Media Psychology is the study of the intersection between media communication and psychology. A media psychologist examines media uses, processes, and effects. They focus on the roles humans play in the interaction with radio, television, film, video, newsprint, and magazines. Media psychology promotes research into the impact of media on human behavior and condition, facilitates the study of media as a social mover, and prepares psychologists to interpret psychological research to the lay public and to other professionals. Media psychologists also support research of the effects of media on the public, and the effectiveness of media in transmitting psychological information.
Master’s programs in media psychology are exciting new opportunities that offer psychologists the tools and skills required to enter this fun, high energy field. Programs explore how media interacts with all facets of society. Topics include behavior, senses, and intelligence in all economic sectors that use media–including telecommunications, entertainment, public policy law, politics, advertising, health care, education, and media literacy education. Programs are multidisciplinary, and incorporate developmental, sensory, and cognitive psychology; systems theory; positive psychology; motivation; and learning theories. Prerequisites include a letter of recommendation, GRE exam, interview, and minimum GPA.