CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Master's in Privacy Engineering and AI Governance
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€52k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- World's first dedicated programUnique Program
- 12 or 16 months (on-campus)Flexible Duration
- Remote options availableStudy Flexibility
- Capstone projects with major companiesReal-world Experience
- $136,000Average Privacy Engineer Salary
- Leading CMU FacultyExpert Instruction
The Master's in Privacy Engineering and AI Governance at Carnegie Mellon University is the world's first master's degree program fully dedicated to these critical areas. This program equips students with the essential skills to identify and solve privacy and AI governance challenges within modern software systems. With a strong focus on practical application, you will learn to navigate the complexities of data breaches, obscure privacy policies, and the evolving landscape of AI's impact on data privacy. You have the option of two pathways: a full-time, on-campus program in Pittsburgh, lasting either 12 months (without an internship) or 16 months (with an internship), culminating in a capstone project for an external sponsor. Alternatively, the Master's in Privacy Technology and AI Governance offers full-time (9 months accelerated) or part-time fully remote study options, providing flexibility for working professionals while offering access to the same high-quality live or recorded lectures.
Careers
Graduates of this program are highly sought after by leading technology companies and command competitive salaries. The skills acquired are directly applicable to addressing the increasing demand for privacy and AI governance expertise in the industry.
- Privacy Engineer
- Technical Privacy Manager
- Privacy Technologist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition and living costs for the Master's in Privacy Engineering and AI Governance?
- The tuition for full-time Masters study is $60,900 per academic year. Estimated total living expenses, excluding health insurance, are $34,018 per academic year.
- What is the duration of the Master's in Privacy Engineering and AI Governance program?
- The on-campus program can be completed in 12 months without an internship or 16 months with an internship. There are also accelerated 9-month full-time remote options and part-time remote study options.
- What are the entry requirements for this Master's program?
- A strong undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Biomedical Engineering is recommended, along with college-level coursework in life sciences, statistics, and programming. A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100 is required for non-native English speakers.
- How do I apply for the Master's in Privacy Engineering and AI Governance?
- Applications are submitted online through the School of Computer Science's graduate application portal. The application opens on September 9, 2026, for Fall 2027 admissions and requires transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation.
- What career opportunities are available after completing this program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Privacy Engineer, Technical Privacy Manager, and Privacy Technologist, and are highly sought after by leading technology companies.
- Are there any scholarships available for this program?
- The CMU Rales Fellows Program is mentioned as a potential fellowship for future STEM leaders, with more details available on the respective program page.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeStrongly encouraged in Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Biomedical Engineering (or a combination). Must have completed college-level coursework in at least one life science, statistics, and some programming. Ideal candidates will have coursework in algorithms and data structures.
TOEFL iBTMinimum 100 overall. Expired scores may be accepted if a degree was recently completed in the United States and an official report with applicant's picture is provided.
GREs are not required for admission. Waivers for non-native English speakers are not issued, regardless of prior educational experience in English-speaking institutions.
Fees
Tuition (international)$60,900 per academic year (for full-time Masters study).
Tuition (home)$60,900 per academic year (for full-time Masters study).
LivingEstimated total living expenses (housing, food, books, personal, travel, fees, excluding health insurance) are $34,018 per academic year. This includes: Housing $14,752, Food $8,664, Books and Supplies $2,212, Personal and Misc. $4,098, Travel Allowance $1,756, Transportation Fee $302, Technology Fee $490, Student Activities Fee $244.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. The health insurance fee is to be determined. All figures are as of April 3, 2026.
How to apply
1. Prepare Your Application DocumentsGather all required documents, including transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
2. Complete English Proficiency Test (if applicable)If English is not your native language, take the TOEFL iBT and aim for a score of at least 100. Note that waivers are not issued.
3. Submit Online ApplicationUse the SCS Online Graduate Application portal. The application opens on September 9, 2026, for Fall 2027 admissions.
4. Track Your ApplicationEnsure all required documents, including letters of recommendation, are submitted by the deadline.
Scholarships
CMU Rales Fellows Program—
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition and living costs for the Master's in Privacy Engineering and AI Governance?
+
The tuition for full-time Masters study is $60,900 per academic year. Estimated total living expenses, excluding health insurance, are $34,018 per academic year.
What is the duration of the Master's in Privacy Engineering and AI Governance program?
+
The on-campus program can be completed in 12 months without an internship or 16 months with an internship. There are also accelerated 9-month full-time remote options and part-time remote study options.
What are the entry requirements for this Master's program?
+
A strong undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Biomedical Engineering is recommended, along with college-level coursework in life sciences, statistics, and programming. A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100 is required for non-native English speakers.
How do I apply for the Master's in Privacy Engineering and AI Governance?
+
Applications are submitted online through the School of Computer Science's graduate application portal. The application opens on September 9, 2026, for Fall 2027 admissions and requires transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation.
What career opportunities are available after completing this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Privacy Engineer, Technical Privacy Manager, and Privacy Technologist, and are highly sought after by leading technology companies.
Are there any scholarships available for this program?
+
The CMU Rales Fellows Program is mentioned as a potential fellowship for future STEM leaders, with more details available on the respective program page.