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Be Smart


Become a change maker who can unleash data-driven decisions and AI enablement

Chief Data and AI Officer (CDAIO) Certificate Program


Training the next generation of Chief Data and AI Officers to transform organizations with leading data science and advanced technology expertise from the birthplace of AI.

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Data is being created and collected at an unprecedented volume. Chances are your organization is sitting on troves of data but unsure how to use it. Converting data into real value takes the right skills and savvy leadership to drive a culture of data-driven decision making. 

Also new data-centric technologies (AI/ML) are fundamentally disrupting companies and industries at a rate faster than ever before. It is hence crucial that data and AI domain leaders have proficient knowledge in both data management and AI enablement best practices to take advantage of new opportunities. 

Building upon the existing foundation of CMU’s successful program for data leaders launched in 2021, Carnegie Mellon University’s new Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer Certificate Program (CDAIO) provides current and future CDAIOs with the critical strategic insight, management techniques, analytical capabilities, and emerging AI knowledge you need to set up a 21st century data utilization and responsible AI programs. 

If your organization’s data is not ready for BI (business intelligence), then it is not ready for AI. This program is designed to make sure you and your organization are ready for both! 

Success in today’s world is increasingly dependent on the ability to manage large, diverse, and rapidly changing data. But being data-driven is about more than just amassing huge datasets—it requires a shift in organizational culture at every level. It requires the attitude that data is not a “nice-to-have” byproduct buried in spreadsheets, but rather a key asset central to every decision.

This seven-month program, which blends the value of on-campus sessions with the flexibility of synchronous distance learning, will prepare you to recognize business opportunities afforded by new data sources and the latest data science; match the right data to the right problem; ensure compliance with evolving regulations around security, privacy, and bias; understand the role of emerging technology (Gen AI and LLMs); and achieve buy-in from stakeholders throughout your organization.

As part of this certificate program, you will develop an enterprise data and AI strategy roadmap for a project organization. All students admitted to the CDAIO Certificate Program will have at least seven years of relevant experience managing projects and/or people, giving you the chance to collaborate with similarly experienced peers and build exciting new relationships and networks with your cohort.

We are in the midst of an unprecedented wave of digital and AI disruption. Every business needs a strong AI, analytics and data strategy to unlock value and to prepare for an AI-augmented future. Strong AI and data leadership is a crucial ingredient for companies to maximize value from innovation, minimize risk, and upskill their talent. The Chief Data and AI Officer Certificate Program at CMU—taught by practicing CDOs and AI thought leaders—provides aspiring leaders with the necessary tools, skills, thought-provoking ideas, and mentorship. Krishna Cheriath | VP, Head of Digital, Data, and Analytics | Zoetis
Historically, the role of the Chief Data Officer focused on compliance and stewardship, but that focus is evolving. Not only are CDOs now expected to identify strategic data opportunities, but they also need to use AI to broaden those opportunities, and know how to manage associated risks. The instructors in Carnegie Mellon's CDAIO Certificate Program, many of whom have been CDOs or Chief Analytics/AI Officers themselves, understand this shift. David Steier | Distinguished Service Professor | CMU's Heinz College

My Story: Chas


The CDataO program (predecessor to CDAIO) helped Chas Murphy, Senior VP of Data and Analytics, Disney Streaming, at Disney Entertainment, build roadmaps for corporate analytics strategy.

CDAIO CERTIFICATE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Program Costs

  • $17,850 for the entire program

  • $14,280 discounted rate for Carnegie Mellon alumni—including CIO, CISO, CRO, and CDigitalO programs—U.S. government employees, veterans, and employees of non-profit organizations.

  • Program cost is a flat rate with no additional fees.

  • Optional credit card installment payment plan is available

Please note: Due to the non-credit bearing nature of the CDAIO Certificate Program, students are unable to apply for tuition assistance, scholarship, or VA benefits. Program costs cannot be itemized.

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Deadlines

  • Formal deadline for Cohort 2 is April 29, 2025. Please submit your application as soon as possible for consideration.

  • If space remains after the deadline, we will accept applications on a first-come, first-serve basis.

CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of 1/5 of the total program cost is required to reserve a seat in the program.

Should a student withdraw from the program after the deposit has been paid but prior to the program start date, students may have 4/5 of the program costs either refunded to them or transferred to the following cohort of the program.

After the program start date, no refunds will be issued. However, under extenuating circumstances and with program director approval, students may petition to postpone their attendance to a future cohort and have 4/5 of the program costs applied accordingly.

Details


Applications are currently being accepted for Cohort 2, which begins May 2025. 

  • Cohort 2 (Spring 2025) Program Dates & Schedule

    Virtual Orientation: 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. EDT
    May 6-8, 2025

    Virtual Modules: 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. EDT
    (Note: all virtual class dates are Wednesdays)
    May 19, 2025
    June 2, 16, 23 (2025)
    July 14, 21 (2025)

    Mid-Session: 9:00 - 5:00 p.m. EDT (Pittsburgh, PA; virtual option available)
    July 29-31, 2025

    Virtual Modules: 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. EDT
    (Note: all virtual class dates are Wednesdays)
    August 11, 18, 25 (2025)
    September 15, 29 (2025)
    October 13, 20 (2025)

    Practicum: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST (Pittsburgh, PA; virtual option available)
    November 19-20, 2025

CDAIO Curriculum


The robust curriculum, which covers emerging best practices in data management and analytics, data
science and machine learning, and responsible AI practices is as follows:

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FUTURE MODULES BENEFIT

Graduates of the CDAIO Certificate Program will have access to new CDAIO Program modules created in the future, providing you with continuing education after the program ends. Approval is required.

Please note: This benefit does not extend to future CIO, CISO, CRO, CDigitalO, or PITC program modules, unless the student is also a graduate of those programs.

MSIT PROGRAM DISCOUNT

Students who complete the CDAIO Certificate Program and who subsequently apply for and are admitted into the Heinz College MSIT Degree Program are eligible for a tuition discount scholarship. Program costs that have been paid for completing any or all of the Heinz College Executive Education certificate programs (up to $40,000) by the individual student or their sponsor/employer will be matched with a tuition discount from the MSIT program—reducing the cost to complete the MSIT degree by up to $40,000.

In order to be considered, applicants to the MSIT program should indicate their enrollment status with the CIO, CISO, CRO, CDAIO, and/or CDigitalO program(s) on the Application for Admission.

Please note: The tuition discount is only available once a student has completed all of the certificate program’s requirements. Completion of a certificate program does not guarantee admission to the MSIT program.