TL;DR
Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University have launched PRAISE, a certificate program combining CMU computer science courses with mentorship and applied work at Microsoft. Its first courses cover machine learning in production and AI-augmented software engineering; the partners say the program is intended to help early-career engineers build skills as AI changes software development.
Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University have launched the Preceptorship for AI-accelerated Software Engineering, or PRAISE, a certificate program that pairs online CMU courses with hands-on mentorship for early-career Microsoft software engineers. The partnership is designed to help participants use artificial intelligence tools in their work while developing software engineering judgment and skills.
Participants, whom the program calls preceptees, remain in their Microsoft jobs while taking courses through CMU’s Kenneth C. Griffin School of Computer Science. At the company, senior engineering preceptors provide structured guidance and help participants apply what they learn to their day-to-day work. The program is aimed at employees early in their careers rather than students following a conventional, full-time university path.
For the current semester, enrolled employees are taking Machine Learning in Production and Preceptorship in AI-Augmented Software Engineering I. CMU says the classes address incorporating machine learning into software and using AI tools during development. In spring, participants are scheduled to take DevOps: Engineering for Secure Development and Deployment and the second course in the preceptorship sequence.
CMU says the certificate courses can be applied toward a master’s degree in software engineering, giving participants a route to continue their studies. The university says it hopes to expand the program and add students; it has also raised the possibility of opening the model to other industry partners, but has not announced such partnerships.
Training Engineers Alongside AI Tools
PRAISE addresses a change in how early-career engineers may gain experience. Tasks once handled by junior developers could be affected by AI-assisted tools, while employers still need engineers who can judge when those tools are appropriate, evaluate their output and take responsibility for software. The program’s approach is to combine formal instruction with supervised application at work, rather than treating tool use as a stand-alone technical skill.
For Microsoft, the arrangement links employee development with university teaching. For CMU, it offers a way to deliver computer science education to working engineers outside a traditional degree program. The partnership may be of interest to other employers facing similar questions, but the source report gives no outcome data yet: it does not say how much the program improves performance, how many employees will complete it or whether other companies will adopt the model.
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How the Partnership Took Shape
CMU says the idea followed a visit to its School of Computer Science in October 2025 by alumnus Mark Russinovich, Microsoft Azure’s chief technology officer, deputy chief information security officer and a technical fellow. According to the university’s account, discussion during the visit focused on how AI tools assist senior engineers and whether junior engineers receive the same benefits. That conversation led CMU and Microsoft to consider how education might help early-career staff work with AI in software development.
The courses combine computer science instruction with workplace mentoring. CMU teaching professor Michael Hilton described the partnership as a way to bring academic expertise together with the practical conditions of software development. The current course sequence covers machine learning, AI-augmented engineering, secure development and deployment. CMU says the sequence is designed to complement the guidance participants receive from their Microsoft preceptors.
““When I joined Microsoft, these tools were part of my day-to-day, and I wanted to make sure I knew how to fully take advantage of them.””
— Jace Watson, a Microsoft software engineer and PRAISE participant
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Enrollment and Outcomes Still Undisclosed
The CMU report does not state how many employees are enrolled, how participants are selected, how long the certificate takes to complete or whether Microsoft will assess results against specific measures. It also provides no data on completion, job performance or the effect of the coursework on how participants use AI tools. The reported aims and anticipated benefits are not evidence of measured outcomes.
CMU says it hopes to expand enrollment and may eventually consider other industry partners. No timeline, additional partner or expansion plan has been confirmed. It is also unclear whether the current course sequence will change as AI tools and workplace practices develop.
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Spring Courses and Program Growth
The next stated academic step is the spring semester, when participants are scheduled to take the second preceptorship course and a course on secure software development and deployment. Those classes will continue the program’s combination of formal instruction and applied work at Microsoft. The source report does not give specific start or end dates beyond identifying the spring term.
CMU says it wants to add more participants to the certificate program and is considering whether the model could eventually involve other companies. Any expansion, new partners or evidence about participant outcomes would clarify whether PRAISE remains a Microsoft-specific initiative or becomes a broader workforce-training model.
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Key Questions
What is the PRAISE program?
PRAISE is a certificate program launched by Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University. It combines online CMU computer science courses with mentorship from senior Microsoft engineers and application of the coursework to participants’ jobs.
Who can take part?
The program is for selected early-career Microsoft employees working as software engineers. The announcement does not specify the number of places, application requirements or selection process.
What subjects are covered?
Current-semester courses include machine learning in production and AI-augmented software engineering. Spring courses are scheduled to cover secure development and deployment, along with the second part of the preceptorship sequence.
Can the courses count toward a degree?
CMU says the courses can be applied toward a master’s degree in software engineering, allowing participants to continue their studies. The report does not detail the degree’s full requirements or how much of it the certificate covers.
Has the program shown that it improves engineering outcomes?
No outcome data were included in the announcement. The partnership describes its goals and course design, but has not reported completion figures or measured effects on participants’ work.
Source: hn
