Master of Research (MRes) in Cyberpsychology
Develop research expertise in human behavior and technology.
At a Glance
- Delivery: Online
- Program focus: Research-intensive master's degree (degree by research)
- Credit requirement: 30 credits (five courses)
- Culminating requirement: Original master's thesis and formal defense
- Designed for: Professionals seeking research capability and individuals considering doctoral study
Program Overview
Cyberpsychology examines psychological processes, behaviors, and social dynamics associated with human interaction in technologically mediated environments. The MRes in Cyberpsychology is designed for professionals seeking to develop advanced research capabilities at the intersection of behavioral science and technology.
The programmer’s demand for evidence-based insight into how digital systems and technologies shape behavior, informing practice across cybersecurity, education, e-commerce, and healthcare.
Key Research Areas
Students may pursue research across a broad range of topics, including:
- Human factors in information security and cybersecurity
- Social technologies and online behavior
- Online safety technologies and online harm prevention
- Digital well-being and mental health in online environments
- Trust, deception, and social engineering
- Misinformation, disinformation, and online influence
- Online identity, self-presentation, and avatar psychology
- Technology adoption, persuasive design, and behavior change
- Psychology of virtual reality and artificial intelligence
Sample Thesis Topics
Example MRes thesis topics in Cyberpsychology may include:
- User trust and adoption of security controls (e.g., multi-factor authentication) in consumer or enterprise contexts
- Online disinhibition and toxic behavior in online communities - drivers and prevention approaches
- Behavioral predictors of cybersecurity training effectiveness and retention over time
- Impact on digital well-being associated with high-engagement platforms and algorithmic content exposure
- Trust, reliance, and decision-making when interacting with AI systems (chatbots, recommender systems, automation)
- User comprehension and response to security warnings and risk messages (design improvements and behavior change)
- Digital identity and self-presentation across social platforms and immersive environments
- Misinformation sharing behavior and interventions that reduce spread without undermining trust
A Research-First Master's Degree
The MRes is structured primarily as a degree by research. Students develop the skills required for independent inquiry, scholarly writing, and research dissemination, making the program a strong fit for professionals seeking research-driven advancement and for those who want to explore doctoral-level research before pursuing a PhD.
Who This Degree Is For
- Professionals who want to strengthen research credentials in a technology-focused field
- Individuals considering doctoral study who want research experience and thesis preparation
- Practitioners who need a research master's aligned to work in cyber contexts
Career and Academic Pathways
Graduates are well positioned for advancement across sectors where human behavior and technology intersect, including:
- Technology and digital services
- Cybersecurity and information security
- Financial services and e-commerce
- Education and academic research
- Healthcare and digital health
- Government, law enforcement, and military
- Industry research, policy, and innovation
The MRes also provides a strong foundation for progression into doctoral study in Cyberpsychology or related research disciplines.
Program is 100% online
Our master’s in Cyberpsychology is offered 100% online. Once you are accepted, all you need is an Internet connection and you can attend class. We keep the classes small so you receive personalized attention from faculty who are interested in sharing their knowledge and helping you succeed.
Key Faculty
Degree Details
Admissions Requirements
General graduate admission standards include:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree (or in the final stages of completing a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment)
- A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale), as a general graduate admission standard
- Any additional program-specific prerequisites or documentation requested by admissions
Program Structure and Research Pathway
The MRes in Cyberpsychology is a 30-credit program consisting of five courses:
Foundational research coursework (2 courses)
Online, taught courses introducing core research principles, methods, ethics, and analytical frameworks relevant to cyberpsychology.
Thesis and applied research (3 courses)
Under the guidance of a thesis Chair, students design and carry out an original research project by developing a proposal, collecting and analyzing data, and producing a thesis that is formally defended.
Resources and Expertise
Capitol Technology University supports graduate research through expert supervision and a strong technology ecosystem. The Department of Cyberpsychology is chaired by Dr. Mary Aiken and supported by award-winning faculty.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates are subject to change.
| Fall 2025–Summer 2026 | Fall 2026–Summer 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (per credit) | $650 | $665 |
| Military Servicemember Tuition (active duty, per credit) | $350 | $350 |
| Military Servicemember Tuition (retired, per credit) | $550 | $550 |
| Independent Study Tuition (per credit) | $877 | $877 |
| Information Technology Fee (per credit) | $45 | $55 |
High School and Community College full-time faculty and full-time staff receive a 20% discount on tuition for master's programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the MRes primarily research-based? Yes. The MRes is structured as a research-first master's degree culminating in an original thesis and formal defense.
- How many credits is the program? The MRes in Cyberpsychology is a 30-credit program consisting of five courses.
- Is this degree a good pathway into a PhD? Yes. The research training and thesis experience provide strong preparation for doctoral-level study.
- What kinds of topics can I research? Topics span online behavior, cybersecurity human factors, AI and immersive technologies, digital well-being, and related areas.
- Do I need a psychology background? Applicants come from interdisciplinary backgrounds. Program fit is based on academic preparation and research alignment.