Holistic Enterprise Architecture
The Software and Societal Systems Department, Executive and Professional Education, offers training courses and a professional certification in the domain of Enterprise Architecture (EA) based on data-driven strategies and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI).
During the past several decades EA has become an increasingly important element in information technology strategic planning and business enablement. In their 2023 Digital Leadership Report, Harvey Nash found that EA is the second most scarce skill for technology professionals.
Because EA provides a uniquely holistic way to examine an entire organization, this EA certification is an important and beneficial addition to the education and experiences of executives, managers, and staff in various business and technology areas including risk management, program management, business process improvement, data management, software engineering, and cyber security.
The Certified Enterprise Architect (CEA) program offers two integrated courses that emphasize data-driven strategies and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in enterprise architecture:
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Enterprise Architecture (EA) with a focus on data-driven decision-making and AI integration. Students will explore how to leverage data analytics to inform strategic planning and how AI technologies can be incorporated into architectural frameworks to enhance organizational agility and innovation. Key topics include data governance, AI-driven business process optimization, and the role of machine learning in enterprise systems.
Building upon foundational knowledge, this course delves into advanced concepts of digital business design, emphasizing the strategic use of data and AI. Students will learn to design operational backbones and digital platforms that harness AI capabilities, develop shared customer insights through data analytics, and implement accountability frameworks that balance alignment and agility. The curriculum covers the evaluation of digital business design components and the development of roadmaps that integrate AI solutions to drive business transformation.
These courses are tailored for professionals aiming to lead in the digital era by effectively integrating data-driven strategies and AI into enterprise architecture, thereby fostering innovation and maintaining competitive advantage.
Students in the CEA program learn current EA approaches and best practices from leading public and private sector organizations around the world. The certification focuses on Bernard’s EA Cube Framework, but also introduces several other approaches. This includes the basics of the Zachman EA Framework, Spewak’s EA Planning Method, The Open Group Architecture Framework, Jeanne Ross’ Designed for Digital framework, as well as several industry approaches, including the U.S. Federal EA Framework and the Danish Government’s Joint Digital Architecture Framework.The CEA curriculum is designed with working professionals in mind, with each 12-week course being taught online through Carnegie Mellon University’s robust learning environment. Students should expect to spend 6-8 hours per week on assigned readings, a weekly video lecture and discussion posting, weekly Zoom conference sessions, a set of short topic papers, and a final course research paper (capstone project). The outcome is that our CEA’s are able to understand and apply EA concepts in their work which allows them to scale their analysis, design, and management abilities at the highest and most detailed levels of large complex organizations in a consistent manner – a unique and valuable skill. Those who earn CMU’s CEA professional designation also benefit from lifetime participation in our network of graduates who work in the EA and other fields globally. Please contact our staff at elearn@andrew.cmu.edu for questions and registration information.