Building Curve

Systems

Building innovative systems of sufficient realism, scale, performance and usability to directly impact the practice of computing is a hallmark of Carnegie Mellon.

We often use the statement “System building is a first-class activity” to signify our belief that this activity is worthy of the finest minds and deserves the highest respect. We also believe that the effort involved in building realistic systems is amply rewarded by the insights gained and the impact achieved.

A rich tradition of systems such as Mach, Warp, Camelot, AFS, Spice, Hydra, Cm* and C.mmp stretching over twenty-five years forms the backdrop for our current research.

News

Gates Center viewed from the Pausch bridge on the CMU Pittsburgh Campus

CMU Tops U.S. News Graduate CS Rankings

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Carnegie Mellon ranks first for overall graduate computer science programs, tied with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Stanford University. Among computer science programs, CMU also earned No. 1 rankings in Programming Language, Artificial Intelligence, and Systems, along with a No. 2 ranking in Theory (tied with University of California Berkeley).

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Two women pose, one seated on a green ottoman, the other standing behind her.

Saxena, Saint Phalle Receive Stehlik Scholarship

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Claire de Saint Phalle and Tanisha Saxena both developed their interest in computer science in after-school programs. They learned to build robots and program at early ages, and went on to nurture those interests throughout high school and all the way to Carnegie Mellon University. In May, they'll both cross the School of Computer Science (SCS) graduation stage as recipients of the Stehlik Scholarship. Read More
Portrait of Juncheng Yang.

CSD Alumnus Receives ACM SIGOPS Dissertation Award

Monday, November 3, 2025

Juncheng Yang, a recent Computer Science Department Ph.D. graduate, received the 2025 ACM SIGOPS Dennis M. Ritchie Doctoral Dissertation Award, which recognizes the contributions and impact a doctoral thesis has on software systems research. Yang's dissertation, "Designing Efficient and Scalable Key-Value Cache Management Systems," uncovered insights into caching, leading to three advancements in this area. Read More

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