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.
For information regarding gainful employment data CLICK HERE.
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
Understanding Learners with Special Needs
EDSP 5710 - Special Education Programs and Practices (3 hours)
EDSP 5510 - Educational Appraisal of Exceptional Learners (3 hours)
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)
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)
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.
After completion of coursework, contact Devyn Dougherty to complete the verification form. This is what will be used to order the certificate
of completion.
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
University of North Texas 
