Computer Education & Cognitive Systems

Master's and Doctoral Degree Programs

Graduate opportunities

The Master of Science degree in Computer Education and Cognitive Systems at the University of North Texas gives you the foundation in learning and educational technologies to create, deliver and enhance the learning experience.

Our rigorous curriculum explores human cognition, instructional design, instructional technologies and computer education and their influence on learning systems and instruction. Armed with this knowledge, you will be prepared for dynamic roles in instructional technology and educational computing in academic and corporate settings.

We offer degree tracks in instructional systems technology, instructional systems design, teaching and learning with technology, and learning and assessment technologies. Some tracks have additional specializations. Most of the necessary courses are offered entirely online, so you can balance personal, academic and work commitments.

The following graduate academic certifications, which can be completed within 9 to 12 semester hours, are also available:

• Distance, distributed and virtual learning
• Emerging technologies
• Instructional systems design
• Technology integration
• Technology and autism
• Technology and cognition
• Web development and management
• State Board for Educator certifications

Our program is enhanced by nationally and internationally recognized faculty members who have expertise in computer education and other related fields.

Degree tracks

Instructional systems design

Instructional systems design encompasses maximizing the effectiveness, efficiency and appeal of instruction and other learning experiences. This track involves determining the current state and needs of the learner, defining the end goal of instruction and creating instruction to assist in the transition.

Instructional systems technology

This track immerses you in creating, managing and evaluating instructional systems and media in various applications. Possible career paths include working as a developer, director or evaluator of instructional design projects, processes and outcomes in corporate, higher education, and other instructional and training environments.

The track offers specializations in instructional systems design and distance and distributed learning.

Learning and assessment technologies

In this degree track, you examine the use of technology to assess and diagnose a student’s learning problem. Certification is available in this area, allowing you to help fulfill the growing need for educational diagnosticians in Texas and across the nation.

Teaching and learning with technology

The TLT track emphasizes application-oriented technology skills that are valuable for independent study and research, classroom teaching, personal and professional projects.

Available specializations are technology integration, technology and autism, technology and brain-based learning, and emerging technologies.

Research centers and laboratories

To assist in the pursuit of your master’s degree, you will have access to the:

• Center for Knowledge Solutions
• Institute for the Integration of Technology into Teaching and Learning
• Educational Computing Research and Development Lab
• Texas Center for Educational Technology
• Technology and Applied Research in Autism Laboratory
• 3-D Learning Environment Research Lab
• ThinkTankTwo Studio and Research Workshop

The E. Bruce Street Award brings nationally recognized individuals to campus to work with students and faculty members. It also allows for the exchange of ideas among scholars at UNT, other universities across the country and other school systems in Texas.

Attending UNT

Admission requirements

You need to meet the admission requirements for the Toulouse Graduate School as well as a specific set of program requirements. The program requirements are:

• Two completed recommendation forms from individuals familiar with your critical thinking ability and ability to work independently and in groups (The forms are at lt.unt.edu/masters/cecs_getting_started.)
• Ré́sumé or curriculum vitae that includes previous work or educational experiences
• 1,000- to 1,500-word personal statement outlining your career and learning goals; purpose for applying to the program; current reading related to the field; critical thinking, writing and mathematical skills; relevant educational experiences and strengths; and ability to work independently

Degree requirements

You must file a degree plan after admission to the program and within the first 12 credit hours of course work. The degree requirements are:

• 24 credit hours of core/foundations courses
• 6 credit hours of program track and/or electives defined by the track

All courses for the instructional systems design, instructional systems technology, teaching and learning with technology, and learning and assessment technologies tracks are available online. The instructional systems design track requires a minimum of two courses that meet face-to-face with a third optional course. For specific information about course requirements, visit lt.unt.edu.

Financial assistance

Grants from organizations such as the U.S. Department of Education, the Texas Education Agency and the Job Training Partnership Program provide financial support to students. For information on these opportunities, contact the department. Information about other financial assistance programs is at financialaid.unt.edu.