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At CMIST, we examine the structural foundations of power, governance, and international order in the twenty-first century. Our curriculum provides a deep dive into political institutions and the civic frameworks that support them. Students explore the intersection of traditional diplomacy, emerging technology, and institutional design, while analyzing geopolitical shifts and security concerns of today. CMIST prepares students to not just navigate the complex systems that govern global society, but to lead them.

Earn a Bachelor of Science degree that signals both quantitative proficiency and analytical rigor. Our degree programs provide foundations for both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, giving individuals the tools to analyze complex global challenges from every angle. Students also gain technical and data analysis skills that are essential in today’s policy and security landscapes. Through CMIST’s Undergraduate Research for Credit course, students also have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience conducting research under the guidance of our faculty members.

Our faculty members are leaders in their fields, but their primary mission is student success. With a commitment to small class sizes and collaborative research, CMIST offers the unique opportunity to learn from and work alongside experts. Whether students are navigating a complex thesis or seeking career guidance, our faculty provide the personalized mentorship and professional networks necessary to bridge the gap between graduation and a high-impact career. 

Bridge the gap between theory and practice through curated research opportunities and internships designed for impact. In addition to local internships, the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV Washington Semester Program (CMU/WSP) offers students of all majors the chance to live, study, and intern in Washington, DC. Sponsored by CMIST, students earn 48 units through 24-hour weekly internships across any sector, paired with courses taught by Carnegie Mellon faculty.

At CMIST, advising goes far beyond checking boxes on a degree requirement sheet. Students benefit from holistic mentorship designed to support their growth scholars and global citizens. Whether a student has declared a CMIST major or minor, is earning a graduate degree, or is participating in the , they work closely with dedicated advisors who take the time to know their individual passions. From navigating study abroad and research fellowships to securing high-impact internships and post-graduate roles, we are committed to breaking down barriers and building a custom network of resources to fuel each student’s unique journey.

An education at CMIST extends far beyond the classroom. We cultivate a high-energy, intellectually rigorous community that connects students directly with the world of national security, global technology, and public policy. Our students have access to exclusive events and a robust calendar of professional development opportunities and public engagements. CMIST students also enjoy access to the institute’s kitchen and conference room—ideal for study sessions and building community.

At CMIST students don’t need to choose between technology and policy, they get both. Whether in MS STAIR or MITS, students gain a multidisciplinary edge. Our graduates leave CMU with the technological acumen to understand AI and cybersecurity, paired with the strategic mindset to navigate global geopolitics and private industry innovations.

Whether the focus is technical or tactical, CMIST offers deep-dive expertise that goes beyond a general degree. MS STAIR students develop a strategic command of technology governance and policy, learning to navigate the geopolitical implications of emerging tech—mastering the technological acumen required to lead in a digital world. The MITS program allows for deep-dive specialization in four critical pillars: Data Analytics, Information Security, Technology Strategy & Governance, and Software & Networked Systems. This ensures that students aren't just generalist coders or developers, and instead are technical problem-solvers and leaders.

As organizations shift their hiring toward master's-level practitioners for roles previously held by those with four-year degrees, CMIST ensures graduates are positioned for the most influential roles in policy, technology, and global strategy. According to the , graduates with a Master’s earn an average of $13,000 more per year than those with only a Bachelor’s. Additionally, with showing that 33% of employers are raising educational requirements, a CMIST degree puts our graduates in a top tier of candidates.

CMIST students don't just study theory; they solve problems. Through CMIST’s capstone projects and internships, students gain real world experience. During the MITS capstone project, students engage in team-based, real-world problem-solving related to their concentration, while students in the MS STAIR program test their skills in a professional environment before graduation through a summer internship in Washington, DC.

Through various seminars and speaker series, ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV leverages its reputation as a global leader to bring military and civilian leaders and strategists to campus, providing a "behind-the-curtain" look at how technology and strategy are applied at the highest levels of government and industry. Explore our archive of past seminars and guest lectures to see CMIST’s thought leadership in action.

The career outcomes list for CMIST graduates is remarkably broad. The foundations students receive sets them up for a leadership trajectory across international relations and foreign policy; global technology services and data science; impact analysis and advocacy; and strategic consultanting.

CMIST is a team of teams that works with cutting-edge ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV research units across campus. Students gain access to CMU’s world-class faculty and research centers that are pioneers in AI, cybersecurity, and information sciences. A Carnegie Mellon degree carries the weight of a top-tier institution recognized by employers worldwide.