"I Feel Like a Whole New Person"

Casey Ciciora-Gold

Online Master of Science in Applied Psychology
Class of 2023

When Casey Ciciora-Gold decided to pursue a graduate degree, he wasn’t merely seeking a credential—he wanted pathways for personal growth and professional advancement.

A veteran of the pharmaceutical advertising sector, with experience on both the agency and client side, Casey sought a program that combined consumer psychology with leadership development. He found that perfect fit in the University of Southern California’s online Master of Science in Applied Psychology (MAPP) program.

Educating Patients and Impacting Lives

Before enrolling in the MAPP program, Casey had spent over a decade working on the marketing side of the pharmaceutical and wellness industry. He says what he loves most about his job is the opportunity to change lives. “I started my career launching a brand for patients with hemophilia,” Casey recalls. “What drew me to this field was the realization that our work could help people feel like they used to, and in many cases, that was just feeling normal again. It’s a challenging yet deeply fulfilling space to work in, knowing you’re contributing to something so personal.”

As his career progressed, Casey knew he needed tools to deepen his expertise, adapt to new challenges, and prepare for leadership roles. After looking into a number of graduate programs, he decided USC MAPP afforded him the best opportunity to achieve these goals.

A Degree with a Dual Perspective

Casey’s desire to pursue a master’s in applied psychology was guided by his fascination with consumer behavior and decision-making. “I’ve always been interested in why people think or act the way they do,” he notes. “I wanted a program that could enrich my understanding of human behavior while directly supporting my day-to-day work.”

USC offered exactly what Casey was looking for, and more. The unique structure of the MAPP program, which combines consumer psychology with industrial-organizational (I/O) psychology, appealed to his long-term career ambitions.

“Initially, I thought I needed a degree solely focused on consumer psychology,” Casey explains. “But the MAPP program presented a dual perspective. On one side, it gave me advanced consumer insights that I use daily. On the other side, it prepared me for future leadership opportunities by incorporating I/O psychology. This balance aligned perfectly with my current needs and my aspiration to become a team leader in the future.”

Thriving in an Online Learning Environment

Pursuing his education online while living and working in suburban Chicago presented Casey with unique opportunities—and challenges. Fortunately, USC’s flexible online learning environment exceeded his expectations. “I thought learning remotely might feel isolating, especially being over 1,000 miles away from campus,” Casey says. “But the faculty, staff, and my classmates ensured I always felt supported. Professors made themselves available through shared calendars, emails, or calls, creating a collaborative and responsive environment.”

Additionally, Casey quickly discovered the power of fostering camaraderie in an online program. “Some classmates lived near me in Chicago, and we still meet up. The small group discussions and projects helped build a sense of community and understanding that we were all navigating similar challenges—whether mastering coursework or balancing work and life.”

Applying His Skills in the Real World

Through the MAPP program, Casey developed skills that immediately influenced his approach to marketing, communication, and leadership. It equipped him to apply complex psychological principles to real-world business scenarios.

“There’s so much psychology behind effective marketing,” Casey explains. “For example, I learned to go beyond surface-level A/B testing and consider the deeper psychological impact of messaging, design placement, and platform-specific expectations. This means crafting ads or content not only for visual appeal but also for the nuanced preferences of different demographics, such as Millennials versus Gen Z.”

What stood out most to Casey, however, were not just technical skills but the reflective, people-centered approach the program encouraged. “I gained a profound understanding of emotional intelligence,” he says. “The program taught me how to communicate effectively with diverse individuals—from advertising creatives to senior executives—by tailoring my messaging to their working and learning styles. That skill has been pivotal in improving collaboration and driving better business results.”

Preparing for a Future of Leadership

Casey currently works as a senior digital marketing manager for Myriad Genetics, where he leads digital strategy and execution for the company’s oncology business unit. Down the road, his goal is to serve as a Chief Experience Officer (CXO), leading teams to craft meaningful strategies that meet customer needs while promoting positive outcomes.

He says the MAPP program has laid the groundwork for him to accomplish this goal. “Just because I graduated in 2023 doesn’t mean the learning stops. This program taught me more than how to execute strategies—it taught me how to think critically, stay curious, and always expand my understanding,” Casey reflects.

“I feel like a whole new person from when I began the program to when I graduated,” he adds. “I learned so much more about myself than I initially thought was possible. I now feel prepared to continuously grow beyond the classroom and influence organizations at a higher level. That’s the impact the MAPP program has made on me.”

Advice for Aspiring Students

For prospective students considering USC’s MAPP program, Casey offers these words of encouragement:

“This program is not just for people looking to earn a degree—it’s for those who want to learn about themselves and make a meaningful impact on the world around them. You’ll walk away not only with technical expertise but also with transformative perspectives on leadership and human behavior. It’s challenging yet incredibly rewarding.”

If you’re ready to gain cutting-edge skills in applied psychology and open doors to new opportunities, explore USC’s online MAPP program today. Take the first step toward creating your own success story.