School Psychology

Master's Degree Program

Opportunities for Graduate Students

The School Psychology Program prepares individuals 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 program is dedicated to producing ethical, responsible, and competent school psychologists who are able to function effectively in a number of professional roles.

Admission requirements

Admission to the master's program in School Psychology is a two step process: 1) admission to the Graduate School and 2) admission to the School Psychology program. Applicants begin by submitting the required materials to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies at the University of North Texas at least one semester prior to the planned date of enrollment. Application materials are reviewed by the Graduate School to determine if the applicant meets the minimal requirements for admission to the Graduate School.

The requirements to gain admission to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies are:

• Complete an application form online at www.applytexas.org
• Forward an official transcript showing that a bachelor's degree or master's degree was awarded from an accredited institution of higher education. The transcript must also show that the applicant earned at least a GPA of 2.8 on the bachelor's degree or a GPA of at least 3.0 over the last 60 hours of the bachelor's degree or a GPA of 3.4 or higher on a master's degree.
• Take the Graduate Record Examination and submit scores on the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing portions.

The requirements to gain admission to the school psychology program are:

• A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and completion of 24 hours of course work in psychology with at least 12 upper-division hours and a 3.0 GPA in psychology courses
• Three letters of recommendation that address the applicant's abilities and potential for comprehending graduate-level materials, engaging in analytical and critical thinking and writing at a graduate level (Please use the recommendation form available at www.coe.unt.edu/educational-psychology/admission when requesting these letters.)
• A personal resume and statement of goals describing interest in seeking the degree and may include student contributions to the program based on language fluency, life experiences, working with diverse populations, practice goals, as well as research interests.
• Optional items:
  • Evidence of a completed master's in another field
  • First or second authorship on a peer reviewed scientific or professional journal
  • Portfolio of work they believe relevant to enhancing their application status

These documents should be sent directly to the Department of Educational Psychology.

Degree requirements

1. Psychological Foundations (15–16 hours)

• PSYC 5790, Psychophysiology
• EPSY 5550, Learning Theories in Education
• DFST 5123/EPSY 5800, Human Development Across the Life Span

Choose one:

• DFST 5163, Diversity in Individuals and Families
• DFST 5153/EPSY 5800, Social-Emotional Development

Choose one:

• PSYC 5100, Psychopathology of Childhood
• EDSP 5710, Special Education Programs and Practices

2. Educational Foundations (6 hours)

• EDAD 5300 Introduction to Educational Administration

Choose one:

• EDSE 5400, Curriculum Development in the Middle School
• EDSP 5710, Special Education Programs and Practices
• EDSP 5755, Adapting Curriculum to Meet Special Learning Needs

3. Intervention and Problem Solving (23 hours)

• EDSP 5510, Educational Appraisal of Exceptional Learners
• EDSP 5530, Individualized Diagnostic Assessment I
• EDSP 5540, Individualized Diagnostic Assessment II
• EPSY 5030, Practicum
• EDSP 5330, Classroom Management and Behavioral Strategies for Exceptional Learners

Choose one:

• COUN 5680, Basic Counseling Skills
• COUN 5710, Counseling Theories
• PSYC 5100, Psychopathology of Childhood
• PSYC 5680, Counseling Psychology Methods

Choose one:

• EPSY 5800, Studies in Educational Psychology (when taught as "Seminar: Consultation")
• EPSY 5800, Studies in Educational Psychology (when taught as "Program Evaluation")

4. Statistics and Research Methodology (6 hours)

• EPSY 5050, Educational Research and Evaluation
• EPSY 5210, Educational Statistics

5. Professional School Psychology (3 hours)

• EPSY 5800, Studies in Educational Psychology (when taught as "Introduction to School Psychology")
• EPSY 5030, Practicum is required each term/semester for a minimum of 125 clock hours.
• EPSY 5031, Internship is required for the minimum 1,200 clock hours to meet NASP standards

Financial assistance available

A limited number of teaching fellowships and assistantships are available. These opportunities include working with professors on research grants and projects or serving as a teaching assistant, working with undergraduate students in advising and degree plans, or teaching undergraduate classes and supervising student teaching. You may apply for these positions by submitting a letter of application and a current resume to the department chair. The letter should address particular strengths and interests.