Computer Education & Cognitive Systems

Master's Program

Opportunities for graduate studies

The computer education and cognitive systems program is a part of the Department of Technology and Cognition at the University of North Texas. CECS offers you a master of science degree in computer education and cognitive systems with program tracks in instructional systems technology or teaching and learning with technology. Teaching and research in this area is enhanced by faculty members who have expertise in computer education, instructional technology and cognitive psychology. Their expertise is the foundation for the innovative courses and programs of study offered.

At the core of all CECS programs and research is the opportunity for you to expand on and improve the use of instructional technology in society. Faculty members focus on research interests including hard and soft technologies in education and training.

The master's degree accommodates students with varied backgrounds and interests. All students study the instructional technology process, including instructional design, computer programming, human factors concerned with educational technology and other leading-edge technologies.

Upon graduation, you are expected to be a proficient hardware and software user and understand instructional systems and cognitive systems. Instructional systems and cognitive systems explore human thinking, human/machine interaction, artificial intelligence and the development of intelligent tutoring systems.

You may contribute to educational institutions or manage training and development projects if you are prepared in advanced technology and have a foundation in cognitive systems. Graduates of the program often become school media specialists, training specialists, computer network directors or members of development teams who provide training materials to address various needs in the public and private sectors. Currently, pursuing doctoral study in this area can be done through other programs within the College of Education.

Admission requirements

You must meet the admission requirements of the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies in addition to the program requirements. This program requires a minimum of 18 hours in education, personnel training and management, or the behavioral sciences; CECS 5010, 5020, 5030 and 5200 or equivalent ability; and an appropriate GRE score.

• CECS 5010 Computer Education Tools (PC-based)
• CECS 5020 Computers in Education
• CECS 5030 Introduction to the Internet
• CECS 5200 New Technologies of Instruction

Degree requirements

The degree is a 36-hour program. Requirements include a core of 12 hours: CECS 5210, 5310, 5580 and 5610. Also required are 24 hours of additional course work. These hours may be selected entirely from CECS courses numbered above 5030, and may include up to 6 hours of credit in approved courses in other departments.

• CECS 5210 Instructional Systems Design
• CECS 5310 Human-Computer Interaction
• CECS 5580 Readings Seminar in Computer Education and Cognitive Systems
• CECS 5610 Analysis of Research in Educational Technology

State-of-the-art facilities and role in global education

You will have access to several laboratories that provide the necessary research and delivery systems to meet the goals of CECS courses. These include a general access computer lab, which is equipped with PC- and Mac-based platforms.

The Advanced Technology Lab and Mac Lab are used primarily for research and advanced student projects. Five advanced technology areas are within the Advanced Technology Lab, and each is under the direct supervision of assigned faculty.

Because of the determination to provide leading-edge capabilities, the College of Education has one of the most advanced computer networks available in an academic institution. CECS classrooms have high-speed computer connections permitting access to several computer stations in each classroom. With the infrastructure in place, CECS is able to offer hands-on instruction for the Internet, intranets, World Wide Web and local area networks.

CECS faculty members are involved in a variety of national and international projects pertaining to learning technology research and training activities. Requests for information and possible training programs have been received from many countries.

Bruce Street Award

In 1991, the computer education and cognitive systems program initiated the E. Bruce Street Award for Visiting Scholars in Educational Technology. The E. Bruce Street Award brings nationally recognized individuals to UNT to work with students and faculty members. This award provides funds for the exchange of ideas among scholars at UNT, universities across the country and school systems in Texas.