Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Cyberpsychology
Earn a doctoral degree in Cyberpsychology and become a leader in a new scientific frontier.
At a Glance
- Delivery: Fully online
- Program focus: Research-intensive doctoral study in cyberpsychology and cyber behavioral science
- Culminating requirement: Doctoral dissertation and oral defense evaluated by external subject-matter experts
- Designed for: Experienced professionals and emerging scholars with an appropriate graduate degree
- Interdisciplinary scope: Behavioral science, technology, cybersecurity, criminology, policy, and related fields
Program Overview
Cyberpsychology examines human interactions in technologically mediated environments, including the Internet, social technologies, artificial intelligence, gaming, and immersive systems. The PhD in Cyberpsychology is a unique online program and among the first doctoral-level programs in the United States focused specifically on Cyberpsychology, equipping students to contribute original, publishable research to a rapidly expanding scientific discipline where human behavior, digital systems, and emerging technologies converge.
This program supports interdisciplinary scholars from cybersecurity, computer science, social and behavioral sciences, and related fields who seek to expand scientific knowledge and improve practice through evidence-based insight.
What You Will Be Able to Do
Graduates are prepared to:
- Design and conduct rigorous, independent research in cyberpsychology
- Apply advanced research methods to questions involving online behavior, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies
- Translate behavioral evidence into implications for policy, practice, and human-centered technology design
- Develop and defend a sustained body of original scholarship at the doctoral level
Research Themes
Doctoral research can span a wide range of topics. Common themes include:
Cybersecurity and Human Factors
- Human factors in information security and cybersecurity
- Trust, deception, and social engineering
- Privacy, surveillance, and consent in cyber environments
- Security culture, cyber resilience, and behavior change
Online Behavior and Social Systems
- Social technologies and online behavior
- Online identity, self-presentation, and avatar psychology
- Misinformation, disinformation, and online influence
- Remote work, digital teams, and cyber leadership
Emerging Technology and Digital Well-Being
- Psychology of virtual reality and artificial intelligence
- Digital well-being and mental health in online environments
- Technology adoption, persuasive design, and behavior change
- Gaming psychology and interactive media
Safety and Harm Prevention
- Online safety technologies and online harm prevention
- Forensic cyberpsychology (elective research direction)
Sample Research Topics
Example doctoral research topics in Cyberpsychology may include:
- Behavioral factors that predict susceptibility to phishing, fraud, and social engineering - and interventions that reduce risk
- Trust calibration and decision-making in AI-enabled cybersecurity tools and automation
- Human factors in authentication and secure user behavior (e.g., MFA adoption, password behavior, secure defaults)
- Online disinhibition, escalation, and harmful behavior in cyberspace
- Psychological drivers of misinformation belief, sharing, and resistance in online environments
- Digital well-being impacts of algorithmic feeds, immersive technologies, and high-engagement platforms
- Behavioral signals and early warning indicators for insider risk and organizational security culture
- Human-centered design of security warnings, prompts, and protective technologies
- Cyber leadership, resilience, and high-stakes decision-making during cyber incidents
- Technology-mediated social interaction, identity, and self-presentation across virtual environments
Career Opportunities
Graduates are positioned for advancement and leadership roles across sectors where human behavior, security, and technology intersect. Role examples include:
Technology, Platforms, and Digital Services
- Cyber Behavioral Scientist
- Trust and Safety Research Lead
- Online Safety and Online Harm Prevention Specialist
- Platform Integrity Researcher (abuse, fraud, manipulation)
- UX Researcher (safety-by-design / secure-by-design)
- AI and Human Interaction Researcher (trust in automation)
- Behavioral Data Scientist / Behavioral Analytics Lead
- Product Policy Researcher (safety, integrity, governance)
Cybersecurity, Information Security, and Security Operations
- Human Factors Researcher (cybersecurity / information security)
- Threat Researcher / Adversary Behavior Analyst
- Social Engineering and Phishing Prevention Lead
- Insider Risk Analyst / Insider Threat Program Lead
- Security Awareness and Behavior Change Program Director
- Security Culture and Cyber Resilience Strategist
- Incident Response Communications and Decision Support Specialist
- Security Research Program Lead (behavioral security)
Government, Defense, Intelligence, and Public Sector
- Behavioral Cybersecurity Analyst
- Threat Assessment Specialist (human factors)
- Cyber Influence / Disinformation Analyst
- National Security Researcher (cyber behavior and risk)
- Cyber Policy Analyst (behavioral and human-centered security)
- Training and Human Performance Lead (cyber readiness)
- Strategic Risk and Resilience Advisor (public sector)
Law Enforcement and Investigations
- Cybercrime Behavioral Analyst / Offender Profiling Specialist
- Digital Victimology and Online Harm Specialist
- Investigative Behavioral Analyst (cyber-enabled offending)
- Cyber Harassment / Exploitation Research Specialist
- Prevention and Intervention Program Advisor (cyber harm)
Financial Services, Fraud, and E-Commerce
- Fraud Behavior Analyst
- Scam Prevention and Customer Protection Lead
- Trust, Risk and Authentication Researcher
- Financial Crime Behavioral Analyst (cyber-enabled fraud)
- Risk and Consumer Protection Strategist (digital platforms)
Healthcare and Digital Health
- Digital Well-Being Researcher
- Clinical Cyberpsychology Researcher (online behavior and mental health)
- Digital Therapeutics / HealthTech Research Scientist
- Privacy, Consent and Patient Trust Research Lead
- Safety and Risk Researcher (digital care environments)
Consulting, Policy, and Advisory
- Cyber Risk and Human Factors Consultant
- Trust and Safety / Online Safety Advisor
- Privacy, Ethics and Responsible Technology Specialist
- Governance, Risk and Compliance Research Lead (human-centered GRC)
- Organizational Resilience and Change Management Lead (cyber behavior)
Academia and Research
- Professor / Lecturer (cyberpsychology / behavioral cybersecurity)
- Principal Investigator (cyber behavior, safety, security, or AI-human interaction)
- Postdoctoral Researcher (human factors, cybercrime, online harm)
- Research Center Director / Lab Director
- Grant-Funded Research Lead (government, university, or nonprofit)
Why Capitol?
Program is 100% online
Learn around your busy schedule with no on-campus classes or residencies required, allowing you the flexibility needed to balance your studies and career.
Key Faculty
Degree Details
Admissions and Research Readiness
Doctoral admission requirements are published by the university and may vary by program. In general, doctoral applicants must provide:
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A master's degree in a relevant field
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A resume showing a minimum of 3 to 5 years of directly related work experience
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Two completed recommendation forms (academic or supervisory references are typically preferred)
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An admissions essay (approximately 1,000 to 2,000 words) describing relevant academic and professional experience, personal attributes, and a plan for successfully completing the program - including an initial research interest and dissertation topic
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A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (as a general graduate admission standard)
Program Structure and Research Pathway
The PhD in Cyberpsychology is designed for experienced professionals holding an appropriate graduate degree. Students progress through structured research milestones under the guidance of an academic supervisor, ensuring scholarly rigor and steady progress toward completion.
The program culminates in the submission and oral defense of a doctoral dissertation, assessed by external subject-matter experts in the field.
Resources, Expertise, and Partnerships
Capitol Technology University supports advanced doctoral research through expert supervision, a technology-focused ecosystem, and proximity to the Washington, D.C., cybersecurity corridor. The Department of Cyberpsychology is chaired by Dr. Mary Aiken and supported by award-winning faculty. Opportunities may exist for research collaboration with security agencies and other government and industry partners.
Through the creation of new knowledge and evidence-based insights, graduates help shape a safer and more secure cyberspace.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates are subject to change.
| Fall 2025–Summer 2026 | Fall 2026–Summer 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (per credit) | $970 | $980 |
| Military Servicemember Tuition (active duty, per credit) | $875 | $875 |
| Military Servicemember Tuition (retired, per credit) | $925 | $925 |
| Information Technology Fee (per credit) | $45 | $55 |
| Application Fee (waived for Capitol Tech master's graduates) | $100 | $100 |
High School and Community College full-time faculty and full-time staff receive a 20% discount on tuition for doctoral programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this program fully online? Yes. The PhD in Cyberpsychology is designed as a fully online doctoral program.
- Is the program coursework-based or research-based? It is research-intensive, with structured milestones culminating in a doctoral dissertation and oral defense.
- Do I need a cybersecurity background to apply? Applicants come from interdisciplinary backgrounds. Program fit is based on academic preparation, research readiness, and alignment with faculty supervision.
- What kinds of research methods are used? Research approaches may include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, depending on the research question and study design.
- What careers does this PhD support? Graduates pursue leadership and research roles in technology, cybersecurity, government, consulting, and academia.