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Curriculum & Instruction

Doctoral Degree Program


Graduate opportunities

In the Department of Teacher Education and Administration at the University of North Texas, our objective is to develop highly competent teachers, school administrators and educational leaders in public and private schools and other organizations. To accomplish this goal, we:

  • Emphasize effective instruction, curriculum development and evaluation in all of our programs
  • Improve practice through the generation of new knowledge and through service to educational institutions, government agencies and practitioners at all levels
  • Target professional educators who are skilled and knowledgeable in analyzing and directing curriculum policy and in developing, implementing and evaluating curriculum products and instructional practices
  • Teach you to use current theory and research to make decisions about effective practices

The Curriculum and Instruction program offers course work leading to a Doctor of Philosophy degree with concentrations in Curriculum Studies, Early Childhood Studies and Language and Literacy Studies. Typically, the Ph.D. program prepares you for a career as a researcher in a research and development center or as a professor in a teacher education program.


Impressive credentials

In addition to being outstanding teachers, our faculty members conduct research and make professional contributions that are far ranging. Their contributions vary from curriculum guides and textbooks in wide use throughout Texas and the nation to intensive training grants for teachers and school evaluation projects. Their research interests include:

  • Curriculum integration (including arts integration)
  • Curriculum theory
  • Elementary/secondary curriculum development
  • Multicultural education
  • Qualitative research
  • Research-based instructional methods/practices in the various subject areas
  • Teaching/learning theories
  • Technology in the classroom

The College of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (2010 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20036-1023; telephone 202-466- 7496). This distinction means we meet or exceed strict academic standards for excellence in education. The college is also one of the top producers of teachers, administrators, counselors and other school professionals in Texas.

Attending UNT

Admission requirements

You must meet the minimum requirements of the Toulouse Graduate School and the department’s requirements when applying to the doctoral program. For graduate school requirements, visit www.unt.edu/catalog or gradschool.unt.edu. The departmental requirements are:

  • Minimum 3.4 GPA on master’s degree course work
  • Documentation of verbal and writing proficiencies using GRE verbal and analytical writing scores submitted to the graduate school
  • Three years of successful K-12 teaching experience or related acceptable experience
  • Completed application form (The form is available from the program office.)
  • Letter of intent to pursue doctoral studies (The letter should address your motivation for doctoral study, areas of research interests and how you envision using your doctoral studies to address educational issues of interest to you.)
  • Three letters of recommendation from graduate-level instructors and education-related employers
  • Professional résumé

You will be granted full admission to the program after our faculty members have reviewed and approved all submitted documents. A letter of notification will be sent to you listing a graduate faculty advisor who will help you plan a course of study.

Degree requirements

Ed.D. degree

  • 18 semester hours of curriculum and instruction core courses
  • 9 semester hours of research courses
  • 6 to 9 semester hours of a practicum
  • 12 to 15 semester hours in a minor or cognate area
  • 12 semester hours of dissertation

Ph.D. degree

  • 18 semester hours of curriculum and instruction core courses
  • 15 semester hours of research courses
  • 9 semester hours in a tool subject
  • 6 semester hours of mentorship
  • 12 to 15 semester hours in a minor or cognate area
  • 12 semester hours of dissertation

Financial assistance

A limited number of teaching fellowships and assistantships are available to help you pay for your graduate education. These opportunities include working with professors on research grants and projects or as a teaching assistant, working with undergraduate students in advising and degree plans, teaching undergraduate classes, and supervising student teaching.

You may apply for these positions by submitting an application and a current résumé to the department chair. The letter should address particular strengths and interests.

New doctoral students may be considered for graduate school fellowships, and new graduate students who have been participants in the Ronald E. McNair post-baccalaureate programs may be eligible for McNair fellowships. Contact the graduate school for information. Information about other financial assistance programs is at financialaid.unt.edu.