Dr. Joel Smith

Professor

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Biography

Joel Smith is a Distinguished Career Teaching Professor in the Philosophy Department at Carnegie Mellon University, where he has been teaching since August 2012. His academic focus includes the philosophy of science, exploring the inconsistencies in scientific theories and analyzing historical cases where accepted scientific principles were challenged. He earned his Ph.D. in History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Pittsburgh in 1987 and has held various academic positions, including Vice-Provost for Computing Services at Carnegie Mellon. He has a strong background in integrating technology with education, having directed numerous projects aimed at enhancing teaching and learning outcomes through technology. His contributions to the field of educational technology, particularly through the Open Learning Initiative, have been recognized internationally as influential in shaping approaches to learning in higher education. Throughout his career, Smith has been committed to improving educational practices, notably through collaboration with faculty and educational technologists to develop innovative solutions for teaching in various disciplines.

Research Interests

Experience

Distinguished Career Teaching Professor

2012-01-01 — Present

Philosophy Department, Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Vice-Provost Computing Services

2002-01-01 — 2012-01-01

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Director, Office Technology Education

2000-01-01 — 2012-01-01

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Visiting Faculty

2007-01-01 — 2007-01-01

Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Pittsburgh • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Dean, Academic Information Services

1996-01-01 — 1999-01-01

MiraCosta College • Oceanside, California

Adjunct Associate Professor

1998-01-01 — 1999-01-01

Department of Philosophy, University of California, San Diego • La Jolla, California

Director Academic Computing

1992-01-01 — 1996-01-01

Claremont Graduate University • Claremont, California

Associate Professor Philosophy

1992-01-01 — 1996-01-01

Claremont Graduate University • Claremont, California

Director Educational Computing

1990-01-01 — 1992-01-01

Allegheny College • Meadville, Pennsylvania

Assistant Professor Philosophy

1989-01-01 — 1992-01-01

Allegheny College • Meadville, Pennsylvania

Assistant Professor History Philosophy Science

1987-01-01 — 1989-01-01

Indiana University • Bloomington, Indiana

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.