Managing AI Systems
Gain the capacity and confidence to incorporate AI into your organization.
Next Start Date
January 2026
Application Deadlines
Priority*: November 12, 2025
Final: December 3, 2025
Program Length
12 months
Taught By
Heinz College of Information Systems & Public Policy faculty
2024 U.S. News & World Report Rankings
# 1
For CMU's Information and Technology Management graduate programs
# 1
For CMU's AI graduate programs
# 1
For CMU's Information Systems Management undergraduate programs
AI is rapidly creating new solutions (and new problems) across every industry. As a manager without a technical background, you need to quickly gain AI knowledge in a way that is specifically designed for your needs - starting with the basics of AI, through knowing when and how to implement AI solutions, the ethical and risk considerations of those solutions and, most importantly, how to manage AI adoption across the organization.
Our curriculum tackles all of this using a systems-thinking approach that allows you to think beyond the technical considerations of an AI implementation more broadly across the entire organization. As a leader, you don’t need to learn programming or complex math algorithms to lead an AI project - but you do need to understand the context and important considerations to create a successful AI solution that sticks.
Finally, you are facing these issues today and need practical application, not theory. All of our courses are taught by CMU faculty who have a mix of both subject matter expertise and extensive industry experience, bringing first-hand knowledge of the problems you may face and how to solve them. In addition, each course offers a hands-on project that allows you to apply what you have learned and create a portfolio of materials that you can refer to and rely on in the future.
| Semester | Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course | AI Foundations Building the AI Organization | Operationalizing AI Systems | Responsible AI |
| Semester | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course | AI Foundations Operationalizing AI Systems | Responsible AI | Building the AI Organization |
Course Descriptions
Number of Units: 3 units (~1 credit)
All students start with AI Foundations to provide baseline knowledge that supports the rest of the program. The course provides an overview of AI technologies, addresses AI misconceptions, and clarifies the capabilities and limitations of AI. It is taken first by all students and meets bi-weekly over the first seven weeks of the term concurrent with the first full course being offered.
By the end of this course, students should know how to answer questions like:
- What is AI technology and how is it used? What does AI look like?
- How do you develop a systems thinking mindset?
- What are the components of an AI system?
- How can AI help you reach organizational goals? What is the ROI?
Course Project
Students will create a systems map outlining the elements of their organization and the ways in which an AI solution could impact the company.
Number of Units: 7 units (~2 credits)
An introduction to the practical aspects of managing AI throughout its lifecycle, from scoping to deployment, all while developing a systems-thinking mindset to navigate complexity effectively.
By the end of this course, students should know how to answer questions like:
- What are the key components of the AI system lifecycle?
- What types of business problems are suited for AI and how do we scope them?
- Should you build or buy?
- What are the core data challenges to be aware of in AI?
- What are the most frequently used AI models?
- How do you scale and sustain your AI solution?
Course Project
Students will demonstrate their management approach for an organizational challenge based on a hypothetical, industry-based scenario.
Number of Units: 7 units (~2 credits)
This course introduces students to the ethical considerations of AI implementation, covering risk mitigation strategies, test and evaluation methods, and governance frameworks to ensure responsible AI deployment.
By the end of this course, students should know how to answer questions like:
- How do you design and implement effective AI governance frameworks to ensure responsible and ethical AI adoption?
- How do you test AI models for fairness, bias, accuracy and precisions?
- How do you mitigate harms incurred and communicate after incidents occur?
- How do you train responsible AI champions?
Course Project
In this course, students will develop a governance plan for AI implementation based on an industry-based case study.
Number of Units: 7 units (~2 credits)
AI systems are complex and require robust planning to implement successfully. In this course, students will learn to formulate AI strategies that align with organizational goals, consider talent acquisition, follow change management best practices, and foster trust between AI systems and stakeholders.
By the end of this course, students should know how to answer questions like:
- How can AI support organizational value propositions?
- What people and skills should be on your AI team?
- How do you build AI literacy in your organization and dispel common AI myths?
- How do you organize AI efforts in your organization?
- How do you prioritize AI projects across business functions?
- How do you stay current on AI trends and build a learning organization?
Course Project
In this course, students will develop an organizational roadmap and experimentation plan that articulates their strategy for AI implementation.
Meet Our World-Class Faculty
Dr. Rachel Dzombak
Distinguished Service Professor of Design and Innovation & Senior Innovation Advisor
Education: Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
Dr. Dzombak is a researcher, educator, and AI consultant for a range of sectors including technology, defense, construction, and government. She partners with organizations to help them understand the implications of AI adoption and navigate complexity to drive system change. Dr. Dzombak frequently consults and provides training on: design and systems thinking, the Future of Education, digital transformation and workforce development, responsible AI and AI system evaluation, innovation ecosystems, teaming with diversity, and life design.
Dr. Anand Rao
Distinguished Service Professor of Applied Data Science and AI
Education: Ph.D., University of Sydney, Australia
Previously the Global Artificial Intelligence Leader for PwC, Dr. Anand Rao has focused on research, innovation, applications, and the business and societal adoption of data, analytics, and artificial intelligence over his 35-year consulting, industry, and academic career. With his academic and professional experience, Dr. Rao merges business domain knowledge, software engineering expertise, statistical expertise, and modeling expertise to generate unique insights into the practice of ‘data science’ and artificial intelligence.
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, take a moment to review the program requirements below.
Successful applicants will have:
A bachelor’s degree in any field
AI technology is continuously evolving, which means every industry needs professionals who can understand and manage AI systems. Applicants do not need a technical background to apply for this program. Anyone can apply as long as they’ve earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Professional experience working in the public or private sector
Ideally, applicants will have at least 5 years of work experience as a manager, policymaker or non-profit leader within the public or private sector. However, candidates who lack this experience but possess a compelling background or purpose will be considered.
An enthusiasm for learning how AI can help your organization
Adopting AI solutions within your organization can seem daunting, but it’s more accessible than you think. To master the concepts in this certificate, students must have a curious mindset, a passion for innovation, and an enthusiasm for learning how AI could transform your organization for the better.
Application Checklist
Ready to apply? Here’s what you’ll need to complete the admissions process:
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, explain your objective for applying to this program and what you hope to gain from completing the coursework.
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. If you fall into one of these categories, please include this information on your resume.
Invest In Your Future
By enrolling in our graduate-level program, you'll be investing in your professional growth to become more confident and capable using AI. We know this is a significant investment. Not just for you, but for your family as well.
So, what is the investment per course?
Below is a tuition breakdown for the 2025/2026 academic year:
| Semester | Course | Units | Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | AI Foundations | 3 units | $2,121 |
| Building the AI Organization | 7 units | $4,949 | |
| Spring 2026 | Operationalizing AI Systems | 7 units | $4,949 |
| Summer 2026 | Responsible AI | 7 units | $4,949 |
| Total Investment | $16,968 | ||
Additional Fees & Notes
- $245 technology fee will be assessed each semester (subject to change).
- The rates above are for the 2025/2026 academic year only. If the certificate is not completed within that time frame, tuition may increase slightly for the following academic year.
Scholarship Opportunities
All students who submit their application by the priority deadline will receive a partial scholarship to help offset the cost of tuition. If admitted to the program, the amount of your award will be communicated with your admissions letter.
Students who submit after the priority deadline may be eligible for any remaining scholarships that are still available. But we highly encourage you to apply by the priority deadline if you are interested in a scholarship award.
In addition, Carnegie Mellon alumni are eligible for a scholarship to the Graduate Certificate in Managing AI Systems worth up to 20% of tuition. Indicate your alumni status within the application to be eligible.
About the Heinz College of Information Systems & Public Policy
The Graduate Certificate in Managing AI Systems is offered by distinguished faculty in CMU’s Heinz College of Information Systems & Public Policy. As AI visionaries in their field, they often advise policymakers on complex topics and collaborate on high-profile AI projects. Check out some of their work:
- CMU graduate students in Professor Chris Goranson’s Policy Innovation Lab: Public Interest Technology developed a GenAI application for researchers.
- Dr. Rema Padman, Professor of Management Science and Healthcare Informatics at Heinz, has researched the opportunities and challenges of AI in healthcare.
- Heinz College Dean Ramayya Krishnan testified before a Senate subcommittee on the need for transparency in AI to spur its responsible adoption and use.
