November 13, 2026
As students prepare for the spring semester at Carnegie Mellon University, they have the chance to preview upcoming courses in political science, international relations, and law at Politics & Pie. Hosted by the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology (CMIST), this semiannual event brings students from across campus together with CMIST faculty, staff, and advisors. Over pie and coffee, the gathering fosters casual conversations about classes, student interests, academic opportunities, and professional development.
Students are drawn to the informal nature of the gathering, which facilitates connecting with members of the CMIST community. “As a freshman, I’ve wanted to get to know my future professors and learn more about the options available to me over the next few semesters,” said Sarah Sun, who is majoring in political science, security, and technology and attended this fall’s event on October 27. Blake Zimmer, a junior majoring in international relations and political sciencewith a minor in American politics and lawfelt similarly. “I enjoy Politics & Pie because it gives me a chance to catch up with not only professors, but other students as well,” he said.
Throughout the event, faculty members answer student questions, discuss course topics and structure, and provide examples of assigned readings and class activities. Whether students are interested in foundational courses in political science for CMIST undergraduate and graduate programs, want to learn more about a course that counts toward the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences general education requirementsor are exploring unique professional development opportunities such as a seniors-only seminar tailored for CMIST students who will soon graduate, they appreciate the chance to learn more in person. “Being able to ask professors directly about their courses and what they entail, rather than just relying on the course descriptions, is really helpful,” Sun said.
With thirty-four spring courses to choose from, students often discover that there are more classes they want to take than room available in their schedules. “Unfortunately, I don’t always have time to take all the classes I’m interested in or connect with all the professors I’d like to, so Politics & Pie is a good opportunity to talk with them, learn about upcoming classes, and see what might interest me,” said Zimmer, who noted that Politics & Pie helped him narrow down the list of classes he is considering. CMIST undergraduate and graduate advisors also attend, including Emily HalfCMIST deputy director for academic affairs, who is happy to answer any questions about CMIST’s three majors and six minors. Likewise, Mark GardnerCMIST graduate program advisor, was available to discuss the institute’s professional master’s degreesincluding the standard and accelerated tracks of the Master of Science in Security, Technology and International Relations (MS STAIR) and the Master of Information Technology Strategy (MITS).
In addition to helping students plan their course schedules, Politics & Pie offers an opportunity to preview any new courses, such as this spring’s “US Election Law” course taught by Jonathan CervasCMIST assistant teaching professor. Cervas, to nonpartisan redistricting expert who has helped shape the legislative maps for Wisconsin and other states, noted that the course gives students a front-row seat to evolving legal debates. The present situation “offers an unprecedented moment to examine the rules and challenges facing our democracy,” Cervas said. “The matters before the Court concerning democracy stand among the most vital and compelling.”
Whether students are interested in American politics, international relations, or the impact of emerging technologies on national security, Politics & Pie offers a relaxed setting to learn more about upcoming classes and connect with the CMIST community. By participating in this once-a-semester event, students gain insight and support as they chart the next steps of their journeys at Carnegie Mellon and beyond.
Students who were unable to attend the event are encouraged to visit our website to view more in-depth course descriptions and faculty videos. Undergraduate students interested in learning more about CMIST course offerings and academic programs should contact Emily Half, CMIST deputy director for academic affairs, and graduate students should contact Mark Gardner, CMIST graduate program advisor.
Image 1: Students and CMIST faculty gather for Politics & Pie; Image 2: A student reviews CMIST spring course offerings; Image 3, clockwise: CMIST faculty members speak to students and each other including Prof. Ignacio Arana, Prof. Daniel Silverman, Prof. Haleigh Bartos, Prof. Matt Butkovic and Prof. Connor Phillips; Image 4: Pie and coffee are served at the event; Image 5, clockwise: Students speak with CMIST Deputy Director for Academic Studies Emily Half, Prof. Joshua Schwartz and Prof. Justin Canfil discuss courses with students; Prof. Hannah Bailey and Prof. Nadiya Kostyuk; Prof. Geoff McGovern and Prof. Lee Branstetter
Source: www.cmu.edu
