The mission of the doctoral program in early childhood studies is to develop professionals who are educational leaders, researchers, and facilitators of social change for children and their families. This mission is accomplished by mentoring scholars to:

• engage in advocacy activities with/for children and families;
• identify and solve significant community based problems;
• develop technological skills and applications;
• collaborate with families, faculty and personnel in schools and community agencies;
• gain and exhibit knowledge of early childhood education/care from an integrated, critical and interdisciplinary perspective;
• create research that results in equity and increased opportunity for all children;
• explore the circumstances in which public policies inhibit and/or facilitate opportunities for young children (with special concern for those who have traditionally been disenfranchised); and
• investigate job-related problems confronting professionals today.

Graduates are prepared to assume diverse roles including teaching, research and administrative responsibilities.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the doctoral program in early childhood studies is a two-step process. Each applicant must first apply to, and meet, the general admission requirements of the Toulouse Graduate School at UNT.

Then, applications for students who meet initial admission standards are forwarded to the Early Childhood Studies Admissions Committee for review and final decision. Final acceptance into the doctoral program is contingent upon the following:

1. Evidence of a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on all graduate credit hours.
2. GRE or GMAT scores submitted to the Toulouse Graduate School. Standardized test results will be considered in combination with other indicators and need not exclude a candidate who otherwise demonstrates strengths that would facilitate doctoral study.
3. Three letters of reference from professionals who address the applicant’s ability to successfully pursue a research based graduate degree.
4. An application statement written using a formal letter format that explains the purpose for undertaking graduate study at UNT, including professional plans or career goals, and a discussion of potential research interests.
5. A resume detailing professional experience.

In addition to the listed criteria, the committee may consider the applicant’s related work experience, publications, presentations to professional organizations, leadership roles, teaching excellence, awards and other factors that might provide evidence of potential success in the doctoral program. This information should be provided on the resume.

In all cases, the early childhood studies faculty committee maintains the right to make independent inquiry of the applicant’s employers and the faculties of institutions previously attended, as well as to deny admission to an applicant who in its judgment fails to meet academic admission standards.

Degree Requirements (63 hours)