University of North Texas 
Preparation in the identification of, and educational programming for, students with high-incidence disabilities; specifically, learning disabilities and/or emotional/behavioral disorders. Emphasis is on characteristics, academic and behavioral assessment, and academic and behavioral programming. Graduates are employed as master teachers, instructional/intervention specialists and community agency collaborators.
Students can also pursue a special education teaching certification if they do not already have one. This is done through our IMPACT program.
Top 3 Careers
- Special Education Teaching
- Paraprofessional
- Intervention Specialist
How it Works
- Earn a master’s degree in as little as 15 months (33 hours) or go at a slower pace.
- Courses are offered on a rotation schedule via two 8-week terms during the fall and spring semesters and 3-week, 5-week, and 10-week terms during the summer.
- 5 different starting points during the year.
*A teacher certification may be earned through UNT's IMPACT Program.
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
You must be admitted to the Toulouse Graduate School before enrolling in the accelerated online program.
- Complete an application at applytexas.org and choose "Special Education MEd” when prompted to select your major. The application will request you to select the “High-Incidence Disabilities” concentration at a later step.
- 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
- University of North Texas
Apply to the College of Education
- Two written letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references. These letters must be specifically written for the current application, signed by the reference, and printed on his/her official letterhead. Personal references are not accepted.
- Professional resume that delineates previous work, educational experiences, membership and involvement in professional organizations, and scholarly activities.
- Personal statement between 1-3 pages that explicitly addresses your goals and rationale for applying to the desired concentration and degree at UNT.
- GRE scores are waived for admission purposes if you have at least a 3.25 from your undergraduate program (as calculated by UNT) and are not seeking special education certification. If your GPA is lower than 3.25 or you are seeking special education certification, you must submit GRE scores.
- IMPACT application if you intend to seek special education certification.
- All departmental application materials must be received within three months of the submitted online application. You can begin submitting departmental materials before receiving a decision from Toulouse Graduate School about graduate school admission.
All departmental admission decisions are based on a holistic review of the applicant's submitted materials. Applicants that are strong in all areas will have first priority for admission.
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
Check Status Online
- There are two ways to check your application status:
- To check if your transcripts have been submitted: The Toulouse Graduate School will send you an email and pin number to check online at my.unt.edu. You will need to activate your EUID with the pin number and click on Admissions Status.
- To check if your supporting documents (essay, resume, letters of recommendation) have been submitted:
- Email your full name and UNT Student ID to Devyn.Dougherty@unt.edu. Enter "Application Status Update" as well as your name and UNT Student ID in the email subject line.
All students completing the Master of Education with a major in special education degree are required to complete a minimum of 33 hours as follows.
Departmental core, 6 hours
- EPSY 5000 - Introduction to Educational Psychology
- EPSY 5050 - Foundations of Educational Research Methodology
Common courses in special education, 9 hours
Course selection made with advisor’s approval.
- EDSP 5240 - Collaboration with Parents, Paraeducators and Professionals
- EDSP 5330 - Classroom and Behavior Management Strategies for Exceptional Learners
or
Concentration area, minimum 18 hours
High incidence disabilities
- EDSP 5200 - Characteristics of Individuals with Learning Disabilities
- EDSP 5510 - Educational Appraisal of Exceptional Learners
- EDSP 5615 - Positive Behavioral Interventions in Educational and Related Settings
- EDSP5660 - Transition Education and Services for Exceptional Learners
- EDSP 5730 - Educational Aspects of Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities
- EDSP 5755 - Adapting Curriculum to Meet Special Learning Needs
Completion of master’s comprehensive exam
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
- 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.
- You must enroll in 6 hours (over one or two online sessions) in order to be eligible for financial aid.
- 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.
- Contact Student Financial Aid and Scholarships at 940-565-2302 or by visiting online at financialaid.unt.edu