Why Privacy Engineering?
We live in an AI-powered data economy, where nearly every product, service or device we interact with collects and processes data about us. This data goes on to feed machine learning algorithms designed to predict our tastes, habits, future behaviors, possible health ailments and more.
Along with this growing dependence on personal data, we have seen the emergence of stringent regulations designed to hold organizations that collect and process our data accountable. Regulations such as the GDPR, CCPA and a growing patchwork of state and international privacy and AI laws come with steep penalties for organizations that fail to meet their requirements.
What does this mean for you?
These developments have created unprecedented demand for professionals operating at the intersection of law and technology: privacy engineers. The field’s professional association has doubled to more than 120,000 in recent years, with salaries of more than $136,000, according to the International Association of Privacy Professionals.
There's no time like the present to study privacy engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.
On Your Schedule: Privacy Engineering at CMU
At Carnegie Mellon, we've spent decades at the forefront of privacy research. Our graduate offerings in privacy engineering give you the skills you need to identify and resolve privacy challenges in modern software systems. We offer two master's programs: one full-time in Pittsburgh, and one part-time and remote. We also offer a certificate program that's only on weekends. Learn more below.
Master's in Privacy Engineering
Full-time, in Pittsburgh, 12 or 16 months
We designed this program for computer scientists and engineers who want to make a meaningful impact as privacy engineers or technical privacy managers. You'll spend either 16 months (with an internship) or 12 months (no internship) on our Pittsburgh campus and engage in a capstone project, where you'll solve real-world privacy challenges for an outside sponsor.
Master's in Privacy Technology and Policy
Part-time, remote, flexible timeline
Have a full-time job and want to keep it? This program is for you! Our part-time master's accommodates students who are employed and want to stay that way. You’ll have remote access to the exact same classes as full-time students, giving you the flexibility of attending live courses or watching lectures at your convenience, from wherever you call home.
Privacy Engineering and AI Governance Certificate
Five weekends, remote via Zoom
If you want to upskill but aren't sure about a master's degree, our professional certificate is a great option. This condensed training experience is tailored to the needs of working professionals and takes place over five weekends, during which you’ll gain an appreciation and practical knowledge of privacy engineering and AI governance. Open to individuals or cohorts from a single organization.