Fielding Graduate University

Fielding Graduate University proudly developed and offered the first Ph.D. program in Media Psychology in the country. This status positions us to influence the development of our emerging field. Our Media Psychology Faculty represents our vision of media psychology as a marriage of art and science, training students in both the creation and study of media.

We define media psychology broadly, as research and practice at the intersection of psychological theory and knowledge with the status and impacts of both legacy and emerging media, as these manifest themselves in a wide variety of individuals, groups, and cultures. Media psychology thus addresses issues of how people of many backgrounds experience, develop, and respond to technology and mediated communication. We consider the study of media psychology as stretching across disciplines and extending beyond traditional media research paradigms.

The twenty-first century brings a growing need and new opportunities for capable professionals who understand higher concepts in the media arts and sciences.  The ability to understand media’s influence and take advantage of its use is necessary for businesses, healthcare centers, schools, and many other organizations.

As a PhD student in Media Psychology, you are part of one of the most innovative branches of psychology.  You study how people behave and respond to different forms of media communication and education — including the effects of the Internet, multimedia, and virtual reality on individuals, groups, and society. 

You are already experienced in the practical use of media in your personal and professional life.  With this program, you combine your experience with concepts and theories from all areas of psychology and human development in order to study media effects on individual behavior and social change.  You participate in practical, cutting-edge coursework with many opportunities for virtual and face-to-face learning with colleagues and faculty.

Join our vigorous research community of faculty, students, and alumni who are engaged in collaborative working relationships.  Together we can fulfill the expectations of the American Psychological Association (APA) and other industry publications in turning media psychology into a major new influence in psychology. 

As a graduate, you will enhance your skills and knowledge necessary for career and research options in a variety of fields including:

Media Psychology is a non-clinical program and is not intended to provide the requirements for licensure. The PhD in Clinical Psychology program is APA accredited and prepares students for licensure.