What Is Cyberpsychology? Degrees & Career Opportunities

Are you fascinated by the way people behave and interact online? Curious about how social media use impacts mental health? Want to address issues such as cyberbullying and cybercrime? A career in cyberpsychology may be for you.

Cyberpsychology is a relatively new area of study that addresses human interaction and behavior in the digital age. Education and careers in cyberpsychology are highly theoretical and research based.

Keep reading for more information about this intriguing field.

What Is Cyberpsychology?

The field of cyberpsychology is all about studying human-computer interaction and its effects on behavior and physical and mental wellbeing. Cyberpsychology research is broad and may include areas such as:

• cyberattacks
• internet addiction
• artificial intelligence
• social networking
• virtual environments

Cyberpsychology has more to do with social and behavioral sciences than computer science, but it is an interdisciplinary area of study that combines areas of cybersecurity and information technology with psychology.

The field looks at the mental disorders and psychological issues that can arise from technology use; the amount of time people spend in an online environment and the effects of online relationships; and social interactions in an age of digital technology.

It may also explore how time spent on digital devices affects cognition, self-esteem, and face-to-face interactions.

Finally, it endeavors to study and address negative online behaviors such as cyberbullying and cybercrimes.

What Careers Can You Have with a Degree in Cyberpsychology?

Cyberpsychologists can pursue a variety of career options in business, education, healthcare, and more. A few of the specific job titles available include:

• cyberpsychology consultant
• clinical research manager
• digital forensics consultant
• social science researcher
• social media manager

What Are Some Schools That Offer Cyberpsychology Degrees?

Though cyberpsychology is an emerging field, several American colleges and universities offer degrees in the field. Let's take a closer look at some of the available programs.

1. Capitol Technology University

Capitol Technology University is a private school located in Maryland not far from Washington, D.C. It is a specialized technology and engineering school accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

This school offers several cyberpsychology degrees, including:

• PhD in cyberpsychology
• PhD in forensic cyberpsychology
• MRes in cyberpsychology

Each of these programs is available entirely online. They are designed for professionals from a variety of backgrounds hoping to explore the effects of internet use, video games, virtual reality, and other technological advancements on people.

2. Norfolk State University

Norfolk State University is a historically black institution in Virginia. This public school offers one of the top cyberpsychology programs in academia and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A Master of Science in cyberpsychology is available both online and in person. This advanced degree focuses on how people interact and behave in virtual vs. real-life settings. It looks at the effects of mobile devices as well as the mental and emotional vulnerabilities potentially caused by them.

The program consists of 42 credit hours and can be finished in as few as 14 months.

3. Regent University

Regent University is a private school that offers both online and in-person instruction. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Students at this school can pursue an online Master of Science in psychology with an emphasis in cyberpsychology. This program focuses on the effects of cyberspace, social media, and instant messaging on people's behaviors and mental health.

The program offers flexible study options and comprises at least 39 credit hours.

4. New Jersey Institute of Technology

The New Jersey Institute of Technology is a public school in Newark. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

It is one of the few schools that offers a bachelor's degree in the cyberpsychology field. The Bachelor of Science in cyberpsychology offers foundational courses information science, psychology, computer science, and more.

Students are prepared for various careers in this program, including user experience designer and market researcher. They can also pursue graduate studies after graduating with their bachelor's degree.