Admission processes/requirements

Applying to a graduate program in the Department of Educational Psychology is a two-step process.

Step 1: Toulouse Graduate School application

Apply through the Toulouse Graduate School at www.applytexas.org. See the Admission section of this catalog for Toulouse Graduate School application and admission requirements, or go to the graduate school web site at gradschool.unt.edu/admissions/programs.

Step 2: Departmental application requirements

1. Submission of official GRE scores is strongly encouraged, but not required for applicants whose undergraduate cumulative or last 60 hours GPA is 3.25 or higher as calculated by UNT Admissions. [Note: Certification for Educational Diagnostician and IMPACT requires standardized test scores such as GRE, SAT, ACT, Praxis]. The department views high GRE scores (Verbal, Quantitative, and Writing) as positive indicators of potential success in the programs. Applicants are encouraged to aim for at least the 50th percentile in all three sections. GRE scores must be sent electronically from ETS, institutional code 6481. Applicants must submit scores that are less than five years old, with exceptions for those who have a completed master’s degree from UNT.
2. At least two written letters of recommendations. These letters should be sent from the reference, signed and on official letterhead. Academic references are strongly preferred and should be in an appropriate position to make recommendation (current or former advisor or professor; school administrator). Professionally applicable sources are accepted, but are not preferred. These letters should address potential as a graduate student; include references to how applicant will benefit from the graduate program in future professional roles; provide evidence of the applicant’s reading, critical thinking, writing and mathematical skills; and attest to applicant’s professional and academic skills.
3. Professional resume that delineates previous work, educational experiences, membership and involvement in professional organizations, and scholarly activities. Resume should support potential for strong performance as a graduate student.
4. A professional statement (1–3 pages) stating your goals and rationale for applying to the desired degree program and concentration area. In this statement, you may include a brief description of your career experiences (teaching, working with special populations, etc.), and explain how they are linked to your educational aspirations. Also, if you have any research and/or evaluation experiences, please summarize these and relate them to your degree and concentration. Your personal statement should be well articulated and demonstrate professional writing quality (formal; accurate grammar and spelling).
5. The educational diagnostician concentration also requires a copy of your teaching certificate, three years of experience as a fully-licensed teacher, and the Policy Manual signature page found on the Department of Educational Psychology admissions page at www.coe.unt.edu/educational-psychology/doctoral-and-masters-admissions.
6. All departmental application materials, including official GRE scores, must be received within two months of the submitted online application.

All departmental admission decisions are based on a holistic review of the applicant’s submitted materials, including GPA, GRE scores, etc. Applicants who are strong in all areas will have first priority of admission.

NOTE: Certification for Educational Diagnostician and CAEP requires that standardized test scores be on file. Scores can be from the GRE, SAT, ACT or Praxis. While the GRE may be waived for admission purposes, standardized scores must be on file prior to taking the first practicum EDSP 5530 in the fall semester to meet state certification requirements.

Degree requirements

All students completing the Master of Education with a major in special education degree are required to complete a minimum of 33 hours as follows.