Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private research institution located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1900 by industrialist Andrew Carnegie as the Carnegie Technical Schools and evolved into the Carnegie Institute of Technology before adopting its current name in 1967. Over the past century, CMU has become globally recognized for its leadership in computer science, engineering, arts, and interdisciplinary research, often ranking among the top 25 universities in the United States
Where is CMU?
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is located at 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Academic Reputation and Programs
CMU is best known for its highly ranked programs in computer science, engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, fine arts, and business. The School of Computer Science frequently holds the number one national ranking, while graduate programs in fields such as public policy, data science, and the performing arts consistently place within the top ten nationally. The university promotes a cross-disciplinary approach to education, with many programs encouraging collaboration between technology, design, business, and the humanities.
Student Demographics and Faculty
As of 2025, Carnegie Mellon enrolls over 14,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The student body includes individuals from more than 100 countries, with international students representing approximately 42 percent of the total population. The university maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio of six to one, and more than 90 percent of full-time faculty members hold terminal degrees in their respective fields.
Campus and Location
The university’s 157-acre campus is situated in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, adjacent to other major institutions including the University of Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Museums, and several UPMC medical facilities. The campus architecture blends historic academic buildings with modern research facilities. Notable landmarks include Hamerschlag Hall and its dome, the College of Fine Arts building, the Gates Center for Computer Science, and central campus spaces like the Cut and the Fence, which are both steeped in CMU tradition and student culture.
Graduation and Academic Calendar
CMU operates on a semester-based academic calendar, with commencement ceremonies typically held in mid-May. The university awards degrees to more than 6,000 students each academic year, including approximately 1,600 undergraduate diplomas in the spring term. Graduation season is one of the most active times on campus, drawing students, families, and faculty together in recognition of academic achievement.
Global Reach and Alumni Impact
Beyond Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon maintains a strong international presence, including satellite campuses in Silicon Valley and Doha, Qatar. The university also engages in global research collaborations across fields such as cybersecurity, robotics, urban policy, and design. Its alumni network includes Nobel Prize winners, tech founders, award-winning artists, and leaders in both public and private sectors, reflecting the broad influence of a CMU education.
Photography at Carnegie Mellon
Each year, graduation season brings a significant increase in photography activity across Carnegie Mellon’s campus. The university’s architecture and open spaces are frequently used as backdrops for cap-and-gown portraits and celebratory images. For those interested in documenting this academic milestone, a full overview of recommended locations, timing, and session planning is available on my graduation photography page.