Department website: http://www.nsu.edu/psychology/programs/ms-cyberpsychology
Scott M. Debb, Ed.D.
Program Coordinator
757-823-8573
cyberpsychology@nsu.edu
The M.S. CyberPsychology program (MS.CYP) is a year-round fully asynchronous online program designed to prepare students for careers in applied social science. This specialty examines the relationship between human behavior in the 21st century and both current and emerging (digital) technologies. The program builds on a wide range of psychological theories combined with critical examination of emerging trends across all domains of psychology and related interdisciplinary fields. Students are equipped with essential research skills sought after across a wide range of employment settings and higher education programs.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the CyberPsychology program coursework and training, students will be able to:
- Describe how current and emerging digital technologies impact how human beings think and behave individually and in groups;
- Integrate the ethical, cultural, social, political, and legal issues impacting applied cyberpsychological theory and research;
- Conduct cyberpsychological research informed by diverse interdisciplinary theories;
- Conceptualize practical and novel problems in society that are impacted by the continual changes in digital technologies;
- Design, implement, and effectively communicate cyberpsychological research findings
Foundation Core
Students complete 21 credits of the foundational core.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 510 | Psychology & Cyberspace | 3 |
| PSY 520 | Current Trends in Cyberpsychology | 3 |
| PSY 530 | Research & Ethics in Cyberpsychology | 3 |
| PSY 610 | Cyberpsychology Research I * | 3 |
| PSY 690 | Cyberpsychology Capstone | 3 |
| * | Course to be taken 3 semesters consecutively |
Elective Core (Take 21 credits from the following):
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 535 | Quantitative Research Methods | 3 |
| PSY 536 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 |
| PSY 540 | Consumer & Media Cyberpsychology | 3 |
| PSY 550 | Human-Computer Interaction | 3 |
| PSY 560 | Virtuality | 3 |
| PSY 570 | Forensic Cyberpyschology | 3 |
| PSY 580 | Cybercognition & Behavior | 3 |
| PSY 590 | Cyberpsychopathology | 3 |
| PSY 600 | Cyberpsychology Internship ** | 3 |
| PSY 620 | Cyberpsychology Research II ** | 3 |
| CSC 535 | Computer Security I | 3 |
| CYS 688 | Human Aspects of Cybersecuity | 3 |
| ** | 1 - 3 credits repeatable up to 9 credits total |
Sample Sequence of Courses for Fulltime Students
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| Mini Term 1 | ||
| PSY 510 & PSY 530 |
Psychology & Cyberspace and Research & Ethics in Cyberpsychology |
6 |
| Mini Term 2 | ||
| PSY 520 & PSY 540 |
Current Trends in Cyberpsychology and Consumer & Media Cyberpsychology |
6 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| Mini-Term 1 | ||
| PSY 550 & PSY 610 |
Human-Computer Interaction and Cyberpsychology Research I |
6 |
| Mini-Term 2 | ||
| PSY 535 & PSY 610 |
Quantitative Research Methods and Cyberpsychology Research I |
6 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Summer | ||
| PSY 536 & PSY 610 |
Qualitative Research Methods and Cyberpsychology Research I (Mini-Term 1) |
6 |
| PSY 570 & PSY 580 |
Forensic Cyberpyschology and Cybercognition & Behavior |
6 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Mini-Term 1 | ||
| PSY 590 & PSY 690 |
Cyberpsychopathology and Cyberpsychology Capstone |
6 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
Total credits for degree program: 42 semester credit hours
Months to completion: as few as 14 months
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, as well as non-degree seeking students. There are six independent entry points during each academic year. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants will identify a preferred semester of entry, although circumstances may require a subsequent date of entry.
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.
Matriculating full-time students are eligible to apply for tuition assistantship and graduate assistantship funding. Funds are highly limited and will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to qualifications. These funds are overseen by the School of Graduate Studies, not the CyberPsychology program.
Norfolk State University’s application for Graduate Studies can be found here. The University’s minimum requirements are outlined here. 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 admittance. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded with your application to expedite review by the Admissions Committee. 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)
- 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.
- At a minimum, students are encouraged to have familiarity with:
* Introductory psychology (including abnormal / personality / developmental psychology);
* Experimental Psychology / Statistics (social science related) & Psychological Research Methods
All applicants must adhere to the guidelines below:
1. Three 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.
- An undergraduate GPA of 2.50 may be considered assuming the application is accompanied by three strong letters of recommendation from individuals uniquely qualified to attest to your potential as a graduate student AND a personal statement that includes insight specifically about why your GPA does not accurately reflect your academic potential.
3. Personal Statement
- 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.
- Proofread and formatting that does not exceed 2 pages (double spaced, 12 pt Times or Arial font, 1” margins, .5” header and footer).
4. Academic Experiences Statement
- In a separate document, provide a summary (no more than 1 page) of your academic experiences and coursework that has uniquely prepared you to be a student in this program (such as courses in psychological theory, research methods, statistics, as well as any experience with online education).
- Proofread and formatting that does not exceed 1 page (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.
- This resume is not for employment purposes. Please structure and format your document accordingly.
* Non-degree status
Anyone with a recognized and conferred undergraduate degree from an accredited institution may apply to the NSU School of Graduate Studies for non-degree seeking (NDS) status. NDS students will follow the same curriculum sequence as MS.CYP students but are not considered matriculated. NDS status will allow you to complete up to nine credit hours (3 courses) prior to applying as a matriculating MS.CYP student. NDS students may not be eligible for the types of financial assistance (federal, employer, university, etc.) offered to matriculated graduate students. Prospective NDS applicants are highly encouraged to seek guidance from the appropriate personnel or agencies in advance.
NDS students who wish to apply for MS.CYP matriculation may do so at any time after completion of at least one MS.CYP course with a grade of B (3.0) or higher. Discussion with the PC should occur prior to application, and the standard Graduate School application would be required. When going from NDS to CyberPsychology matriculation status, your application does not need to include copies of official transcripts if you previously submitted them to the university, but you must submit all other supplemental documentation in your application. Please upload an unofficial transcript with your application to ensure your application shows as completed and fully submitted in the online application portal. The CyberPsychology Admissions Committee will review applications as early as possible prior to the start of the subsequent semester.
Satisfactorily completing courses as a NDS student does not guarantee future admission to the program. When applying for matriculation, updated application materials, as well as evaluation of your performance as a NDS student will weigh heavily on the admissions decision. Rejection of application for matriculation status does not negate the possibility of reapplying for matriculation at a future date.
For students who apply but are not accepted into the CyberPsychology program as a matriculated student, the CyberPsychology Program Coordinator may suggest you take at least one course as an NDS student prior to reapplying to the program, in order to assess your readiness for graduate level education in this program. As described above, if you are subsequently admitted to the program, the coursework you complete will apply to the MS.CYP requirements assuming you have earned a grade of B or higher.