star twitter facebook envelope linkedin instagram youtube alert-red alert home left-quote chevron hamburger minus plus search triangle x

Be Smart


Become a change maker who can unleash data-driven decisions at every level

Chief Data Officer Certificate


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

CRO program seal

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.

Carnegie Mellon University's Chief Data Officer Certificate Program (CDataO) provides current and future CDOs with the critical strategic insight, management techniques, and analytical capabilities you need to set up a 21st century data governance program.

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 six-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; and achieve buy-in from stakeholders throughout your organization.

As part of this certificate program, you will develop an enterprise data strategy roadmap for a project organization. All students admitted to the CDataO 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.

In a post-pandemic world, every business is a digital-first and data-first business. Strong data leadership is a crucial ingredient for companies to maximize value from innovation, minimize risk, and evolve their data culture. The Chief Data Officer Certificate Program at CMU—taught by practicing CDOs and data thought leaders—provides aspiring data 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. CDOs are now also expected to be strategists who can identify and manage increasingly diverse data-driven opportunities and risks. The instructors in Carnegie Mellon's CDataO Certificate Program, many of whom have been CDOs themselves, understand this shift. David Steier | Distinguished Service Professor | CMU's Heinz College

C-Data-O CERTIFICATE PROGRAM INFORMATION


Applications are currently being accepted for Cohort 5, beginning November 2023. 

C-Data-O Curriculum


More Programs for Executives

CIO

Chief Information Officer Certificate

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) Certificate program takes an interdisciplinary approach to information and technology management for CIOs, CTOs, CSOs, and other executives with IT oversight responsibilities.

Learn More

CISO

Chief Information Security Officer Certificate

The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Certificate program equips cyber leaders with enhanced capabilities in cybersecurity, information assurance, and modern threats.

Learn More

CRO

Chief Risk Officer Certificate

The Chief Risk Officer (CRO) Certificate program provides the latest skills and best practices impacting risk management, as well as effective strategies for addressing and analyzing enterprise risks.

Learn More

CDigitalO

Chief Digital Officer Certificate

The Chief Digital Officer (CDigitalO) Certificate program prepares you for next generation leadership and the complexity of digital transformation, including effective management of digital teams, products, and services.

Learn More

MSIT

Master of Science in Information Technology (Online)

The Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) is our part-time online program for professionals seeking graduate degrees in IT; Heinz certificate program graduates are eligible for a MSIT tuition discount.

Learn More
FUTURE MODULES BENEFIT

Graduates of the CDataO Certificate Program will have access to new CDataO 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 CDataO Certificate Program and who subsequently apply for and are admitted into the Heinz College MSIT Degree Program are eligible for a tuition discount scholarship. Tuition that has 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, CDataO, CDigitalO and/or PITC 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.