Dr. Joe Arvai

Professor

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Biography

Joe Arvai is the Dana David Dornsife Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Director of the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies at the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California. His research emphasizes enhancing critical thinking, judgment, and decision-making abilities in people, particularly in contexts involving risk and uncertainty. Arvai investigates how individuals confront tradeoffs and navigate conflicting information when making decisions. He holds a Ph.D. in Judgment and Decision-Making from the University of British Columbia, obtained in 2001, and has held various academic positions, including as a Max McGraw Professor of Sustainable Enterprise at the University of Michigan and a Professor at the University of Calgary. His work has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating his expertise in the intersection of psychology and environmental decision-making.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2020-01-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Dana David Dornsife Professor and Director Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies.

Max McGraw Professor of Sustainable Enterprise

2015-01-01 — 2020-01-01

University of Michigan • Ann Arbor, MI

Professor

2013-01-01 — 2015-01-01

University of Calgary • Calgary, AB

Svare Chair in Applied Decision Research.

Assistant/Associate Professor

2006-01-01 — 2010-01-01

Michigan State University • East Lansing, MI

Assistant Professor

2001-01-01 — 2005-01-01

Ohio State University • Columbus, OH

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.