Requirements for the PhD in Media Psychology are organized around a core curriculum, with elective courses, research practicum experience and a dissertation. You tailor your graduate program under the supervision of a faculty advisor.
Find out more about the following aspects of the degree process:
- New Student Orientation
- Learning Plan
- Independent Study Courses (Knowledge Area Assessments)
- Comprehensive Assessment
- Practica
- Dissertation
New Student Orientation
Your graduate program experience begins with the required New Student Orientation (NSO). The online and in-person portions of the NSO prepare you for your transition into a doctoral distributed learning environment and enhance your success in the program.
New Student Orientation Online (NSO-Online)
The NSO-Online is a 4-week online session. You learn to use the Fielding system to navigate, post, and complete assignments that consist of tutorials, practical exercises, and dialogue with other students and faculty facilitators.
New Student Orientation-Santa Barbara (NSO-SB)
The NSO-SB is a 6-day orientation session held in Santa Barbara, CA. You receive in-depth guidance about the degree requirements, and you spend time building community with faculty, staff and fellow students. The new student orientation is the only mandatory residency requirement of this program.
Learning Plan
During the NSO-SB, you collaborate with your faculty advisor to develop a personalized sequenced plan of studies-your Learning Plan. This blueprint organizes your graduate studies in relation to the program's requirements and your academic background, prior professional training, and special interests.
Independent Study Courses (Knowledge Area Assessments)
You demonstrate competence in specific areas of knowledge, called Knowledge Areas (KAs), to move through the program. The curriculum allows a variety of elective options, attention to contemporary topics, integration of the residential sessions and the academic curriculum. New electives may be initiated by students or faculty members.
Your KA coursework can be completed individually or with a small group of other students. You arrange an individual assessment in a tutorial model with a faculty member. Small group assessments are usually completed through a combination of online and in-person activities. You may choose individual or different types of group seminars for each of your required courses. All courses involve independent study and demonstration of your competence in the subject area.
Comprehensive Assessment
The Comprehensive Assessment is a demonstration of your ability to integrate theories across all Knowledge Areas and display your mastery of media psychology. This task differs from KA coursework which focuses on a specific body of theories and research. The Comprehensive Assessment can be taken when a set of core curriculum requirements have been completed.
Practica
You complete a 200-hour research practicum through a variety of opportunities including Hands-On Training Labs (HOT Labs) at regional events , or working with experienced researchers in qualitative and/or quantitative research projects. Additionally, you complete an 120-hour applied practicum emphasizing hands-on experience in media projects under the direct supervision of experienced media and technology professionals.
Dissertation
You complete a theoretically-grounded dissertation which represents original and significant research and contributes new knowledge to the literature of media psychology. Dissertation work is supported by your dissertation committee. The program encourages imaginative inquiry and recognizes a variety of methodologies. You present the findings and conclusions of your dissertation to the Fielding community at your Final Oral Review.