research, and the preparation of a dissertation. Students are required to serve as a teaching assistant or instructor for four years beginning with the second year of study. All students must serve as a primary instructor for at least one semester; all others semesters students will serve as a teaching assistant. En route to the Ph.D., students will earn three degrees: a Master of Arts (after year one), a Master of Philosophy (after year four), and the Doctorate of Philosophy (after a successful thesis defense).

There are also allied doctoral programs in , , and .

The Mathematics Department is housed in a comfortable building containing an excellent , computing and printing facilities, faculty and graduate student offices, a lounge for tea and conversation, and numerous seminar and lecture rooms.

The department has a broad fellowship program designed to help qualified students achieve the PhD degree in the shortest practicable time. Each student admitted to the PhD program is appointed a fellow in the Department of Mathematics for a period of five years, contingent on good progress. A fellow receives a stipend for the nine-month academic year and is exempt from payment of tuition.

A fellow in the Department of Mathematics may hold a fellowship from a source outside Columbia University. When not prohibited by the terms of the outside fellowship, the University supplements the outside stipend to bring it up to the level of the University fellowship. Candidates for admission are urged to apply for fellowships for which they are eligible (e.g., National Science Foundation, Ford and Hertz Foundations).

All students admitted to the PhD program become fellows in the Department and are exempt from tuition. Students may be responsible for certain : a student activity fee and transcript fee.

Students in the PhD program are entitled to affordable University housing near the Department in Morningside Heights. This makes it possible to live comfortably in the University neighborhood on the fellowship stipend.

The PhD program in mathematics has an enrollment of approximately 60 students. Typically, 10-12 students enter each year. While students come from all over the world, they form an intellectually cohesive and socially supportive group.

New York City is America’s major center of culture. Columbia University’s remarkably pleasant and sheltered , near the Hudson River and Riverside Park, is situated within 20-30 minutes of Lincoln Center, Broadway theaters, Greenwich Village, and major museums. Most department members live within a short walk of the University.

Since receiving its charter from King George II in 1754, Columbia University has played an eminent role in American education. In addition to its various faculties and professional schools (such as Engineering, Law, and Medicine), the University has close ties with nearby museums, schools of music and theology, the United Nations, and the city government.

The application deadline is typically early December for admission the following September. Precise details on requirements and deadlines can be found . Applicants must submit all required documents by the posted deadline. Students whose undergraduate degree was not from an English-speaking country must also submit scores from the TOEFL or IELTS.  Applications must be filed .

 

:

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Columbia University
Office of Student Affairs
107 Low Library, MC 4304
New York, NY 10027
212-854-6729

Michael Harris
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Mathematics
Columbia University
2990 Broadway
509 Mathematics, MC 4406
New York, NY 10027


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This subreddit is for discussion of mathematics. All posts and comments should be directly related to mathematics, including topics related to the practice, profession and community of mathematics.

Carnegie Mellon mathematics?

Hello, I am a high school senior deciding between attending UF, Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, and Brown. I want to major in mathematics and subsequently seek a degree in pure mathematics. I've been spending a lot of time looking in depth on each school's math department, and what I cannot understand is why Carnegie Mellon is ranked so low for mathematics, consistently placing lower than 20th. They consistently place as one of the strongest teams for the Putnam and Po Shen Loh himself teaches there. Can anybody provide any insight on Carnegie Mellon's department or reasons as to why they would rank so low?

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Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science

Computer science department.

math phd cmu

Ph.D. in Computer Science

Encompassing artificial intelligence, graphics, hardware and software systems, programming languages, security and privacy, and theory, the Computer Science Ph.D. program is the foundation of computer science. Students spend roughly five years immersed in research and coursework honing a body of technical knowledge covering the breadth of the field, as well as a deep understanding of the student's specific area of research. Within this highly collaborative, hands-on research environment exists the opportunity to expand the science and theory of computing, creating the next leaders in academic research, industry and education.

Ph.D. in Algorithms, Combinatorics and Optimization

This unique interdisciplinary doctoral program in algorithms, combinatorics and optimization draws on Carnegie Mellon's strengths in all three areas. It is sponsored jointly by the Tepper School of Business, the Computer Science Department and the Mathematics Department. The program brings together the study of the mathematical structure of discrete objects and the design and analysis of algorithms in areas such as graph theory, combinatorial optimization, integer programming, polyhedral theory, computational algebra, geometry and number theory.

Ph.D. in Pure and Applied Logic

Offered jointly by the Department of Mathematics, the Department of Philosophy and the Computer Science Department, this interdisciplinary program builds upon Carnegie Mellon's unique strengths in logic and its applications to computer science. A large, internationally recognized group of active faculty, frequent workshops, colloquia, seminar series and excellent computing facilities contribute to an ideal environment for both theoretical and applied research with a particularly strong concentration in foundational aspects of computing.

Ph.D. in Computer Science With Neural Basis of Cognition Certificate

This Ph.D. with additional training certificate is an interdisciplinary graduate-level program in which participants take a set of core courses in cellular, systems, computational and cognitive neuroscience and engage in various activities fostering cross-campus interaction among individuals interested in the neural mechanisms of cognition. It is offered jointly with the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition (CNBC) and is open to students pursuing doctorates in CNBC-affiliated departments. Research topics include affective, cognitive, linguistic, perceptual, motor and social systems in both normal and disordered populations, as well as computational neuroscience. The CNBC also promotes the translation of findings from basic research into applications for medicine, education, robotics and artificial intelligence. Students may apply to the certificate program when applying to a CNBC-affiliated doctoral program or at any time after arrival on campus.

Visit the Website

Ph.D. in Computer Science/Dual Degree Portugal

By enrolling in the dual degree Ph.D. Program in Computer Science, students experience the advantages of collaborative research between top-tier research institutions. The program’s high scientific standards serve to educate high-quality researchers, instructors and innovators in the field of computer science.

  • Back to Doctoral Programs

Program Director :   Karl Crary Program Manager:  Deborah Cavlovich CSD Admissions Email:  [email protected]

More Information

  • Pre-College Programs

Summer Academy for  Math and Science 

Providing opportunities for students from underrepresented communities to explore stem-related fields..

SAMS students

Program Overview

As SAMS Scholars, students engage in a rigorous curriculum taught by our renowned faculty and staff who are deeply committed to student success. The program allows students to develop a deeper understanding of STEM via traditional classroom instruction, through hands-on projects, and sustained engagement with world-renowned faculty and skilled staff mentors. In addition to their academic experiences, students also have the opportunity to collaborate and develop meaningful relationships with peers from across the country. Through SAMS and other outreach initiatives, the university:

  • Develops  a diverse and supportive community of STEM Scholars interested in attending top-tier universities.
  • Strengthens  students’ commitment to pursuing STEM-related disciplines.
  • Broadens  students understanding and access to opportunities made available through study in STEM.
  • Equips  students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be successful STEM scholars.

Curriculum 

The Summer Academy for Math and Science will consist of 2 parts:

PART 1:  Part one of the SAMS program will occur prior to the start of the residential program (dates to be determined). This will be a virtual jumpstart for participants, focusing on some skill-building that will be needed for the in-person program. During this time the program will be connecting virtually for portions of these days, but students will not be needed for full days.  

PART 2:  Part two of the SAMS program will be a 6 week, in-person Pre-College program.  SAMS Scholars will be in courses and meetings for full days during the time they are here. The academic portion of the program will conclude with the symposium on the final Friday of the program.

SAMS is a fully funded, merit-based program. There is no cost for scholars to participate. We expect all SAMS Scholars to participate fully for the duration of the program. We understand that students may be applying to multiple summer opportunities, however if selected for SAMS, scholars will not be permitted to participate in any other programs (virtual or in person) if program dates conflict. If you have any questions, please reach out to  [email protected] .

Academic Experience

Students will complete Quantitative and Computational Skill seminars that compose the academic core:

STEM-related project that is advised by a STEM faculty and/or graduate student

Students will participate in writing workshops with a focus on college application preparation.

Students will attend workshops, meet with alumni, students, university leaders, and finalize STEM-based projects.

Students will meet in mentoring small groups facilitated by the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion.

Students will participate in and learn more about collaborative learning through group tutoring and academic coaching sessions offered through the Student Academic Success Center.

Students and families will participate in virtual enrichment sessions, such as financial aid, FAFSA, and college admission.

Families will participate in virtual workshops about how to best support their student in the college search and admission process.

SAMS Symposium

  • SAMS culminates with the day-long Symposium which includes a Closing Awards Ceremony and STEM project student presentations.

Sustaining Connections & Engagement Experiences

These connections will be ongoing and virtual.

  • Students will interact with admission, financial aid, student affairs, and academic support staff.
  • Students will interact with current Carnegie Mellon community members to explore STEM majors and opportunities at CMU.

Faculty Bio: Shawn Blanton

rblanton.png

Faculty Bio: Kevin Jarbo

math phd cmu

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Eligibility requirements.

To be eligible for the SAMS program, students must:

  • Be at least 16 years old by the program start date.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Be a junior in high school at the time of application submission.

Selection Criteria

Students selected for the SAMS program have the following qualities:

Demonstrate a strong interest in STEM disciplines. 

  • Have an experience that demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion in education, extra-curricular activities, and/or community engagement.

All eligible students are welcome to apply, and we strongly encourage applications from students who are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) on the basis of:

Low socioeconomic status, which may be indicated by eligibility for public assistance programs or free/reduced lunch

Raised in a home where English was a second language

First-generation college students (parent(s) did not complete a bachelor’s degree)

Currently attending a high school with historically low rates of admittance to top-tier institutions

Application Requirements

The SAMS application includes more specific information regarding requirements. However, applicants can expect the application to include the following:

  • Online application
  • Unofficial high school transcript
  • Standardized test scores (optional)
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation (one must be from a current math instructor)
  • Complete two essay prompts indicated in the application

Application Essay Prompts

An essay is required for the following prompt (300-500 words):

  • What do you hope to gain from participating in Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Programs?

In addition, applicants must to respond to one of the below SAMS-specific essay prompts (no more than 1000 words):

  • 1. Carnegie Mellon’s founder, Andrew Carnegie, is famously known for the quote “My Heart is in the Work.”  Our work in the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion and belongingness (DEIB).  What are the benefits of pursuing passion projects as a future Summer Academy for Math & Science (SAMS) Scholar?
  • 2.  As a STEM scholar, how can your academic work address a social inequity you have personally experienced or observed as harming/impacting a community in which you belong?  

Testimonials

...the entire experience has changed my life. ~ Yasmine Z., SAMS 2022

The Pre-College program was an absolute treat and just what she needed to propel her in to her senior year. Thank you for a wonderful summer opportunity. ~ Andrea C., SAMS Parent 2023

Hear more from our students and families HERE !

Financial Need

Summer Academy for Math & Science (SAMS) utilizes a holistic application review and admissions process, looking at the full application and selecting program participants based on a combination of factors. Because we are a fully funded, merit-based program for participants, demonstration of financial need is one of these factors. There is no option for participants to pay out of pocket tuition fees for this program, and financial documentation is required for application submission. Documentation includes either tax documents or a completed  NACAC Application Fee Waiver  signed by your high school guidance department.   Further information is below, but please feel free to reach out with questions to any of the following contacts: 

Rowshan Lang, SAMS Program Co-Director

[email protected]

Examples of demonstrated financial need

Students in any of the below categories are considered to demonstrate financial need:  

  • Students who have received or are eligible to receive an ACT or SAT testing fee waiver.
  • Students who are enrolled in or eligible to participate in the Federal Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Program (FRPL).
  • Students whose family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
  • Students who are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
  • Students whose family receives public assistance.
  • Students who live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or are homeless.
  • Students who are a ward of the state or an orphan.
  • Students who can provide a supporting statement from a school official, college access counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader. 

All applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be considered.

For questions related to the SAMS curriculum, contact  Rowshan Lang .

CMU President, PNC official and SAMS students

  All applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be considered. 

STATEMENT OF ASSURANCE

Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, ancestry, belief, veteran status, or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.  Inquiries concerning the application of and compliance with this statement should be directed to the Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

Faculty Bio: Carrie Doonan

math phd cmu

Student Affairs

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  • Counseling & Psychological Services
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  • Residential Education
  • Student Leadership, Involvement, & Civic Engagement
  • Student Support Resources
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  • Wellness & Meaning-Making Programs

Software and Societal Systems Department

School of computer science.

William Scherlis

Dr. William Scherlis

Professor of computer science.

  • TCS Hall 462
  • 412-268-8741

William L. Scherlis is a professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon and special advisor to the Software Engineering Institute, a DoD FFRDC at CMU. From September 2019 to May 2022 he served as director of DARPA’s Information Innovation Office (I2O), where he led program managers in the development of programs in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, secure software, and information operations. He subsequently served as a special assistant to the DARPA Director until September 2022. He was awarded the DARPA Superior Public Service Medal.

At CMU he served for 12 years as head of the Software and Societal Systems Department (formerly the Institute for Software Research) in the School of Computer Science. S3D hosts research and educational programs related to software development, security and privacy, social network analysis, IoT and mobility, and related topics. He founded the PhD program in Software Engineering in 1999 and led it for its first decade. He also led several larger multi-university projects including the NASA High Dependability Computing Program (HDCP) and CMU's NSA Science of Security Lablet. During 2012 and early 2013 he was the acting Chief Technology Officer for the Software Engineering Institute.

Earlier in his career, Scherlis served as a program manager and later in the federal Senior Executive Service at DARPA, developing programs in areas including software technology, computer security, and information infrastructure. At DARPA, he had a leading role in the initiation of the High Performance Computing and Communications program (HPCC, now NITRD) and in defining the concept for CERT-like security organizations, hundreds of which now operate in more than 90 countries. He received a Senior Executive Service Performance Award.

Scherlis has led multiple national studies including National Research Council study committees on defense software and on e-government. He served multiple terms as a member of DARPA’s Information Science and Technology (ISAT) study group, and he is currently a member of the Computer Science and Telecommunications Board (CSTB) of the National Academies. He testified before Congress on the federal AI workforce, on federal software sustainment, on computing technology and innovation, and on roles for a Federal CIO. Scherlis served as program chair for a number of technical conferences including the ACM Foundations of Software Engineering Symposium (FSE) and the ACM Symposium on Partial Evaluation and Program Manipulation (PEPM). He has been an advisor to technology firms, venture firms, and start-ups, and was co-founder of Panopto, a CMU spin-off.

Scherlis joined the CMU faculty after completing an undergraduate degree in applied mathematics at Harvard, a year in the Department of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Edinburgh as a John Knox Fellow, and a doctorate in computer science at Stanford. His personal research relates to software assurance, cybersecurity, software analysis, and assured safe concurrency.

He is a Life Fellow of the IEEE and a Lifetime National Associate of the National Academy of Sciences.

Carnegie Mellon University Africa

Graduate degree programs

  • MS-AD in ECE

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Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)

MSIT is a 16-20 month program that includes technology, business, and innovation, preparing the next generation of ICT leaders in Africa. This program is for students interested in an interdisciplinary curriculum that covers key topics in data science, cyber security, software engineering, and networks, among others. On average, a student spends over 900 hours interfacing with industry and gaining practical experience during the completion of their degree.

MS ECE icon

Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MS ECE)

MS ECE is a 10-16 month program that covers a broad and diverse set of areas and permeates nearly all areas of application of importance in society today. ECE ranges from nanotechnology to large-scale systems and impacts areas such as communications, computing and networking, energy and cyber-physical systems, biotechnology, robotics, computer vision, information storage and security, data analytics, distributed systems, and privacy.

Faculty and students in ECE seek to advance education and technology in all areas of this field and are engaged in teaching and research that advances both the fundamentals of the field through advances in materials, devices, circuits, signal processing, control, computer architecture, and software systems as well as through the design, building, and demonstration of systems at all scales.

The MS ECE program is for students who are interested in creating technology solutions not only for today but for the future. Students are prepared to become engineering leaders through fundamental and hands-on courses in communication networks, machine learning, data analytics, robotics, energy systems, internet of things, and software engineering. There is also an Advanced Study Program for the MS ECE: MS-AD in ECE .

MSEAI icon

Master of Science in Engineering Artificial Intelligence (MS EAI)

MS EAI is a 16-20 month program that opens the door to advanced skills that enable engineers to design powerful solutions to today's challenges. The MS EAI degree intersects with specific engineering disciplines but more importantly cuts across important problems in areas such as transportation, building systems, manufacturing, energy, agriculture, security, health, and climate. Students learn to combine a foundation in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science with their engineering, information technology, and software skills through theoretical and practical hands-on study of real-world applications.

CMU-Africa concentrations

A concentration allows a student to select their coursework in order to focus their learning in a specific area of expertise. Learn more about the exciting options available.

  • Are you the right fit for CMU-Africa?
  • When do applications open and how do I apply?
  • What courses are available at CMU-Africa?

Machine Learning - CMU

Machine learning graduate programs rankings.

It's Happening Here

Globally Known in AI and Machine Learning

Cs rankings.

AI : 1  Machine learning and data mining : 1 

CS Rankings ranks Carnegie Mellon University as the top university for machine learning and AI programs.

Ph.D. Program : AI: 1  Machine learning and data mining: 1 

Master's Program : AI: 1  Machine learning and data mining: 1 

Towards AI ranks the Machine Learning Department as the best educational research institution for machine learning graduate programs, both for Ph.D. and master's in machine learning.

U.S. News Report

AI: 1  

U.S. News Report ranks Carnegie Mellon University as the best institution for artificial intelligence (AI) programs.

Analytics India Magazine

Master's Program: Machine learning and data mining: 1 

AIM ranks the Machine Learning Department as the best institution for machine learning master's programs.

math phd cmu

Language Technologies Institute

School of computer science.

LTI Logo

Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation (MSAII) program combines a rigorous AI and machine learning curriculum with real-world team experience in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Requirements

To earn the MSAII degree, you must pass courses in the Core Curriculum, the Knowledge Requirements and Electives. You must also complete a capstone project in which you work on a development project as part of the Core Curriculum. In total, you will complete 195 eligible units of study, including 84 units of Core Curriculum (including the 36-unit Capstone), 72 units of Knowledge Requirements, at least 36 units of approved Electives and the LTI Practicum (3 units, associated with your summer internship).  The purpose of the Core Curriculum is to prepare you to discover new AI applicants and develop them into a product suitable for further development, often leading to a startup enterprise.

Here's a detailed breakdown of the curriculum.

Preparation Prerequisite Historically, students typically need a refresher on basic computer science systems before beginning graduate work at CMU. You must pass the undergraduate course 15-513 Introduction to Computer Systems (6 units), typically in the summer before your program commences. (This course is the distance education version of   15-213 Introduction to Computer Systems .) Failure to pass the course means that you have to take 15-213 during either the fall or spring semester, and the units will not count toward your 192 eligible units of study.

Curriculum Components Each major has different core curriculum requirements.

Core Curriculum (84 units)

This is a five-course sequence based on the four main phases of innovation development, including opportunity identification, opportunity development, business planning and incubation of a business with a viable product. The courses must be taken in the order listed:

  • 11-651, Artificial Intelligence and Future Markets (12 units).  First fall semester.  In this course, students are divided into teams to survey the fieild of AI applications, make presentations to the faculty and fellow students on areas that are ripe for AI development, and must develop a product proposal, which will be carried through for the next three semesters, leading to 11-699, the Capstone Project.
  • 17-762, Law of Computer Technology (12 units).  First fall semester.  A review of legal principles applicable to computer developments, including AI law and formation of startups.
  • 11-695, AI Engineering (12 units).  First spring semester.  This course is devoted to building deep learning applications using TensorFlow and Python.  Topics include supervised learning, feed-forward neural networks, flow graphs, dynamic computational graphs, convolutional neural networks and recurrent neural networks.  Students will use high-level tools to engineer functioning machine learning models.
  • 11-654, AI Innovation (12 units).  Second fall semester. Students learn how to build an enterprise, either intrapreneurial or entrepreneurial, by developing a business model and strategy for their team's product.
  • 11-699, Capstone Project (36 units).  Second spring semester. The objective of the Capstone is for your team to develop a working product suitable for intrapreneurial integration into a company or suitable for startup investment.

Knowledge Requirements (72 units)

This is a set of six rigorous courses to ensure that you are able to develop advanced AI applications.

  • 11-601, Coding Bootcamp (12 units).  First fall semester.
  • 10-601, Machine Learning (12 units),  First fall semester.  (Normally 11-691, Math for Machine Learning, which is not being offered in Fall 2019.)
  • 10-605, Machine Learning with Large Datasets (12 units).  First spring semester.
  • 11-611, Natural Language Processing (12 units).  Second fall semester.
  • A 12-unit course in AI, NLP, or ML.  Second fall semester.
  • 11-785, Deep Learning (12 units).  Second spring semester.

Internship  Every student is required to complete an industry internship during the summer between the first spring and second fall semesters.  Every student must register for the internship - 11-934 (MSAII Practicum Internship).  No tuition is charged for the internship.

Electives (36 units) You must take at least three 12-unit elective courses or equivalent. The approved electives are listed below.  If you want to take any other course for elective credit, you must have the permission of the MSAII Director.  It is recommended to take one elective in the first fall semester, one or two in the first spring semester, one or two in the second fall semester and zero or one in the second spring semester.

11-641 Machine Learning for Text Mining 11-642 Search Engines 11-747 Neural Networks for NLP 11-755 Machine Learning for Signal Processing 11-777 Advanced Multimodal Machine Learning 10-605 Machine Learning with Large Datasets 10-608 Conversational Machine Learning 10-716 Advanced Machine Learning: Theory & Methods (was 10702) 15-624 Foundations of Cyber-Physical Systems 15-645 Database Systems 15-688 Practical Data Science 15-719 Advanced Cloud Computing 15-780 Graduate Artificial Intelligence 16-720 Computer Vision 16-725 Medical Image Analysis 16-722 Sensing and Sensors 16-824 Visual Learning and Recognition 17-637 Web Application Development 17-639 Management of Software Development 17-653 Managing Software Development 17-766 Software Engineering for Startups 02-604 Fundamentals of Bioinformatics 02-718 Computational Medicine

Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science has a centralized  online application process . Applications and all supporting documentation for fall admission to any of the LTI's graduate programs must be received by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The application period for Fall 2024 is now closed. Information about the Fall 2025 admissions cycle will be available in summer 2024.

Application Deadlines

Fee Waivers

Fee waivers may be available in cases of financial hardship, or for participants in select "pipeline" programs. For more information, please refer to the  School of Computer Science Fee Waiver page .

The School of Computer Science requires the following for all applications:

A GPA of 3.0 or higher. (Students should report raw university GPA scores and NOT converted scores. Please DO NOT convert your international score to a US GPA or weighted GPA or other system).

GRE scores: GRE is required. Our Institution Code is 2074; Department Code is 0402. 

TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores: If you are an international applicant and your native language (language spoken from birth) is not Enlgish, an official copy of English proficiency score report is required.  The English proficiency requirement cannot be waived for any reason. We strongly encourage applicants to take either the TOEFL or IELTS.  In cases where these are not available it is acceptable to take the Duolingo test.  We discourage the use of the TOEFL IPT Plus for China since speaking is not scored.  Successful applicants will have a minimum TOEFL score of 100. Our Institution Code is 4256; the Department Code is 78.  

Unofficial transcripts from each university you have attended, regardless of whether you received a degree.

Current resume.

Statement of Purpose. A Statement of Purpose is not a resume. It should discuss your reasons for choosing the MSAII program and indicate your intended career path. 

Three letters of recommendation.

A short (1-3 minutes) video of yourself. Tell us about you and why you are interested in the MSAII program. This is not a required part of the application process, but it is STRONGLY suggested.  

For specific application/admissions questions, please contact   Amber Vivis . 

Program Contact

For more information about the MSAII program, contact Amber Vivis.

Amber Vivis

Program handbook.

group of students with laptops working at a table

Bachelor's Programs

Each year, the School of Computer Science admits students to undergraduate programs ranging from a traditional B.S. in computer science to a bachelor of computer science and arts. 

Whatever option you choose, you’re guaranteed to find a rigorous program dedicated to the real-world training and practical problem solving that has been the hallmark of computer science education at CMU since its inception.

B.S. in Computer Science

Carnegie Mellon's undergraduate major in computer science combines a solid core of computer science courses with the ability to gain substantial depth in another area through a required minor in a second subject. The curriculum also gives you numerous choices for science and humanities courses. Computing is a discipline with strong links to many fields, and our program gives you unparalleled flexibility to pursue these fields. Our mathematics and probability component ensures that you'll have the formal tools to remain current as technologies and systems change, but at the same time you'll gain insight into the practical issues of building and maintaining systems by participating in intensive project-oriented courses.

Unlike other universities, where research rarely occurs at the undergraduate level, CMU CS students often have part-time or summer jobs — or receive independent study credit — working on research while pursuing their bachelor's degree. If you're interested in a research/graduate school career, we offer an intensive course of research, equivalent to four classroom courses, culminating in the preparation of a senior research honors thesis.

Requirements

Current Computer Science Undergraduate Curriculum  

Computer Science Undergraduate curriculum information for prior years are available on the Previous Course Catalogs webpage .

How to Apply

SCS Undergraduate Majors

Including the B.S. in CS, the School of Computer Science offers five bachelor's degrees.

Information on the other four degrees can be found on the respective websites for the degree:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computational Biology
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Current Semester Courses
  • Upcoming Semester Courses
  • Schedule of Classes
  • Undergraduate Catalog
  • How to Apply as Incoming First-Year
  • Incoming Student Course Transfer
  • B.S. in CS Curriculum
  • B.S. in CS Concentrations
  • B.S. in CS External Course Transfer
  • B.S. in CS Program Contacts
  • Guidelines for Internal Transfer or Dual Degree
  • Minor and Additional Major in Computer Science
  • Other SCS Undergraduate Programs
  • Summer Research for International Students
  • Master's Programs
  • Doctoral Programs
  • Student Resources

IMAGES

  1. Math Science CMU Colloquium (March 2018): Department of Mathematics

    math phd cmu

  2. Math Extravaganza at CMU announces 2020 keynote speaker

    math phd cmu

  3. Math Science CMU Colloquium (March 2018): Department of Mathematics

    math phd cmu

  4. Math Science CMU Colloquium (March 2018): Department of Mathematics

    math phd cmu

  5. Math Science CMU Colloquium (March 2018): Department of Mathematics

    math phd cmu

  6. Freshman Mathematics Lecture at CMU

    math phd cmu

COMMENTS

  1. Ph.D. Programs

    Students who have been admitted to the PAL program, and who complete the requirements for the Ph.D. in Mathematical Sciences with a thesis in the area of logic, can choose to receive either a Ph.D. in Pure and Applied Logic or a Ph.D. in Mathematical Sciences. The choice of which degree to receive is usually based on the intended career path.

  2. Mellon College of Science

    Department of Mathematical Sciences Carnegie Mellon University Wean Hall 6113 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-268-2545 ...

  3. Mellon College of Science

    The mailing address for the graduate program: Department of Mathematical Sciences c/o Christine Gilchrist, Wean Hall 6113, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 U.S.A. Further info: Christine Gilchrist +1 412 268 7154 [email protected]

  4. Mathematical Sciences

    As a graduate of the mathematical sciences program, you'll be well prepared to become a faculty member at a college or university, or pursue corporate work. Career. Projected Salary. College Professor/Instructor. $80,840. Data Analyst (General) $72,247. Financial Quantitative Analyst. $73,810.

  5. Graduate

    Graduate Programs. CMU's mathematics doctoral programs are organized around the research strengths of the department, including both longstanding and emerging strengths in areas such as algebra and number theory, combinatorics, geometry, logic, mathematical finance, numerical analysis, probability, pure and applied analysis, and topology.

  6. Ph.D. Students

    Carnegie Mellon University ... Graduate Ph.D. Programs Past Ph.D. Recipients Courses Master Degrees Research People Faculty Postdocs and Visiting/Adjunct Faculty Staff Ph.D. Students Alumni Giving ...

  7. Outcomes and Destinations

    Mellon College of Science › Mathematical Sciences › Graduate › Ph.D. Programs › Outcomes and Destinations ... Penn State Department of Mathematics, Pennsylvania; Postdoctoral Associate, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ... Department of Mathematical Sciences Carnegie Mellon University Wean Hall 6113 Pittsburgh, PA ...

  8. Department of Mathematical Sciences < Carnegie Mellon University

    Department of Mathematical Sciences. Prasad Tetali, Department Head Dejan Slepčev, Associate Head Jason Howell, Director of Undergraduate Studies Location: Wean Hall 6113 www.math.cmu.edu. Mathematics provides much of the language and quantitative underpinnings of the natural and social sciences, and mathematical scientists have been ...

  9. Mathematics Graduate Programs

    A minimum GPA of 2.7 overall (or 3.0 in the final sixty semester hours of graded coursework toward the bachelor's degree) and 3.0 in mathematics is required. Applicants with a Master's degree in mathematics equivalent to the M .A. degree at Central Michigan University must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their graduate work.

  10. Past Ph.D. recipients by year:

    Daniel Rodriguez Models of R-Supercompactness Advisor: Ernest Schimmerling Entry Position: Postdoctoral Associate, Math Sciences Dept., Carnegie Mellon Tanawit Sae-Sue Radner Equilibrium in Infinite and Finite Time-Horizon Lévy Models Advisor: Kasper Larsen Entry Position: Lecturer, Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, Chulalongkorn University ...

  11. PDF Department of Mathematical Sciences

    second major for students planning for graduate study and research in subject areas requiring a strong statistical background. The Discrete Mathematics and Logic Concentration provides a background in discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, and theoretical computer science. This concentration prepares the student to do research in these

  12. Department of Mathematical Sciences Courses

    Carnegie Mellon University 5000 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-268-2000. Legal Info; www.cmu.edu ©2023-2024 Carnegie Mellon University

  13. Mathematical Sciences

    The Ph.D. Program in Mathematical Sciences Requirements. The requirements are admission to doctoral candidacy, submission of a thesis, and fulfillment of teaching and language requirements.. A student entering the doctoral program will be assigned an academic advisor, who will assist the student in meeting the requirements for admission to candidacy.

  14. PhD Program in Machine Learning

    Final Application Deadline - December 13, 2023 (3:00 p.m. EST) The Machine Learning (ML) Ph.D. program is a fully-funded doctoral program in machine learning (ML), designed to train students to become tomorrow's leaders through a combination of interdisciplinary coursework, and cutting-edge research.

  15. Mathematical Sciences

    4 years English. 4 years Mathematics*. 1 year Chemistry. 1 year Physics. 1 year Biology. 2 years Foreign Language. 3 electives. *Four years of mathematics should include at least algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, elementary functions (pre-calculus) and preferably calculus. Advanced mathematics courses are encouraged ...

  16. ACO Program Home Page

    Carnegie Mellon University has taken the initiative of offering an interdisciplinary Ph.D program in Algorithms, Combinatorics, and Optimization. It is administered jointly by the Tepper School of Business (Operations Research group), the Computer Science Department (Algorithms and Complexity group), and the Department of Mathematical Sciences (Discrete Mathematics group).

  17. Department of Mathematics

    Mathematics Assistance Center. Free service: Our Mathematics Assistance Center tutors are ready to help with a wide range of courses from Elementary Algebra to Calculus 3 and beyond, as well as a variety of statistics-based courses. Students who regularly get help from the Mathematics Assistance Center receive higher grades in their mathematics ...

  18. Department of Mathematics at Columbia University

    Office of Student Affairs. 107 Low Library, MC 4304. New York, NY 10027. 212-854-6729. [email protected]. For information on the department and program: Michael Harris. Director of Graduate Studies. Department of Mathematics.

  19. Applied Mathematics Doctoral Program

    The Applied Mathematics PhD Program has a very strong track record in research and training. Placement of PhD students has been outstanding, with recent PhD students taking tenure-track/tenured faculty jobs at institutions such as Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, Drexel, Purdue, Tsinghua, UC Santa Cruz, Utah, Washington and alike, as well as private sector jobs in leading financial and high-tech ...

  20. Carnegie Mellon mathematics? : r/math

    At Carnegie Mellon, for instance, their department has a stronger presence in applied mathematics, with several distinct research concentrations in applied topics (but not very much in the way of more "pure" topics, e.g., geometry/topology/algebra). If this kind of thing interests you, or if contest math is a very strong draw for you, then ...

  21. Mathematics (MA)

    A master's degree in mathematics opens the door to a wide array of fascinating careers. Our MA program builds your problem-solving skills and expands on the tools you need to succeed, whether you plan to pursue doctoral studies or directly to work. We even have a series of courses specifically designed to prepare you to teach at a two-year ...

  22. Computer Science Department

    Offered jointly by the Department of Mathematics, the Department of Philosophy and the Computer Science Department, this interdisciplinary program builds upon Carnegie Mellon's unique strengths in logic and its applications to computer science. A large, internationally recognized group of active faculty, frequent workshops, colloquia, seminar ...

  23. CMU Math Placement

    CMU Math Placement. The CMU Math Placement is hosted by Stemify, a web-based, artificially intelligent math assessment and learning system. This placement assessment will help decide what mathematics courses to enroll in at CMU, as well as to help you prepare for your course through the use of the Learning Library.

  24. Summer Academy for Math and Science

    1. Carnegie Mellon's founder, Andrew Carnegie, is famously known for the quote "My Heart is in the Work." Our work in the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion and belongingness (DEIB). What are the benefits of pursuing passion projects as a future Summer Academy for Math & Science (SAMS) Scholar?

  25. Dr. William Scherlis

    William L. Scherlis is a professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon and special advisor to the Software Engineering Institute, a DoD FFRDC at CMU. From September 2019 to May 2022 he served as director of DARPA's Information Innovation Office (I2O), where he led program managers in the development of programs in cybersecurity, artificial ...

  26. Graduate degree programs

    With a major focus on the emerging knowledge-based economy on the continent,&#160;our graduate degree programs are educating future leaders who will use their hands-on, experiential learning to advance technology innovation and grow the businesses that will transform Africa.

  27. Machine Learning Graduate Programs Rankings

    Machine learning graduate program rankings from different sources. The Machine Learning Department at Carnegie Mellon University is ranked as #1 in the world for AI and Machine Learning, we offer Undergraduate, Masters and PhD programs. Our faculty are world renowned in the field, and are constantly recognized for their contributions to Machine ...

  28. Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation

    Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science has a centralized online application process. Applications and all supporting documentation for fall admission to any of the LTI's graduate programs must be received by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The application period for Fall 2024 is now closed.

  29. Apply to our graduate programs

    Additional information. Learn about admission requirements by department and institute; Get the estimated cost for graduate programs.; View and submit the graduate transfer credit form.; Statement of Assurance. Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or ...

  30. Bachelor's Programs

    Carnegie Mellon's undergraduate major in computer science combines a solid core of computer science courses with the ability to gain substantial depth in another area through a required minor in a second subject. ... Our mathematics and probability component ensures that you'll have the formal tools to remain current as technologies and systems ...