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 for training technical experts to think about ethics in practical engineering challenges. He emphasizes the importance of communicating the risks and ethical questions to the lay public and is involved in developing frameworks for auditing governance in AI and data systems. As the Executive Director of Community Forge, Michael works on programs aimed at advancing an equitable economy through technology and workforce development. Currently based in Carnegie Mellon University's Software Societal Systems Department, he teaches a course on Ethics and Policy Issues in Computing. Additionally, he advises on initiatives related to the public use of algorithms and offers training to both private and public sector entities that seek to understand the ethical use of AI 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.