Public Interest Technology Certificate (PITC)

Data Management. Digital Innovation. AI Leadership. Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College will equip you with all three to create a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive government.

The digital revolution is about far more than business value. Analytics and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are being used to identify and solve social problems, improve government services and policies, and help public agencies innovate to better understand, connect with, and serve their constituent communities.

Carnegie Mellon University is a defining leader in the field of Public Interest Technology (PIT). Through an interdisciplinary curriculum taught by our renowned faculty and PIT practitioners, we empower the next generation of civic leaders across all areas of government to pursue evidence-based action, powered by AI. No prior technical training required.

This six-month program—delivered via live, synchronous distance learning to enable deeper conversations and connections within your cohort—provides you with three component certificates, tailored for the public sector: Data Management, Digital Innovation, and AI Leadership. With these distinct skillsets combined, you will leave the program ready to lead transformation in your agency.

The final module for each of the three certificates will be a hands-on, collaborative workshop focused on applying the methods and tools covered in that section to a real societal problem.

Please note: PITC Program deliveries will be virtual for Cohorts 1 and 2; the program mid-session will be offered virtually with an optional in-person delivery in Washington, D.C., if possible, in accordance with public health guidance. Students will not be required to travel to complete the program.

We are pleased to offer the PITC to government leaders to help them gain expertise in data management, digital innovation, and AI leadership. The Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act mandates federal agency data be accessible and requires agencies to develop statistical evidence to support policymaking. The PITC program will empower government leaders to improve their agencies and better serve constituents while also fulfilling this mandate. Jacqueline Speedy, Associate Dean, School of Public Policy and Management at Heinz College

PITC Program Information

Applications are currently being accepted for Cohort 2, beginning May 2023.

PITC CURRICULUM

The curriculum is divided into three component certificates. Each component consists of four class modules and lasts approximately two months.

Completion of all three components will earn the student the Public Interest Technology Certificate of Program Completion.

Data Management Certificate Modules

Learn the methods and analytical approaches to evidence-based decision making.

Foundations of Enterprise Data Management

This module will set the stage for the Data Management Certificate, reviewing the core components of an enterprise data management program.
This module will also review the necessary components of the data lifecycle management process and will end with a discussion on how to develop a data-driven decision-making culture in an organization.
Data Strategy and Governance

This module will focus on data governance best practices and how data leaders integrate effectively into organizational governance and operations.
This module will also discuss the business case for enterprise data management through the development of a mission-aligned, data-driven strategic roadmap.
Data Analytics for Public Policy

Data is increasingly important for organizations to identify new markets, products, and services, streamline processes, and create unique consumer experiences. How do organizations build a culture focusing on data collection, exploration, and analysis?
In this module, participants will have a chance to gain and solidify knowledge of the most important contemporary methods of analytics, develop an understanding of practical applicability, formulate analytic tasks in support of business objectives, and define successful projects.
Data Visualization + Implementation Workshop

This module will focus on best practices for data visualization, which include the evolution of data reporting and visualization, the elements of a good BI dashboard, goals of visualization, and the relationship between the information to be communicated and different types of visualizations.
This module will also discuss effective ways to communicate data management-related organizational goals to your executive team via well-crafted stories.

Digital Innovation Certificate Modules

Make data and technology decisions with a focus on innovation and effective change management.

Public Sector Digital Transformation

Digital drives new efficiencies and new modes of work, and creates data to develop new experiences, products, and services. If not introduced effectively, it also opens up an organization to issues associated with culture, security, and privacy.
This module will discuss the key issues that digital leaders will face when transforming their organization to open new opportunities.
Emerging Tech and Innovation

This module will focus on how a public interest technologist can assess the pros and cons associated with emerging technologies, develop strategy, and implement disruptive technologies for business advantage.
Strategy and Change Management

Organizational change occurs in many forms from minor transitions to transformations and upheavals. Effectively managing change involves different activities depending on the scope of change and the organization's readiness for it. Special attention will be given to managing disruptions from transitions and inevitable losses that change brings.
This module will inform and discuss ways in which leaders can develop a data-driven transformation culture and become change leaders to enhance the competitive advantage of their organization.
Human Centered Design + Implementation Workshop

Design thinking is a user-centered, collaborative process used to identify problems and the definition of innovative solutions. Design thinking can be applied to developing new products, solving for societal challenges, creating new business models, and improving existing processes.
This module will work to improve the design thinking skills of leaders to advance digital initiatives.

AI Leadership Certificate Modules

Understand opportunities to utilize data science and artificial intelligence, as well as risks and ethical considerations when applying algorithms and automation, in order to inspire trust and confidence in constituents.

Demystifying AI

This module provides data leaders with a practical guide to using AI in the near future. Beginning with an overview of AI technologies and what they can and cannot do, this module will cover frameworks for human-AI collaboration and will outline how these systems are planned, executed, and deployed in the enterprise. We will provide tips for finding, organizing, and retaining AI talent and will conclude with advice for creating an enterprise AI strategy.
The module will include time to discuss problems presented by students that might be addressable by AI.
Data Science for Good

Since the start of the big data, data science, and artificial intelligence movements, many data scientists have been motivated to apply these data collection advancements and their skills with complex algorithms to solve important problems with significant societal impact.
This module will discuss how leaders can work with their data science colleagues to leverage this technology to achieve a more equitable world.
Managing AI Projects

With the growing demand for data science and AI skills, there are many options for students to learn the fundamentals of data and analytics modeling. There are fewer opportunities to learn how to manage these projects, which often involve leading teams with diverse skills and interacting with stakeholders in a variety of roles.
This module offers practical guidance and experience around the process of initiating, delivering, and evaluating AI projects.
Ethics of AI & Strategy + Implementation Workshop

As organizations look to automate processes and glean insights from data, how can agencies ensure groups are using and acting on information in an ethical fashion?
This module will discuss how leaders can assess/mitigate the development of bias within AI, and how to implement an effective AI strategy in the public sector that is inclusive of all constituents.

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FUTURE MODULES BENEFIT

Graduates of the Public Interest Technology Certificate Program will have access to new PITC 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, CDataO, or CDigitalO program modules, unless the student is also a graduate of those programs.

MSIT PROGRAM DISCOUNT

Students who complete the PITC 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 PITC, CIO, CISO, CRO, CDataO and/or CDigitalO certificate 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.

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