CMU-Q’s Journey in Education City
In 2001, a visionary partnership between Carnegie Mellon University and Qatar Foundation began to take shape. This collaboration would soon take the form of Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, a pioneering institution that has left an indelible mark on education in the region.
At the heart of this partnership were two powerful visions:
Carnegie Mellon University
“Carnegie Mellon University will have a transformative impact on society through continual innovation in education, research, creativity and entrepreneurship.”
Carnegie Mellon University vision statement
Qatar Foundation
“The sharing of knowledge, ideas and values is the noblest way to transcend barriers. In this sense, globalization is the architect, which constructs academic bridges across cultural and geographical landscapes.”
Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser
Chairperson of Qatar Foundation
Milestones
A proposal to establish CMU-Q’s first international branch campus is presented to the Carnegie Mellon Board of Trustees.
CMU’s Board of Trustees passes a resolution formally establishing a branch campus in Qatar.
Dr. Charles. E. Thorpe is named the first dean of CMU-Q.
CMU-Q opens its doors with 41 students, offering programs in business administration and computer science.
A groundbreaking ceremony celebrates the start of work on the new Carnegie Mellon Qatar building.
The campus launches its Information Systems major, an internationally recognized bachelor of science degree.
The first graduation ceremony celebrates the Class of 2008.
The state-of-the-art CMU-Q building opens.
CMU-Q announces a new undergraduate program in biological sciences.
Dr. Ilker Baybars is appointed dean of CMU-Q, taking over the reins from interim dean Dr. Richard Tucker.
CMU-Q celebrates 10 years in Education City with an event attended by His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.
The total number of alumni surpasses 500.
Dr. Michael Trick is appointed dean, leading the campus into a new era of innovation and growth.
In three days, CMU-Q successfully transitions to online learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When the Class of 2021 completes their studies, the total number of alumni surpasses 1,000.
CMU-Q celebrates the classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 in a three-night extravaganza.
CMU-Q launches innovative AI+X certificates.
The campus recognizes its largest graduation class of 120 students.
CMU-Q Today
A Thriving Global Community
- 450+ students from 61 nations
- 39% Qatari students
- 56% female students
- 2,800+ applications for 115 first-year spots
Innovation in Education
CMU-Q continues to push boundaries in education:
- New discipline-specific certificates in applications of AI
- Micro courses taught by Carnegie Mellon faculty
- Focus on interdisciplinary research
- Experiential learning in all programs to deepen understanding
As CMU-Q celebrates two decades of excellence, it stands as a testament to the power of international collaboration in education. The campus continues to shape the future of Qatar and beyond, one student at a time.
“The vision of Qatar Foundation is to unlock human potential, and we share this dedication to education and inspiration with our Carnegie Mellon partners. The graduates of CMU-Q receive diplomas in a select set of disciplines, and with this knowledge, they have traveled many paths and are transforming the world in truly unique ways. We value this partnership, and look forward to many more years of collaboration and educational excellence.”
Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani
Vice Chairperson and CEO
Qatar Foundation