Learning and Development

The Master of Science with a concentration in Learning and Development provides students an opportunity to advance their knowledge and understanding of human development from infancy through adulthood, while also gaining foundational knowledge in Educational Psychology. Emphasis is given to physical, cognitive, social and emotional development across the lifespan, as well as motivation and learning across contexts. Graduates seek careers in educational environments, community-based social service programs, non-profit organizations, government agencies and business/research organizations and institutions that support individuals and families.

Top 3 Careers

• Learning and Development Specialist
• Early Childhood Education
• Community Based Service

How it Works

• Earn a master’s degree in as little as 15 months (33 hours) or go at a slower pace
• Schedule rotates 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 start points during the year

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 "Educational Psychology MS” when prompted to select your major. The application will request you to select the “Learning and Development” 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

Apply to the Department of Educational Psychology

• 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). If your GPA is lower than 3.25, you must submit GRE scores.
• 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
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.

Departmental core (6 hours)

• EPSY 5000 - Introduction to Educational Psychology
• EPSY 5050 - Foundations of Educational Research Methodology

Required concentration courses (18 hours)

• EPSY 5133 - Infant and Child Development
• EPSY 5143 - Advanced Adolescent Development
• EPSY 5153 - Developmental Change Across Adulthood
• EPSY 5550 - Learning Theories
• Plus two courses selected with advisor’s approval from departmental concentrations

Electives (6 hours)

Two courses selected in consultation with advisor

Capstone course (3 hours)

• EPSY 5990 - Supervised Research or Program Evaluation

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