Our undergraduate majors and minors take a social science approach to the study of political science in order to teach students how to think critically about the world as it is while preparing them to influence what it might become, whether in government, politics, or the private sector.

Bettering the world requires understanding it, and understanding it requires a blend of the study of great-power competition and the twenty-first-century threats we face - terror, cyber, and otherwise. At CMIST, students learn to think systematically about international and domestic politics while studying American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political economy, and the impact of technological innovation on national and international security and public policy. With three majors, six minors, and the opportunity to gain real-world experience in Washington, D.C., Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy & Technology (CMIST) graduates are ready to shape domestic politics and international affairs through careers in government, law, public policy, intelligence, national defense, consulting, non-governmental organizations, international development, and more.

To meet the interests of students across the university while adding depth to their primary area(s) of study, CMIST also offers six different minors. Our minors are open to all CMU undergraduate students and cover topics in political science, international relations, American politics, U.S. legal issues and law, cybersecurity, emerging technology’s impact on national and international security, military strategy, and public policy.

The job market demand for graduate-level education in technology strategy and policy-making leadership positions has been steadily increasing, as many companies seek specialized skills and advanced knowledge. CMIST’s graduate programs are designed to better equip graduates for roles in strategic planning and governance, digital transformation, IT leadership, and technology policy-making with implications for national and international security. With a focus on professional development, our MITS and MS STAIR-AMP programs welcome students who are motivated to accelerate their pursuit of advanced degrees to differentiate themselves and enhance their career prospects for leadership positions in private industries and the public sector. 

Graduate alumni from CMIST programs have gone on to hold consulting, analyst, or engineering/development positions for major corporations like Booz Allen Hamilton, Goldman Sachs, SpaceX, Amazon, Morgan Stanley, Microsoft, and Barclays. Alumni have also found successful placement within governmental organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Government Accountability Office, and the Department of Justice as well as non-governmental appointments in Americorps, the American Bar Association, and the International Rescue Committee– to name a few.  

CMIST is also proud of our continued commitment to providing advanced education for individuals within public service positions across the globe; welcoming new graduate students every year from all branches of U.S. and international militaries. 

Whether your background is in political science, computer science, international relations, strategic leadership, or emerging technologies, CMIST has the professional master’s program best suited for your career aspirations. Contact us today to learn more!