The University of North Texas is ranked as a Carnegie Tier One Research University, a distinction given to only 141 research institutions nationwide. Faculty in the UNT College of Health & Public Service have a diverse portfolio of research areas that span bench and social sciences, policy analysis, community-based participatory research and big data studies. Through research, scholarship and creative activity, we are addressing a broad range of local, state and national economic, health and social challenges. Our collaborations with researchers across UNT, the DFW region and beyond facilitate interdisciplinary research to address today’s pressing questions and issues and strengthen the scientific knowledge of our communities.

Research Concentrations

hands of various races holding arms

Equality & Social Justice

The pursuit of equity and social justice is essential in creating inclusive and resilient communities, particularly for marginalized groups that often face systemic barriers. This research focuses on topics such as access and functional needs, rehabilitation, transportation, justice administration, community resilience, and trauma to develop comprehensive strategies that foster a more just and equitable society.
Woman speaking to group

Community-based Research

In an era of increasing social, economic, and environmental challenges, community resilience has become more critical than ever. Community-based research offers a powerful approach to understanding and addressing these challenges by actively involving community members and organizations in the research process. This research focus aims to utilize participatory tools in research, to study nonprofit organizations, strengthen community resilience, and inform policy development and evaluation.

Woman doing yoga

Health & Well-being

In the quest to improve public health outcomes and foster well-being across diverse populations, it is crucial to adopt a holistic and integrated approach that leverages advances in health analytics, behavioral neuroscience, and biomarker identification. The focus aims to explore the intersection of these fields to better understand and address key health challenges, including infectious diseases, neurodiversity, the aging population, and the specific needs of marginalized groups such as individuals with access and functional needs and those dealing with addictions.

Global Projects

Academic Departments

ASLP faculty group photo
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
The Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology provides the finest graduate professional education in both speech-language pathology and audiology at the UNT Speech & Hearing Center while maintaining an excellent undergraduate degree. The program stresses excellence in teaching, research, and service by its faculty and students.
Female animal training working with a dog who's wearing a service animal vest
Behavior Analysis
Behavior Analysis
The Department of Behavior Analysis prepares graduates for careers in behavior analysis as researchers, academics, and scientist‐practitioners. The department has been training students in behavior analysis for more than 30 years, was the first program accredited by ABAI, and was recognized by ABAI for enduring programmatic contributions to the discipline.
Participants in the UNT Inside Out Program - both incarcerated and UNT students - looking really happy while interacting at the Bridgeport Correctional Facility.
Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice
The Department of Criminal Justice is committed to excellence in teaching, research and service. Faculty focus on preparing students for professional services and advanced graduate studies with integrated teaching methods involving peers. The country has an ongoing need to address its crime problems, creating not only new challenges, but opportunities for growth and justness that UNT's Criminal Justice majors can explore and work for.
Emergency response vehicle driving through flood waters
Emergency Management & Disaster Science
Emergency Management & Disaster Science
The University of North Texas offers the nation's first and most respected undergraduate program in Emergency Administration and Planning. It trains students to help individuals, businesses, governments and nonprofit organizations prepare for, respond to and recover from floods, tornadoes, hazardous materials spills, terrorist attacks and epidemics.
Front of building that says City Hall on it
Public Administration
Public Administration
The Department of Public Administration offers a nationally ranked NASPAA-accredited Master of Public Administration program and the Ph.D. program in Public Administration and Management. The department, which has a long tradition of local community engagement, also offers undergraduate degrees in Nonprofit Leadership Studies and Urban Policy and Planning, as well as an undergraduate minor in Public Administration.
Woman helping an elderly man who is receiving rehabilitation therapy
Rehabilitation & Health Services
Rehabilitation & Health Services
The Department of Rehabilitation & Health Services is comprised of community-engaged academics providing an education that reaches beyond the classroom. Faculty with expertise in applied gerontology, health services, rehabilitation counseling, substance use, and behavioral health concerns prepare students for a career making a positive change in the lives of others.
Two women working with and evaluating a child who is playing with blocks on a table
Social Work
Social Work
The Department of Social Work houses both MSW and BSW degree programs. Faculty develop generalist social work practitioners who will advance equity and optimize quality-of-life outcomes in diverse communities worldwide by helping people overcome the challenges associated with abuse, poverty, homelessness, addiction, disability, illness and discrimination.