Educational Psychology (PhD) with a concentration in Gifted and Talented

At the University of North Texas, the Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology (Gifted and Talented concentration) prepares scholars to design and lead rigorous, theory-driven research that informs educational systems, public policy, and advanced learning environments. The program extends beyond data generation to the development of conceptual frameworks, innovative methodologies, and applied scholarship that shape decision-making at local, state, and national levels.

Throughout the program, students develop highly marketable skills in advanced research design, quantitative and qualitative analysis, theoretical synthesis, policy analysis, curriculum innovation, scholarly writing and publication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership within complex educational systems. Their work contributes to advancing gifted education scholarship, informing policy, and strengthening educational practice for advanced learners.

Graduates are prepared for careers in the professoriate, district-level gifted and talented leadership, curriculum development, research institutes, and state education agencies. Positioned within one of Texas’s leading Colleges of Education—recognized as a top producer of teachers, administrators, counselors, and school professionals—doctoral students join a research-active academic community committed to advancing the science, policy, and practice of gifted education.

Time to complete the program, Full-time & Part-time

The doctoral program in Educational Psychology with a concentration on Gifted and Talented education is designed to accommodate both full-time and part-time students. Full-time students can typically complete the program in approximately 4 years (3 years for coursework, and 1 year for dissertation), although the exact duration may vary depending on each student's starting point and individual study plan. Recognizing that many students balance professional responsibilities alongside their academic pursuits, the program is structured to also support part-time learners, offering them the flexibility needed to advance their education without sacrificing their work or personal commitments. Doctoral courses run in the evenings or online to accommodate all students.

Funding/Assistantships

The Department of Educational Psychology has a limited number of competitive assistantship positions for which admitted doctoral students may apply. These positions are intended for full-time enrolled doctoral students who are not working outside of UNT. Assistantships typically pay for partial/full tuition and a monthly stipend. Students on assistantships are expected to provide a combination of the following services (i.e., Teaching Assistant, Teaching Fellow, or Research Assistant) for 20 hours/week. The assignments are made each semester based on department needs. Once admitted, students may request an application form to apply for an assistantship.