Dr. Michael Skirpan

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Michael Skirpan is a computing ethicist, educator, and writer whose work focuses on pedagogical interventions that train technical experts to think about ethics in practical engineering challenges. He is dedicated to communicating risks and ethical questions to the lay public and developing frameworks for auditing governance in AI and data systems. He serves as the executive director of Community Forge, where he works on programs that advance an equitable economy through technology and workforce development. Currently based at Carnegie Mellon University’s Institute for Software Research, he teaches the Ethics & Policy Issues in Computing course. Skirpan also acts as an advisor on initiatives concerning the public use of algorithms and offers training to both private and public sector entities looking to understand the ethical use of artificial intelligence and emerging data technologies.

Research Interests

Requirements for Carnegie Mellon University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
Verbal
Required:158
Quantitative
Required:149
Analytical Writing
Required:4
Overall
Required:4
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Research experience/publications
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • GRE scores (optional but reported in profile)
  • English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Specialization Notes

Admission is extremely competitive with no strict GPA cut-offs; holistic review is used.