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    Nov 22, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Educational Psychology, MS


The Department of Educational Psychology (EPSY) addresses themes of cognition, behavior, and emotion within our society by generating research, disseminating knowledge, and preparing a diverse body of scholars who take leadership in their fields while enhancing the development and effective functioning of individuals, schools, and families. We aspire to be regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized for excellence in producing knowledge, providing service, and preparing scholars and professionals who will be leaders within educational and community settings.

Degree programs in educational psychology focus on physical, cognitive, and social-emotional growth and change across the lifespan with regard to developmental norms; investigation of interpersonal relationships both inside and outside the family unit; application of knowledge regarding human development and exceptionalities in the educational environment; research, measurement, statistics, and program evaluation; assessment of individuals in educational settings; and the needs of special populations with regard to education and intervention.

All master’s programs, with the exception of the educational diagnostician concentration, are in an Accelerated Online Program (AOP) format. Courses offered in the Fall and Spring will be taught in eight-week sessions (8W1 or 8W2) each semester. Capstone, internship, and practicum courses, however, will still last the full term. All courses will be online-only.

Admitted students may begin course work in January, March, May, August, or October. Students who follow the approved course sequence for their start date are typically able to complete the degree in four consecutive semesters.

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 tgs.unt.edu/future-students/graduate-admissions.

Step 2: Departmental application requirements

  1. Two or more written letters of recommendation. 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.
  2. A 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.
  3. 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).
  4. 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. 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.
  5. 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.

Degree requirements


The Master of Science with a major in educational psychology requires 33 hours of graduate course work.

Required concentration courses, 18 hours


Select one of the following concentrations.

Electives, 6 hours


Selected in consultation with advisor