2024-2025 Academic Catalog

CyberPsychology, M.S.

Cyberpsychology Curriculum

Cyberpsychology Foundation Core

Students complete 21 credits of the foundational core.

PSY 510Psychology & Cyberspace3
PSY 520Trends in Cyberpsychology3
PSY 530Research & Ethics3
PSY 610Cyberpsychology Research I *3
PSY 690Cyberpsychology Capstone3
*

Course to be taken 3 semesters consecutively

CyberPsychology Courses (21 credits are required; Courses are offered on a rotating basis)

PSY 535Quantitative Research Methods3
PSY 536Qualitative Research Methods3
PSY 540Consumer and Media Cyberpsychology3
PSY 550Human-Computer Interaction3
PSY 560Virtuality3
PSY 570Forensic Cyberpyschology3
PSY 580Cybercognition & Behavior3
PSY 590Cyberpsychopathology3
PSY 600Cyberpsychology Internship **3
PSY 620Cyberpsychology Research II **3
**

1 - 3 credits repeatable up to 9 credits total

Total credits for degree program:  42 semester credit hours
Months to completion:  as few as 14 months

M.S. Degree Admission Requirements

Graduation from an accredited domestic or international undergraduate (or graduate) degree program is required although an academic major or area of concentration is open. However, a strong undergraduate background in psychological theory or social science research is highly desirable (preference will be given to students with a psychology-related background). The MS.CYP program is research-intensive and applicants should aim to demonstrate their experience, proficiency, or potential to engage in research via their application materials, in particular the personal statement and letters of recommendation.

The M.S. CyberPsychology degree program admits full and part-time matriculating students. There are three independent entry points during each academic year, fall, spring, and summer. Applicants will identify a preferred semester of entry. Deadlines for completed application submission can be found at this link.

All M.S. CyberPsychology degree program applicants are evaluated based on each application’s merit and demonstrated relevance to the mission of the program, as determined by the M.S. CyberPsychology Admissions Committee. Meeting the minimum criteria outlined below is not a guarantee of acceptance into the program.

The University’s minimum requirements are outlined here. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded with your application to expedite review by the Admissions Committee. An official transcript identifying an undergraduate institution from which your degree has been conferred, and other graduate/undergraduate institutions from which you have received academic credit, is required prior to enrollment if admitted. You do not need to submit a “portfolio” of your work experience as mentioned in the university’s standard requirements and you are not required to take the GRE (but you may report your scores to the school if you have them).

Additionally, please ensure your application reflects the following program-specific documentation.

  • Graduation from an accredited domestic or international undergraduate (or graduate) degree program is required
  • Academic major or area of concentration is open
  •  A strong undergraduate background in psychological theory/research or social science is highly desirable (preference will be given to students with a psychology-related background). At a minimum, students are encouraged to have familiarity with:
    • Introductory level psychological theory or application (such as basic principles of psychology, lifespan/human development, abnormal psychology, cyberpsychology)
    • Research Methodology (such as psychological or other social science research methods, quantitative/qualitative research design, experimental psychology) 
    • Statistics (such as applied stats for psychology or social science research; familiarity with using and understanding stats programs such as SPSS)

The MS.CYP program is research-intensive and applicants should aim to demonstrate their experience, proficiency, or potential to engage in research via their application materials, in particular the personal statement and letters of recommendation.

All applicants must adhere to the guidelines below:

1. Two letters of academic or professional recommendation

  • At least one recommender must be a professor or other academician with whom you have completed at least one course and who can attest to your academic performance and potential as a graduate student. Other recommendation letters can be from professors, workplace or research supervisors, or another individual who knows you in any professional capacity.
            a. Recommendation letters from recent professors are highly recommended.
            b. Recommendation letters from personal contacts (e.g., friends or family) will not be accepted.
  • The recommender must fill out the school’s rating form at a minimum, although it is highly recommended for recommenders to also write a personalized letter and upload it. Uploaded letters must be in PDF format and signed (or digitally signed) by the recommender.
  • The recommendation letter must specifically attest to the student’s previous academic or vocational performance, as well as the student’s abilities and future potential for success at the graduate level.
  • Recommendation letters that do not meet these criteria will not be accepted.

2. Grade Point Average (GPA)

  • An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is highly preferred. Graduate coursework (minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) will be considered in addition to or in lieu of undergraduate GPA.
  • Applicants whose GPA is below 3.0 may be considered at the discretion of the MS.CYP Program Coordinator and the Admissions Review Committee in situations where there is compelling evidence as explained in the Personal Statement, as well as two strong letters of recommendation from individuals uniquely qualified to attest to your potential as a graduate student.

3. Personal Statement

  1. A personal statement written in a narrative form that addresses your specific interest in the field of cyberpsychology, what attracted you to the program, what you believe will allow you to be successful in this program, and what you hope to achieve as a student.
  2. Proofread and formatting that does not exceed 2 pages (double spaced, 12 pt Times or Arial font, 1” margins, .5” header and footer). 

5. Current Resume or CV

  • Your resume (or curriculum vitae) outlining your relevant skills, education, and/or work experience.
  • ​Dates and locations for all activities should be indicated as necessary.
  • Include any relevant school, work, internship, volunteer, or other experience that may potentially be relevant to demonstrate your preparedness for graduate-level scholarship.