All-Level Special Education Certification

IMPACT is a one-to-two-year path to special education certification. IMPACT is designed to meet the demands of academic rigor and ongoing mentor support for you in a field that is rapidly changing. IMPACT is designed specifically for individuals who view teaching special education as a calling. The program teaches educators to set high expectations for their students; and to individualize curriculum and enhance instruction based on learner characteristics. Additionally, these individuals must develop skills that will enable them to collaborate with parents and other professionals so as to enhance the lives of children and youth with disabilities across their life span.

Candidates who are accepted into our program are eligible to receive a Probationary Teaching Certificate and be employed as a special education teacher during the fall and spring semesters they are completing coursework.

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Admission to the master's program is a two-step process. First, each applicant must apply to and meet the general admission requirements of UNT's Toulouse Graduate School. Second, applicants must apply and be admitted into the Department of Educational Psychology for the specific program. 

Apply to Toulouse Graduate School

• Complete an application at applytexas.org and choose "IMPACT GAC” when prompted to select your major. 
• Requirements for international applicants can be viewed at http://admissions.unt.edu/international, including information on meeting the English Language Proficiency requirement.  
• Have official transcripts from each college or university you have attended sent to the Toulouse Graduate School. Submit documents to:
  • University of North Texas
    Toulouse Graduate School
    1155 Union Circle #305459 (USPS)
    1147 Union Circle, ESSC Room 354 (UPS/FedEx)
    Denton, TX 76203
    Email: GradAdmission@unt.edu
    Phone: 940-565-2383
    Fax: 940-565-2414

Apply to the College of Education

Prepare an IMPACT Application Packet with the following documents:

• Two Letters of Recommendation from individuals who can give evidence of the candidate's critical thinking ability in order to successfully engage in graduate coursework.
• Resume or Vita that includes the candidate's previous work and/or educational experiences, including teaching certifications and degrees held.
• Personal Statement from the candidate stating his or her goals and rationale for applying to the IMPACT program and a brief description of his/her career and expectations with regard to teaching and further education. Candidates should describe their current reading, critical thinking, and writing and mathematical skills; and their relevant education experiences and strengths. Candidates should also assess their own ability to work independently, and discuss their educational philosophies and future goals.

Send all departmental materials and application inquiries to:

Devyn.Dougherty@unt.edu
Coordinator of Graduate Admissions
University of North Texas
Department of Educational Psychology
1155 Union Circle #311335
Denton, TX 76203-5017
Email: Devyn.Dougherty@unt.edu

If recommended for admission, you will be asked to come for a face to face interview and advising appointment

Requirements for Certificate

1. Understanding Learners with Special Needs
   • EDSP 5710 - Special Education Programs and Practices (3 hours)
   • EDSP 5510 - Educational Appraisal of Exceptional Learners (3 hours)
2. Promoting Learner Growth and Achievement
   • EDSP 5330 - Classroom and Behavioral Management Strategies for Exceptional Learners (3 hours)
   • EDSP 5740 - Learning Strategies for Promoting Proficiency in Reading and Language Arts for Exceptional Learners (3 hours)
   • EDSP 5750 - Learning Strategies for Promoting Proficiency in Math and Content Area Subjects for Exceptional Learners (3 hours)
3. Working in a Collaborative Community
   • EDSP 5430 - Advanced Practicum and Mentorship in Special Education (must be taken during the fall and spring semesters while employed in a special education classroom) (6 hours)
   • EDSP 5240 - Collaboration with Parents, Paraeducators, and Professionals (3 hours)
4. State Exams
   IMPACT candidates must be able to pass three state exams:
   • The TEXES Examination on Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12,
   • The TEXES Examination for Special Education EC-12,
   • Generalist EC-6, or for secondary students; either have 24 subject hours in the content area they are assigned (12 upper level) or have passed the content area test for the subject they are assigned.
5. After completion of coursework, contact Devyn Dougherty to complete the verification form. This is what will be used to order the certificate of completion.

Estimate tuition and fees by using the Tuition Calculators. For more information about tuition plan options, fees, and tuition, see Student Financial Services.

Financial Aid

UNT offers a variety of options to help finance your education. Visit financialaid.unt.edu to find out more about the application and award process.

UNT has been named one of America's 100 Best College Buys© for 25 consecutive years and offers the quality of a private university at an affordable cost.

Applying for financial aid

1. Apply for financial aid online at fafsa.gov. The application is required for all types of financial aid, including Pell and other federal grants, state grants and loans. The FAFSA and Renewal FAFSA are available annually.
2. You must enroll in 6 hours (over one or two online sessions) in order to be eligible for financial aid.
3. Financial aid awards will be disbursed 10 days prior to the first day of class. Awards will not disburse if you are enrolled in only 3 credit hours.
4. Contact Student Financial Aid and Scholarships at 940-565-2302 or by visiting online at financialaid.unt.edu