Students interested in a machine learning joint Ph.D. should first apply to the Ph.D. program that best aligns with their research interests (e.g., machine learning, statistics, neuroscience, public policy, or social and decision sciences).

The MLD requirements for graduation with a joint machine learning Ph.D. are the same as those for the regular MLD Ph.D. (including the requirement for the Ph.D. thesis committee composition), with the following differences:

• A joint ML Ph.D. thesis will be a contribution to the combination of machine Learning and the other field.
• The single elective course, the speaking and writing skills requirements, and the data analysis requirement (10-718) may be satisfied within the student’s home department.
• A joint ML Ph.D. student is still required to TA twice, but only one TA-ship has to be within MLD.

A student pursing a joint ML Ph.D. may earn an M.S. degree along the way, either from their home department or from MLD, but not from both. To earn an M.S. in research from MLD, they must satisfy all the relevant requirements.

Ph.D. in Statistics and Machine Learning

This Ph.D. program differs from the Machine Learning Ph.D. program in that it places significantly more emphasis on preparation in statistical theory and methodology. Similarly, this program differs from the Statistics Ph.D. program in its emphasis on machine learning and computer science. The Joint Ph.D. Program in Machine Learning and Statistics is aimed at preparing students for academic careers in both computer science and statistics departments at top universities or industry.

Students in the program must be advised by a faculty member from the home department along with a core faculty member from the joint department as a co-mentor. Joint statistics-MLD faculty cannot serve both roles. Both faculty members must be identified at the time of admission to the joint program.

Note: MLD students can apply for this program after they have completed the courses and have a sponsoring faculty in statistics to make the case for admission.

Statistics Joint Program Requirements

Statistics Ph.D. Online Application        Machine Learning Ph.D. Online Application
For Statistics Department questions, email admissions@stat.cmu.edu
For Machine Learning Department questions, email ml-phd-admissions@cs.cmu.edu

Ph.D. in Machine Learning and Public Policy

The Joint Ph.D. Program in Machine Learning and Public Policy is operated jointly by faculty in machine learning and CMU's Heinz College (which has schools of public policy, information systems and management). Students will gain the skills necessary to develop new state-of-the-art machine learning technologies and apply these successfully to real-world policy domains.

Public Policy Joint Program Requirements

Public Policy Ph.D. Online Application           Machine Learning Ph.D. Online Application

For Public Policy questions, email hnzadmit@andrew.cmu.edu
For Machine Learning Department questions, email ml-phd-admissions@cs.cmu.edu

Ph.D. in Neural Computation and Machine Learning

This joint Ph.D. program trains students in the application of machine learning to neuroscience and neural inspired machine learning algorithms by combining core elements of the ML Ph.D. program and the Program in Neural Computation (PNC) offered by the Neuroscience Institute (NI).

PNC Joint Program Requirements

Neural Computation Ph.D. Online Application    Machine Learning Ph.D. Online Application

For Neuroscience Department questions, email pnc-admissions@cnbc.cmu.edu
For Machine Learning Department questions, email ml-phd-admissions@cs.cmu.edu

Ph.D. in Autonomous and Human Decision Making

This joint Ph.D. program trains students in both the technology of AI and human decision science, focusing on how and when AI can complement human decision-making. Students will be trained in fundamentals of AI, autonomous decision-making, fundamentals of human decision and behavioral science, cognitive models of decision-making, and the societal impact of AI technologies. This program is offered jointly by faculty in machine learning and social and decision sciences.

Autonomous & Human Decision Making Joint Program Requirements

SDS Ph.D. Online Application          Machine Learning Ph.D. Online Application

For Social and Decision Sciences Department questions, email John Miller
For Machine Learning Department questions, email ml-phd-admissions@cs.cmu.edu