College of Education

Overview

The College

The University of North Texas began in 1890 as a teacher training program. Today, the College of Education at UNT is a large, diverse unit that continues to develop leaders in higher education, pre-kindergarten through grade 12 education, counseling, health, human services, business, industry and government. The college recognizes the challenges posed by our communities' increasing diversity and complexity and has integrated these themes into all curricula.

The college's mission is to develop the human capacity in you - cognitively, socially, emotionally, physically - and ultimately, in the society you serve. Faculty members contribute to the cause by expanding knowledge through research and publications, teaching and learning, and service and outreach. The college is committed to preparing lifelong learners who can apply their knowledge in a viable and diverse society.

Opportunities for graduate studies

The College of Education has more graduate students than any other college or school at UNT. Graduate teaching and research assistantships are available in all four departments. Scholarships and a diversity scholars program are in place to support graduate students.

Counseling and higher education

The department's programs provide opportunities and experiences necessary to help individuals and families with diverse backgrounds develop their potential.

The counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 510, Alexandria, Va. 22314, 703-535-5990). Graduates find careers as counselors in public and private schools, colleges and universities, public and private agencies, business and industry, and private practice. Degrees offered are the M.Ed., M.S. and Ph.D in counseling.

The higher education program helps you become a well-prepared and effective leader in a community college, four-year college, or university. The Bill J. Priest Center for Community College Education provides research and internship opportunities. The department also offers an M.Ed., M.S., Ph.D. and Ed.D. in Higher Education.

Department of Counseling and Higher Education

1155 Union Circle #310829
Denton, Texas 76203-5017
Stovall Hall, Room 155
Phone: 940-565-2910
Fax: 940-565-2905
www.coe.unt.edu/che

Educational psychology

Educational psychology is the applied study of psychological and learning theories and the examination of behaviors, cognitions and emotions in educational settings. You will explore how people develop and learn, how to use research and evaluation to enhance teaching and learning, and how to interpret various types of tests. Students in this track specialize in gifted and talented or educational research. The degree is available entirely online. Course work leads to an M.S. in Educational Psychology.

The development and family studies program helps you become well-prepared for a career in business, government, health care, social service and education. It also provides you an excellent background for developing and managing your own home and family. Course work leads to an M.S. in Development and Family Studies.

The school psychology program prepares you to work in a school setting and contribute to students' social, emotional, academic, behavioral and cognitive development. This specialization combines a foundation in psychology and education with diagnostic, intervention, problem solving and research skills. Course work leads to an M.S. in School Psychology.

The special education program provides the skills and knowledge needed to serve people with physical, emotional, cognitive or social impairments, or other exceptional needs. The program's concentrations include generic special education, behavioral differences and autism. Graduates find positions in teaching and leadership within educational programs, as well as related service and private-sector organizations.

Additionally, the post-baccalaureate Instructional Model to Prepare Adept Certified Teachers (IMPACT) program is available for those without teacher certification who want to become a special education teacher. You can use IMPACT course work towards a later master's degree. M.Ed. and Ph.D. degrees in Special Education are available.

The educational research program trains you in statistical analysis, measurement, research methods, computer data analysis, and educational research trends affecting school districts, universities and higher education. A Ph.D. degree in Educational Research is available.

Department of Educational Psychology

1155 Union Circle #311335
Denton, Texas 76203-5017
Matthews Hall, Room 119
Phone: 940-565-2093
Fax: 940-565-2185
www.coe.unt.edu/epsy

Kinesiology, health promotion and recreation

The departmental programs support and encourage in-depth understanding of the nature and functioning of human beings in their physical, health and leisure behaviors through programs and skills that facilitate an enhanced quality of life. The kinesiology program has strong collaborations with public and private agencies and state-of-the-art laboratories. You can prepare for a career in public and private schools, fitness programs, sports clubs and youth agencies. The program offers an M.S. in Kinesiology.

The recreation and leisure studies program supports research on leisure, develops new techniques for professional practice, and provides community and professional services. You can prepare for a career in leisure services, sports management and therapeutic recreation. Graduates work for federal, state and local parks; public and commercial recreation agencies; youth and sport organizations and agencies; hospitals; pediatric clinics; adult day-care centers; and long-term care. The degree offered is the M.S. in Recreation and Leisure Studies.

Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation

1155 Union Circle #310769
Denton, Texas 76203-5017
Physical Education Building, Room 209
Phone: 940-565-2651
Fax: 940-565-4904
www.coe.unt.edu/khpr

Teacher education and administration

The department prepares you to work with one of the nation's most valuable resources - its youth.

The curriculum and instruction program develops highly competent master educators, instructional designers and college professors. This program offers you the opportunity to explore current theories and teaching practices through active learning courses developed from research-based practice. Graduates have knowledge of current trends and issues in elementary, middle and high schools; research design; curriculum development; and school reform and improvement. The M.Ed., Ed.D. and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction are offered. Additionally, a post-baccalaureate opportunity is available for those without teacher certification to gain a master's degree and concurrently earn teacher certification. Online alternative certification programs are also available.

The reading education program enables you to explore current trends and issues in literacy, become knowledgeable about current research and practices in reading instruction and assessment, and develop the expertise and background to assume leadership. Degrees offered are the M.Ed., Ed.D. and Ph.D. in Reading Education.

The educational administration program prepares administrators and researchers to assume leadership roles in public and private schools, government agencies, and nonprofit foundations. Course work leads to an M.Ed., Ed.D. and Ph.D. in Educational Administration.

The early childhood education program provides you with the background for teaching young children. The Velma E. Schmidt Endowed Programs offer opportunities for outreach and research. M.S. and Ed.D. degrees in Early Childhood Education are available.

Department of Teacher Education and Administration

1155 Union Circle #310740
Denton, Texas 76203-5017
Matthews Hall, Room 206
Phone: 940-565-2920
Fax: 940-565-4952
www.coe.unt.edu/tea

The Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Analysis

The purpose of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Analysis (CIRA) is to assist the college's faculty and students in developing their research skills. The CIRA staff assists with the conception, design, methods, analysis and interpretation of research related to research projects, proposal writing, evaluations, dissertations and theses. The CIRA serves as a resource to those needing guidance by providing direct assistance and referral to others in the College of Education or on campus who have expertise directly related to the client's research question.

Endowed chairs

The College of Education is the home of three endowed chairs that facilitate research of graduate students in collaboration with faculty. These chairs include the Meadows Chair for Excellence in Education; the Don A. Buchholz Endowed Chair, studying the needs of tomorrow's community college leaders and educators; and the Velma E. Schmidt Endowed Chair in Early Childhood Education.

Future of the College of Education

The College of Education continues to expand its collaborative partnerships with school districts, regional education service centers, and corporate and private-sector agencies to prepare effective leaders and educators through its professional development schools.

The college is committed to infusing technology into all aspects of teaching and learning, from preschool through adult education. Integrated educational technology provides the means for multimedia application, computer-based instruction, distance education and telecommunications technologies that will enhance student learning, improve equity of access, encourage change in educational systems and develop student potential.

The college, through its faculty and unique technological expertise, continues to expand its graduate education offerings beyond the UNT campus and the North Texas region. The college is striving to be nationally recognized for its teaching, research and service endeavors.