Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education

At the doctoral level, emphasis is on broadening the scholars understanding of research and use of evidence-based practices, issues and emerging trends in the field of special education, practices in personnel development at the pre-service and graduate levels, components of effective programs, and other topics relevant to the scholar’s terminal goals. In addition to the required course work, doctoral students will have opportunities to develop a manuscript for publication consideration, course instruction, and presenting at professional conventions. Graduates typically assume positions in institutions of higher education and leadership roles in public and private schools.

Apply online through GradCAS

• Apply online through the GradCAS application system. The steps to apply and application links can be found at https://www.unt.edu/admissions/graduate/steps-to-apply.html. 

• All application documents can be uploaded during the application process. You can view the details of these requirements under Submit Application Documents or at http://www.coe.unt.edu/educational-psychology/graduate-admissions.

• Requirements for international applicants can be viewed at http://admissions.unt.edu/international, including information on meeting the English Language Proficiency requirement. 

Submit Application Documents

• Three 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 not required.

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 application inquiries to:

Devyn Dougherty
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

The doctoral program in special education requires a minimum of 63 hours of course work and research experience.

A master’s degree with a major in special education or a closely related field is required for application to the PhD. Candidates with master’s degrees in other fields will be required to take up to five additional courses in special education, with advisor’s approval.

The following requirements are for students who enter the program with a related master’s degree.

Educational psychology PhD core, 6 hours

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• EPSY 6040 - Foundations of Educational Psychology

And one of the following

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• EPSY 5123 - Human Development Across the Life Span
• EPSY 5550 - Learning Theories

Educational Research core, 15 hours

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• EPSY 6010 - Statistics for Educational Research
• EPSY 6020 - Research Methods in Education
• EPSY 6210 - Multiple Regression Analysis and Related Methods
• EPSY 6280 - Qualitative Research in Education
• and one elective course in research, measurement or statistics with advisor’s approval (3 hours)

Special Education core, 15 hours

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• EDSP 6270 - Analysis of Trends, Issues and Research in Special Education
• EDSP 6275 - Advanced Studies in Evidence Based Practices in High and Low Incidence Disabilities
• EDSP 6290 - Special Education and Public Policy
• EPSY 6122 - Single-Subject Research Methodology
• EDSP 6295 - Seminar in Professional Leadership in Special Education

Electives, 15 hours

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Supervised research/practice, 3 hours

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• EPSY 6030 - Practicum, Field Problem or Internship

Dissertation, 9 hours minimum

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• EPSY 6950 - Doctoral Dissertation (3, 6 or 9 hours per semester)