Graduate Study Programs In Media Psychology

Media Psychology focuses on the psychology behind media and technology use and impact.   It is central to understanding behavior with- in many disciplines, including, in part, technology; public policy and government; telecommunications; software; education; health care; and entertainment.

The roles of media psychologists continue to evolve as the media landscape becomes more complex and fluid. Based on a 1998 study by Luskin & Friedland, the roles Media Psychologists include making new technologies more effective and user friendly; using new technology to enhance clinical psychology; working in education or training; developing media standards; working in commercial fields; studying sociological and psychological media effects; developing material for challenged populations; working with deviant or criminal populations; writing or being expert guests in various media; consulting with media personnel; researching ways to improve the media;

The field of Media Psychology is multidisciplinary and is often integrated with or overlaps other areas of study and programs. This list will continue to grow. If you have suggestions or programs that should be included, please let us know! Email: apadivision46 [at] gmail.com

Media Psychology

Fielding Graduate University (FGU)  www.fielding.edu

Fielding Graduate University offers a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Media Psychology.  Psychology is the foundation of the program, and the program focus is the application of psychology to multi-media and media effects.  Fielding Graduate University's School of Educational Leadership and Change  also offers an Ed.D. with a concentration in Media Studies.

Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology (MSPP) www.mspp.edu
Media Psychology Program

MSPP’s offers a 1-year accelerated Master’s program in Media Psychology to give students an understanding of the impact and potential of media technologies for individuals and groups. The program focus is how media can be utilized for social change and socially constructive purposes across the domains of entertainment, education, business, and government. The MA in Media Psychology at MSPP offers students the ability to focus their interest through concentrations in Education, Health Care & Behavior Change, Interactive Media & Gaming, Positive Psychology, Organizational Communication and Marketing/Branding. For information, contact Admissions@MSPP.edu.

Media Communications and Psychology

Touro University Worldwide (TUW) www.tuw.touro.edu

Master's in Media and Communication Psychology: Gain an understanding of 21st century advances in media and communications in society and the workplace. This Media and Communications Psychology program is fully online. Each student enjoys a convenient quality opportunity to earn a Master’s degree at his or her own time and pace while working. For more information visit the website or contact Student Information Specialist, Kristen Crandall.

California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA).  www.calstatela.edu

Offers an M.A. in psychology.  Course work can be completed in Media Psychology with Dr. Stuart Fischoff. 

Media Studies and Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)  www.cms@mit.edu

A two-year program leading to Master of Science degree in Comparative Media Studies (CMS) is part of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. CMS has been described as focused on the social, cultural, political, legal, and ethical implications of media, in a larger historical context. 

Ph.D. in Media Arts and Science Program (also known as the Media Lab) is part of the School of Architecture and Urban Planning.  The Media Lab as been described as a place for designing and developing innovative new technologies.

Communication/ Media

University of Chicago   www.uchicago.edu

Cinema and Media Studies Graduate Program offers a Ph.D. program that focuses on the history, theory, and criticism of film and media.

University of Denver  www.dms.du.edu

Offers an M.A. in Digital Media Studies.  This program is in partnership with the School of Communication, School of Art and Art History, and the Department of Computer Science.

University of Iowa  www.uiowa.edu

Offers a graduate program in Media Studies with-in the Department of Communication Studies.

New York University, Steinhardt School of Education  www.nyu.edu

Offers both an M.A. and Ph.D. in Educational Communication and Technology.

Stanford University  www.stanford.edu

Offers a Ph.D. program in Communication Theory and Research. This program prepares students to conduct research on communication processes and effects within social and behavioral sciences. 

The New School  www.newschool.edu

Offers an M.A. in Media Studies.  This program explores the relationship between theory and practice across comparative media. 

International Programs

University of Stirling (Scotland)  www.fms.stir.ac/uk/postgraduate.html

Offers an MSc/Dip through their Film and Media Studies Department.  This program also has an online program.  Contact r.b.haynes@stir.ac.uk for further information.

University of Sussex (U.K) www.sussex.ac.uk

Offers two Masters Degrees, one in Media Studies, the other in Digital Media

University of Western Ontario  (Canada) www.uwo.edu

The Master of Arts in Media Studies is an interdisciplinary study of media, technology, and culture.

Other sites of interest

MediaStudies.com provides links to educational guidelines, international news outlets, and other resources for media educators, students, and researchers.

* The programs listed are for informational purposes only and are not to be viewed as being endorsed by Division 46.