Software Engineering Back4

Software Engineering With AI

Online Graduate Certificate

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Who is this Program For?

Software engineers, developers, and technical professionals seeking practical skills at the intersection of software engineering and artificial intelligence. 

What You Will Learn

By the end of this certificate, students should know how to build and deploy AI-enabled software systems while applying AI tools throughout the software development lifecycle. You'll gain hands-on experience building AI-enabled software and leveraging AI tools to enhance development productivity.  

The CMU Difference

Learn from faculty in Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science, a global leader in both software engineering and artificial intelligence. Through courses developed by the Software and Societal Systems Department, you'll gain technical expertise informed by CMU's distinctive focus on building systems that are not only effective and scalable, but also impactful in the real world.

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Online Curriculum

Learn how to build, deploy, and maintain AI-enabled software systems using modern engineering practices and production-ready machine learning workflows. 

  • Develop the skills to move machine learning models from experimentation to deployment by addressing scalability, reliability, monitoring, and performance in real-world environments. 
  • Apply AI-powered development tools to improve software engineering productivity, accelerate workflows, and enhance code quality across the software development lifecycle. 
  • Design and implement software systems that responsibly integrate AI capabilities while balancing technical performance, maintainability, and user needs. 
  • Gain practical experience at the intersection of software engineering and artificial intelligence, preparing you to develop intelligent applications and lead AI-enabled software initiatives.

Online Course Descriptions

Learn how to take machine learning models from prototype to production. This course covers the engineering, deployment, monitoring, testing, and operational challenges of AI-enabled systems, preparing students to build reliable, scalable, and responsible machine learning products

Explore how AI is transforming software engineering. Students learn to effectively use AI-powered development tools for coding, testing, code review, project management, and security while examining their impact on software quality, productivity, and team performance.

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Quality Online Learning for Working Professionals

Building expertise in software engineering and AI means learning to evaluate, develop, and deploy intelligent software systems while applying engineering principles to real-world challenges in a rigorous yet flexible learning environment. 

Rigor — Expect a rigorous learning experience with the same high academic standards as our on-campus offerings. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.

Flexibility — Complete the program in less than a year through a combination of live online classes and self-paced activities that fit your schedule.

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Live, online classes meet weekly with CMU faculty after work hours for interactive discussion, problem solving and collaborative learning.

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Self-paced activities - readings, short lectures and applied exercises allow you to master concepts on your own timeline with ongoing faculty support.

 

World Class Faculty

From the School of Computer Science

Dr. Christopher Timperley Headshot

Dr. Christopher Timperley

Senior Systems Scientist, Software and Societal Systems
Ph.D., University of York, UK
Research Focus: Search-based software engineering and testing
 

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Application Requirements

Designed for professionals who want to build AI-enabled applications or integrate AI tools into software development workflows, the Software Engineering & AI certificate prepares learners to succeed in graduate-level coursework and applied technical environments. Successful applicants have:

  • A bachelor's degree in computer science or an engineering-related discipline that includes coursework in mathematics or statistics, data structures and algorithms.
  • Have a foundational understanding of software development concepts, including programming, testing, debugging, and version control. 
  • Experience with Python or other programming languages such as Java, C++, Javascript, or similar.
  • A motivated mindset and intellectual curiosity.

We encourage you to apply even if your background does not perfectly align with every requirement listed above. In some cases, preparatory or refresher work may be recommended to help ensure your academic success.

A Note for International Students 

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Ready to Build Your Future?

Tuition

We know that a graduate-level certificate represents a significant investment of both time and money. But we also know the impact of investing in your own personal growth. 

See below for a full breakdown of tuition and more details on payment options. 

Applicants who submit by the Priority Deadline are eligible for a partial fellowship award. 

You will be notified of your award amount in your admission letter. Apply today! 

CourseInvestment
ML in Production$7,080
AI Tools for Software Development$7,080
Total Investment$14,160

Financing Your Future

To help make the financial commitment more manageable, we offer a limited number of scholarships and flexible monthly payment plans. Students also use employer tuition reimbursement benefits, and the G.I. Bill to cover tuition costs. See below for more details on ways to make an investment in your future a reality.

Additional Fees & Notes 

  • A $245 technology fee will be assessed each semester (subject to change). 
  • Tuition rates are for the current academic year only. If the certificate is not completed within that time frame, tuition may increase slightly for the following academic year.

Funding Information and Resources

All applicants who apply by the priority deadline are eligible for a partial scholarship award; applications received later may be eligible if funds are still available. You will be notified at the time of admission of any awards. Scholarships are applied by course and are non-transferrable between courses or semesters.

In addition, Carnegie Mellon alumni are eligible for a scholarship to the graduate certificate worth up to 20% of tuition. Indicate your alumni status within the application to be eligible.

The majority of our students use tuition reimbursement benefits from their company. While some policies won't cover certificate programs, since this certificate is credit-bearing and a verifiable credential, many organizations will allow tuition benefits. 

And remember, fall enrollment will maximize benefits since most benefit plans are based on calendar year. Enroll in Fall 2026 and you will use both your 2026 and 2027 benefits to cover the program cost. If your employer is uncertain about providing financial support, or if you need specific documents to proceed with enrollment, contact a Program Specialist who will help highlight the value and benefits of completing an online certificate at Carnegie Mellon. 

Visit this webpage to see examples of how employer tuition reimbursement can be structured throughout the semester.

A monthly payment option is available and breaks tuition into manageable monthly installments. Managed by Nelnet, students can enroll online.

Visit this webpage to explore available payment options and see examples of how tuition can be structured throughout the semester.

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 the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. Please note that our online graduate certificates are not currently eligible for the Yellow Ribbon program.

The process begins with an application directly to Veterans Affairs. 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 and fees.

All CMU Online graduate certificates are eligible for CMU tuition remission. Review the CMU tuition remission policy to check your eligibility.

Students pursuing a graduate certificate are not eligible to receive federal financial aid. However, private loans are a viable alternative to consider, offering competitive interest rates and borrower benefits. See FastChoice , a free loan comparison service to easily research options.

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Start Your Application

Ready to Apply? Here's what you'll need to complete the application process for the Software Engineering & AI Online Graduate Certificate.

Complete the Online Application
Submit your application via the online portal.

Submit Your Resume/CV 
Tell us more about your employment history, academic background, technical skills and professional achievements.

Submit Your Transcripts 
Upload unofficial copies from schools where a degree was earned or significant coursework was taken. Transcripts must include:

  • Your name
  • College or university name
  • The degree awarded (along with the conferral date)
  • All courses taken and grades earned

Upload a Statement of Purpose 
In 500 words or less, tell us why you are interested in this certificate program and how you anticipate using it in your professional capacity.

Request Information

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CMU School of Computer Science

2026 U.S. News & World Report Rankings

# 1

For AI Graduate Programs

# 1

For Graduate Computer Systems Programs

# 1

For Graduate Programming Language Programs

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On-Campus Degree

Interested in the on-campus Master of Software Engineering Programs offered by CMU's Software and Societal Systems Department from the School of Computer Science? Visit the program website to learn more.