Carnegie Mellon University-Rwanda (CMU-R) on Tuesday evening had its first class, the professional development short course, "Strategic Uses of Digital information”, taught by Professor Micheal Bezy. Eleven students have enrolled for the course, which aims to examine how to use massive amounts of continuous data to assist enterprises in making intelligent business decisions.

Speaking to The New Times, Yves Ishema, a CMU-R student, was excited to have the opportunity to enrol at Carnegie Mellon University-Rwanda. "Our country is making great steps in digitalising everything; this course presents an opportunity for us to be part of the digitalisation process,” he said.

According to the Director of CMU-R, Bruce Krogh, students will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best classes offered by the institution. He said that two more courses will be offered in the coming months.

"In March, CMU-Rwanda will offer ‘Building Mobile Services for Emerging Markets’ and in April ‘Introduction to Market Planning’. Applications for both courses are still accepted and students can apply online,” he added.

Director Krogh said that the Master’s degree programme will begin in August.

"The Institution is aiming to enrol approximately 40 incoming students in the initial class of 2012. However, we expect to enrol about 150 students by 2017,” he said.

Carnegie Mellon is a top global research US varsity, recognised for its world class arts and technology programmes, collaboration across disciplines and innovative leadership in education.