Program Overview

Educational Psychology Ph.D. with a concentration in Gifted and Talented

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Gifted and Talented at the University of North Texas focuses on generating sophisticated data for key decision-makers. The program prepares students for careers in academia, research, and education, with a focus on theoretical foundations and practical applications of teacher leadership.

Program Details

• Degree Type: Doctoral Degree
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated Time to Complete: 3-4 years
• Credit Hours: 63 with prior Master's, 78 with prior Bachelor's

Program Description

Doctoral students specializing in gifted and talented education will study the theory of exceptionality, individual differences related to cognitive ability, and the psychology of giftedness. Students will have opportunities to conduct research in the areas of exceptional abilities, advanced learning designs, and talent development.

Marketable Skills

• Synthesize and apply relevant literature
• Advanced research methods/statistical analysis
• Provide technical assistance to agencies
• Advanced oral and written communication
• Collaborate with stakeholders to improve outcomes

Program Highlights

• Opportunity to collaborate with scholars in the department's other graduate programs
• Continual involvement in research and service projects that focus on problem finding and creative problem-solving
• Focuses on theoretical foundations and practical applications of teacher leadership
• Theory of exceptionality, individual differences related to cognitive ability, and the psychology of giftedness
• Conduct research in the areas of exceptional abilities, advanced learning designs, and talent development

Career Opportunities

This concentration prepares students for a number of careers, including:

• Professoriate
• Gifted and talented district program coordinator
• Curriculum specialist
• State education agency director

Courses

• Foundations of Educational Psychology (3 hrs)
• Individual Difference, Creativity and Problem Solving (3 hrs)
• Theories and Paradigms of Giftedness (3 hrs)
• Special Populations in Gifted Education (3 hrs)
• Developing Psychosocial Skills in Gifted and Talented Individuals (3 hrs)
• Learning Theories (3 hrs)