• How many total units are in the program?
• How long does the program take?
• How do Knowledge Areas work and how is this different from a credit system?
• How do I contact faculty to complete a KA and how much guidance do they offer?
• Does the program allow transfer credits?
• How does billing work? Can I be billed monthly?
• What is the cost of the New Student Orientation (NSO)?
• How do I know Fielding is the right learning environment for me?
• What advisory services do I receive?
• For more information about the program, how can I speak with a faculty or student?
  

Q: How many total units are in the program? [back to list of questions]
A: See the Catalog of Degree Requirements for the current curriculum information.

Q. How long does the program take? [back to list of questions]
A. We strongly recommend that students spend at least 20 hours a week on their studies. The average time to completion depends on individual initiative and is estimated at 3-4 years.

Q. How do Knowledge Areas work and how is this different from a credit system? [back to list of questions]
A. A Knowledge Area (KA) differs from a course in several ways: KAs are individually crafted around the student's learning plan— not the instructors; KA contract details are collaboratively developed between the student and the assessing faculty member, and the student elects whether to work for a letter grade or credit/no-credit.

Q. How do I contact faculty to complete a KA and how much guidance do they offer? [back to list of questions]
A. Each Knowledge Area has a number of faculty members who are identified as assessors in that area. Most assessors have posted their faculty guidelines, or preferences, that outline what they look for when conducting an assessment. Students are expected to contact the faculty member of their choice to develop an individualized assessment contract. The sequencing of KAs and the specific topics covered can be tailored to the students' interests. Faculty are available through e-mail, telephone, and via structured online seminars.

Q: Does the program allow transfer credits? [back to list of questions]
A: Yes, we allow transfer credits under the conditions set in our transfer credit policy.

Q. How does billing work? Can I be billed monthly? [back to list of questions]
A. Please see tuition payment information.

Q. What is the cost of the New Student Orientation (NSO)? [back to list of questions]
A. The cost of the session, including food service and materials, is available on our Schedule of Fees. This does not include the cost of your stay or travel.

Q: How do I know Fielding is the right learning environment for me? [back to list of questions]
A: If you are an independent learner and you want flexibility yet have the self-discipline to create your own structure, you will find our environment a good fit. If you have strong writing skills and can set school as a priority, you will find that our program provides the setting to develop your particular interests. If you can initiate relationships, you will enjoy close collegiality with other students nationwide and collaborative opportunities with faculty. If you have good computer skills, you will be able to easily engage with our national learning network.

Q: What advisory services do I receive? [back to list of questions]
A: Each student has a primary advisor who is a Media Psychology faculty member. The faculty advisor and student work closely on program planning. Students also have administrative support in Santa Barbara provided by a Graduate Program Advisor who is individually assigned to each student. Each student is also assigned an Associate Dean (AD) who serves as student's academic advisor in Santa Barbara, CA.

Q: For more information about the program, how can I speak with a faculty member or student? [back to list of questions]
A: Please contact the admission staff to be put in touch with a faculty member or student. The Admission Counselor for Media Psychology is Kim Larsen. She can be reached at klarsen@fielding.edu or 800.340.1099 (4039).

Last Updated: 12/12/06