New part-time master’s program meets growing demand for privacy technology expertise

The rapidly evolving fields of privacy technology, privacy engineering, and AI governance are presenting professionals with new challenges and opportunities.

To meet the needs of busy professionals eager to deepen their expertise without leaving their full-time jobs, Carnegie Mellon University’s Software and Societal Systems Department has launched a new part-time master’s degree program: the MS in Privacy Technology and Policy.

This innovative program is designed specifically for professionals who are committed to their careers but want to gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills in privacy technology and policy. The program delivers the same core courses as the full-time, in-person MS in Privacy Engineering program, but in a flexible, online format. This allows students to attend live classes via Zoom or catch up on recordings, offering them the flexibility to manage both their professional and academic commitments.

Aimed at those who are unable to relocate or dedicate a full 12 months to study, the new part-time program emphasizes flexibility without compromising the quality of education. Students will gain expertise in the critical areas of privacy engineering and privacy policy, as well as the complex ways these concepts are being adapted in the era of artificial intelligence. These are topics that are increasingly relevant as privacy concerns continue to grow in industries ranging from tech and healthcare to finance and government.

The MS in Privacy Technology and Policy builds on the success of Carnegie Mellon’s full-time, in-person Privacy Engineering master’s program, which was launched 12 years ago. Over the years, this program has established itself as a leader in the field, producing graduates who have gone on to work at top tech companies, consulting firms, and in various sectors where privacy and AI governance are top priorities.

CMU’s faculty members are a key factor in the success of both the full-time and part-time master’s programs. Our world-renowned faculty bring a wealth of research, practical industry and government experience, and policy expertise to the classroom. Students are exposed to cutting-edge developments in privacy technology, as well as the regulatory and ethical frameworks surrounding them.

Over the past three years, the university has also launched a weekend certificate program in privacy engineering, which has already trained more than 250 professionals. This success has highlighted the growing demand for privacy-related education tailored to professionals who need to upskill without taking a career break.

“We are excited to expand our offerings to accommodate the needs of professionals who want to remain in their careers while gaining advanced expertise in privacy technology and policy," said Norman Sadeh, co-director of CMU’s Privacy Engineering program. “This new, part-time master’s program is designed to be accessible, flexible, and rigorous, ensuring that our students are well-prepared to address the complex privacy challenges of today and tomorrow.”

CMU is currently accepting applications for fall 2025 enrollment in both the new part-time MS in Privacy Technology and Policy program and the full-time, in-person MS in Privacy Engineering. The final application deadline is Tuesday, February 14 at 5 p.m. ET. See detailed information and apply today.