Research Methodology

Department of Educational Psychology
Specializations in Research Methodology, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics

The Department of Educational Psychology offers Doctoral (PhD) and Master of Science (MS) degree options consisting of challenging courses in research methodology, developmental research, measurement, research in family studies, program evaluation, and statistics. The Department of Educational Psychology and the College of Education maintain state-of-the-art research and computer labs that provide practical experience in observing children and families or using sophisticated data analysis software. In addition to the Educational Research faculty, graduate students have ample opportunities to interact and work collaboratively with active scholars in other graduate programs in the department.

Please Note: Two new concentrations have been approved for the Educational Research PhD, to start in Fall 2012 and 2013, respectively: One is in Gifted and Talented Education (effective Fall 2012), and the other is in PsychoSocial Aspects of Sports and Exersice (effective Fall 2013).  Students admitted before that date have the option of changing their concentration after these effective dates, pending KHPR Department recomendation for the KINE concentration, and EPSY approval for the GT.

The Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Analysis, which is associated with the department, offers opportunities for hands-on practica in program evaluation and methodological/statistical consultation. The internationally renowned Center for Parent Education also offers students opportunities for research and outreach. Additional research opportunities are enhanced by an up-to-date testing/observational laboratory and computerized data analysis labs.

See Educational Psychology Admissions for application procedures.

Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Research
(UNT Graduate Catalog Listing)

The doctoral program in Educational Research offers two current concentrations, and two others that are approved for Fall 2012 and 2013, respectively:

1) Research, Measurement, and Statistics
2) Human Development and Family Studies
3) Gifted and Telented (Fall 2012)
4) Psychological Aspects of Sports and Excersise (Fall 2013)

A Master's degree is not required. Students with related Master's degrees are required to successfully fulfill the requirements listed below. Those entering the program without a Master's degree are expected to fulfill the following requirements, the 3 core courses in the Educational Psychology MS degree, and a minimum of two additional graduate level courses with their adviser’s approval.  The actual number of hours will vary based on each student's background and adviser's recommendations.

Requirements are for students who enter the program with a related Master's degree.

Degree Requirements (minimum 63 hours)

1) Educational Psychology Doctoral Core (9 hours)

ESPY 5550 - Learning Theories in Education (3 hours)
EPSY 6040 - Foundations of Educational Psychology (3 hours)
EPSY 5123 - Human Development Across the Life Span (3 hours)

2) Educational Research Degree Core (21 hours)

EPSY 6010 - Statistics for Educational Research (3 hours)
EPSY 6020 - Research Methods in Education (3 hours)
EPSY 6210 - Multiple Regression Analysis and Related Methods (3 hours)
EPSY 6220 - Classical and Modern Educational Measurement Theory (3 hours)
EPSY 6230 - Advanced Research Design (3 hours)
EPSY 6280 - Qualitative Research in Education (3 hours)
EPSY 6290 - Multivariate Statistics in Education (3 hours)

3) Concentration (21 hours)

Students select one of the following concentrations (Please note that two are effective only after the specified dates):

a) Research, Measurement, and Statistics Concentration

EPSY 6005 - Statistical Theory and Simulations (3 hours)
EPSY 6240 - Technology in Research (3 hours)
EPSY 6250 - Advanced Educational Measurement Applications (3 hours)
EPSY 6270 - Structural Equation Modeling (3 hours)

Plus nine hours of elective courses in research, measurement, and statistics from inside or outside of the department, with advisor's approval

b) Human Development and Family Studies Concentration

EPSY 6113 - Application of Developmental Theories in Research (3 hours)         
EPSY 6163 - Diversity in Families and Schools (3 hours)         
EPSY 6143 - Cognitive and Language Development (3 hours)         
EPSY 6153 - Social-Emotional Development (3 hours)        
EPSY 6313 - Application of Family Theories in Research (3 hours)         
EPSY 6333 - The Changing Family (3 hours)       

Plus three hours of elective courses in human development and/or family studies from inside or outside of the department, with advisor's approval.       

c) Gifted and Talented Concentration (Effective Fall 2012)

EPSY 6610 - Theories of Intelligence (3 hours)
EPSY 6620 - Multicultural Gifted Education (3 hours)   
EPSY 6630 - Twice Exceptional Students (3 hours)
EPSY 6640 - Advanced Curriculum and Programming for Teaching of Gifted and Talented (3 hours)
EPSY 6110 - Individual Differences, Creativity, and Problem Solving (3 hours)

Plus six hours of elective courses in related areas, with advisor's approval.

d) Psychosocial Aspects of Sport and Exercise Concentration (Effective Fall 2013)

KINE 6121 - Sport and Exercise Psychology (3 hours)
KINE 6131 - Exercise and Health Psychology (3 hours)
KINE 6171 - Social Psychology of Sport (3 hours)
KINE 6181 - Applied Sport Psychology (3 hours)
KINE 6191 - Measurement and Assessment in Sport and Physical Activity (3 hours) (new course)

Plus six hours of selected courses in related areas, with advisor's approval

4) Supervised Research/Practice (3 hours)

EPSY 6030 - Practicum, Field Experience, or Internship (3 hours)     

5) Dissertation (9 hours minimum)

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

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Master of Science in Educational Psychology
Concentration in
Research, Measurement, and Evaluation
(UNT Graduate Catalog Listing)

Degree Requirements (minimum 36 hours)

1) Educational Psychology Core Courses (9 hours)

EPSY 5000 - Introduction to Educational Psychology (3 hours)
EPSY 5050 - Foundations of Educational Research (3 hours)
EPSY 5350 - Foundations of PsychEducational Measurement (3 hours)

2) Research, Measurement, and Evaluation Concentration (18 hours)

EPSY 5210 - Educational Statistics (3 hours)
EPSY 5220 - The Evaluation of Educational Programs (3 hours)
EPSY 6010 - Statistics for Educational Research (3 hours)
EPSY 6020 - Research Methods in Education (3 hours)
EPSY 6220 - Classical and Modern Educational Measurement Theory (3 hours)

EPSY 5250 - Grant Proposal Writing Techniques (3 hours)
or
EPSY 5240 - Survey Research Methods in Education (3 hours)

3) Electives (6 hours)

Two courses (6 hours), selected in consultation with your faculty advisor. 

4) Capstone (3 hours)

Supervised research or program evaluation project.

EPSY 5900 - Special Problems (3 hours)

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