University of North Texas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
University of North Texas

Former names	Former name list Texas Normal College and Teacher Training Institute (1890–1894) North Texas Normal College (1894–1901) North Texas State Normal College (1901–1923) North Texas State Teachers College (1923–1949) North Texas State College (1949–1961) North Texas State University (1961–1988)
Type	Public research university
Established	September 16, 1890; 134 years ago (1890-09-16)
Parent institution	University of North Texas System
Accreditation	SACS
Academic affiliations	URA ORAU Space-grant
Endowment	$1.052 billion (UNT Foundation: $349m, TUF Endowment: 703m)
Budget	$1.01 billion (FY2025)
Chancellor	Michael R. Williams
President	Harrison Keller
Provost	Michael McPherson
Academic staff	3,507
Students	46,940
Undergraduates	35,700
Postgraduates	12,010
Location	Denton , Texas , United States 33°12′35″N 97°9′0″W / 33.20972°N 97.15000°W / 33.20972; -97.15000
Campus	Suburban, 1,063 acres (4.30 km2)
Newspaper	North Texas Daily
Colors	Green and white
Nickname	North Texas Mean Green
Sporting affiliations	NCAA Division I – The American
Mascot	Scrappy the Eagle

The University of North Texas (UNT) is a large public school in Denton. It's part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex area. UNT is the main campus of the University of North Texas System, which also has schools in Dallas and Fort Worth.

UNT offers many different study programs. Students can choose from 114 bachelor's degrees, 97 master's degrees, and 39 doctoral degrees. The university started in 1890. In 2023, it was one of the largest universities in the United States by how many students it had.

UNT is known as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity" school. This is the highest ranking for research universities in the U.S. It's also an Emerging Research University in Texas. UNT is one of four universities supported by the Texas University Fund (TUF). This fund helps these universities become top research schools.

In fall 2023, UNT had 46,724 students. This made it the third-largest university in Texas. It's also the biggest university in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. UNT shares the city of Denton with Texas Woman's University.

UNT's main campus is about 963 acres (3.90 km²) big. It has school buildings in the north and sports areas, like Apogee Stadium, in the south. UNT also has a research park called Discovery Park. It's about 300 acres (1.2 km²) and is five miles (8 km) north of the main campus. There's also a branch campus in Frisco, which is a growing city near Dallas. This campus is about 100 acres (0.40 km²).

In 2020, the U.S. Department of Education recognized UNT as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and a Minority-Serving Institution (MSI). These titles help UNT get money to support students from different backgrounds.

UNT's sports teams are called the North Texas Mean Green. They compete in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. North Texas is part of the American Athletic Conference. The school colors are green and white, and the mascot is an Eagle named Scrappy.

UNT Campuses and Buildings

UNT's main campus is in Denton. Denton is a city of about 170,000 people in the northern part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. This is the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States.

UNT has grown a lot over the years. In 1975, it added a medical school in Fort Worth. Later, in 1981, the medical school became its own separate school under the UNT Board of Regents. In 2009, the University of North Texas at Dallas also became a separate university.

In 2004, UNT opened Discovery Park in Denton. This is a 300-acre (1.2 km²) campus for research and technology. It's about five miles (8 km) north of the main campus. It has buildings for science, engineering, and new ideas.

UNT also has a campus in Frisco. Frisco is a fast-growing city north of Dallas. In 2018, UNT at Frisco opened Inspire Park. About 2,000 students attend classes there each semester. In 2020, the city of Frisco gave UNT 100-acre (0.40 km²) of land to build a new branch campus.

UNT's Special Recognitions

In 2016, the Carnegie Foundation gave North Texas a special title. It was called a Doctoral University with "Highest Research Activity," also known as the R1 category. This means UNT does a lot of important research.

In 2020, the U.S. Department of Education gave UNT two more special titles. It became a Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) and a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). These titles help UNT get money to support students from different backgrounds.

In 2023, the state of Texas created the Texas University Fund (TUF). This fund helps four Texas universities, including UNT, grow their research. The goal is to help them become some of the best universities in the country.

What You Can Study at UNT

UNT offers many different degrees. As of 2024, you can choose from 114 bachelor's degrees, 97 master's degrees, and 39 doctoral degrees. These programs are organized into 14 colleges and schools. UNT has been officially approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1925.

UNT also has an Honors College for students who do very well in school. There's also the Toulouse Graduate School for students studying for master's or doctoral degrees.

Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science

The Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS) is a special program at UNT. Since 1987, it has allowed talented Texas high school students to live on campus. These students, usually juniors, finish their last two years of high school while also earning college credits. It was the first program of its kind in the U.S.

College of Science

The College of Science offers degrees in many science fields. UNT has been giving out science degrees for many years. It's part of Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU). This group helps universities work with national labs and companies on science research.

Physics Department and Ion Beam Lab

The Physics Department has a special place called the Ion Beam Laboratory (IBL). Here, scientists use powerful machines called accelerators to study materials. They can use tiny beams of particles to learn about different substances. This lab helps with research in many areas of science.

Biology Department and Water Research

The Biology Department has great facilities for studying nature. The Life Sciences Complex has lots of research space, including greenhouses on the roof. It also has one of the biggest university aquatics labs in the country. UNT scientists also study water at the Water Research Field Station. They even have a research station in Chile! UNT has been studying water since the 1930s.

G. Brint Ryan College of Business

The Business Leadership Building, home to the College of Business

The College of Business helps students learn about business. It has five main departments: Accounting, Finance, Information Technology, Marketing, and Management. It offers many different programs for students. In 2011, the college moved into a new, modern building called the Business Leadership Building. This building is special because it's Gold LEED certified, which means it's very eco-friendly.

College of Education

The College of Education is very important because UNT started as a school for teachers. It helps train new teachers and other education professionals. The college offers many bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. In the 2010–2011 school year, it helped over 1,147 teachers get certified. This was the second-highest number in Texas for a university.

College of Engineering

Discovery Park, located north of the main campus

The College of Engineering started in 2003. It builds on older programs in computer science and mechanical engineering. As of Fall 2025, the college offers many different majors and degrees. These include biomedical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical and energy engineering, cybersecurity, and materials science.

The college also has a research group called the Net-Centric Software and Systems Center (NCSS). They work on making computer software and systems safer and more efficient.

College of Music

Murchison Performing Arts Center

The College of Music has been around since UNT started in 1890. It has the most students of any music school approved by the National Association of Schools of Music. It's been one of the biggest music schools in North America since the 1940s. The music library has one of the largest music collections in the U.S.

UNT was the first school in the world to offer a degree in jazz studies. U.S. News & World Report ranked its jazz studies program as the best in the country for several years. The university's jazz band, One O'Clock Lab Band, has even been nominated for seven Grammy Awards.

College of Health and Public Service

This college helps students prepare for jobs that serve the community. It has departments like Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Criminal Justice, and Social Work. UNT was one of the first American universities to offer a program in Emergency Management and Disaster Science, starting in 1983.

College of Visual Arts and Design

The College of Visual Arts and Design is one of the largest art and design schools in the country. Art classes at UNT began in 1894. The college offers many programs in visual arts and design.

Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism

The Mayborn School of Journalism teaches students about news and media. It became its own school in 2009. Many famous journalists have studied here. Five alumni have won eight Pulitzer Prizes, which are very important awards in journalism. These include Bill Moyers and Howard Swindle.

The Intensive English Language Institute (IELI)

The IELI helps international students learn academic English. This prepares them for studying at universities in the United States. It started in 1977.

UNT Libraries

Willis Library, UNT's main library

UNT Libraries have several locations. Willis Library is the main library on campus. It has books on many subjects, plus special collections like the Music Library and rare books. The Media Library has movies, audiobooks, and video games. You can even check out video recording equipment and gaming consoles! The Sycamore Library is a great place for group study. The Discovery Park Library supports students in engineering and information science.

UNT Student Life

UNT had a record number of students in fall 2023, with 46,940 enrolled. It is the largest university in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex and the third largest public university in Texas. In 2022, UNT awarded 12,352 degrees.

As of 2024, there are about 26 students for every teacher at UNT. Also, almost 30% of classes have fewer than 20 students. The most popular degrees in 2022 were in general studies, psychology, and biological sciences. UNT's graduation rate is 60%, which is similar to the national average for 4-year universities.

Living on Campus

All first-year students are required to live on campus. As of Fall 2022, about 6,292 students live in the 14 residence halls on campus. UNT has a program called Residents Engaged in Academic Living (REAL) Communities. This lets students live with others who have the same major.

One special place is Maple Street Hall. In 2011, its cafeteria became the first all-vegan college cafeteria in the country! It's called "Mean Greens."

The Pohl Recreation Center is a fun place for students to exercise and relax on campus.

Fraternities and Sororities

UNT has many social Greek organizations, with 42 fraternities and sororities. In 2015, about 4% of students were in fraternities and 5% were in sororities. These groups offer chances to do community service, make friends, and become leaders.

UNT Traditions

In High Places (1990), a statue of an eagle

School Colors

North Texas chose green and white as its official colors in 1902. The university also uses black as a third color.

Mascot

UNT's mascot is the American eagle. It was chosen on February 1, 1922, after students voted. The eagle's nickname is "Scrappy." This name has been used since 1950, except for a short time in the 1970s when it was called "Eppy." "Scrappy" has been the name for the last 30 years.

Sports Nickname: Mean Green

The nickname "Mean Green" started in 1966 for the North Texas football team's defense. They were very good at stopping other teams. A famous football player named Joe Greene played for North Texas. When he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, fans thought "Mean Green" came from his name. This helped make the nickname famous. By 1968, "Mean Green" was everywhere on campus.

Fight Song

The university's fight song is "Fight, North Texas." It was written in 1939 by Francis Edwin Stroup. The words have changed a little over the years to match the university's name changes.

Alma Mater

The school's alma mater, "Glory to the Green and White," was written in 1919. Julia Smith wrote the music, and Charles Kirby Langford wrote the words. It became the official school song in 1922.

Other Fun Traditions

• The Spirit Bell: This is a 2,000 lb (910 kg) bell that came from Michigan in 1891. It used to be a curfew bell. Now, a student group called the Talons rings a similar 1,600 lb (730 kg) Spirit Bell at football games to cheer on the team.
• Bonfire: On Homecoming Fridays, the Talons build a huge bonfire out of wooden pallets. This tradition has been going on since the 1930s.
• Boomer: This is a cannon fired by the Talons at football games. It's a smaller version of an old military cannon. It's been used since the 1970s.
• Mean Green Machine: This is a green and black 1931 Ford Model A car. The Talons drive it at football games and special events. It was given to the university in 1974.
• McConnell Tower: This is the clock tower on top of the Hurley Administration Building. It's lit up in green when UNT wins a game. The clock on the official class ring shows 1:00 (for the One O'Clock Lab Band) and 7:00 (for the old curfew time).
• Eagle Talon Hand Signal: Students make this hand signal by curling their thumb, index, and middle fingers forward.
• In High Places: This is a 22 ft (6.7 m) tall bronze statue of a flying eagle. It was made by Gerald Balciar and put up in 1990 for the university's 100th birthday.

UNT Media

Radio and TV

KNTU (88.1 FM) is UNT's radio station. It's run by students and has been broadcasting to the North Texas area for over 55 years. It mainly plays jazz music. KNTU is part of the Mean Green Radio Network. Many sports broadcasters and radio personalities have come from UNT.

NTTV is UNT's 24-hour cable TV station. It shows programs made by students and about student life.

Student Publications

North Texas Review is a yearly magazine from the English Department. It features art, poetry, and stories by UNT students.

The North Texas Daily is the official university newspaper. It's written by students. It prints issues during the school year and weekly in the summer. It started in 1916 as The Campus Chat.

UNT Sports

As of 2012, North Texas had 15 sports teams that compete in NCAA Division I. These include football, basketball, track & field, cross country, and golf for both men and women. Women also have teams for diving, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball. North Texas was part of Conference USA until it joined the American Athletic Conference in 2023.

The Mean Green teams have won 142 conference championships, with 50 of those since the year 2000.

Football

The North Texas football team has a long history, going back over 110 years. They have won 24 conference championships. Their home games are now played at the DATCU Stadium, which was built in 2011.

Men's Basketball

Interior of the UNT Coliseum, nicknamed "The Super Pit"

The North Texas men's basketball team won the NIT in 2023. They also won Conference USA titles in 2020, 2021, and 2022. The UNT Coliseum, also called "The Super Pit," has been their home court for over 50 years.

UNT's Green Efforts

Wind turbines near DATCU Stadium

In 2008, UNT became the first large public university in Texas to sign the "American College and University President's Climate Commitment" (ACUPCC). This means UNT promised to become carbon neutral by 2040. They also make sure new buildings meet high eco-friendly standards.

The Life Science Complex, built in 2011, was UNT's first LEED Gold-certified building. This means it's very energy efficient. It has special features like rooftop greenhouses and a large aquatics laboratory.

Also in 2011, DATCU Stadium, the football stadium, became the first new sports stadium in the U.S. to earn a Platinum LEED certification. This is the highest level! It has wind turbines, uses eco-friendly materials, and has natural landscaping.

In 2012, The Princeton Review listed UNT as one of the "Green Colleges." It said that 40% of the energy on campus comes from renewable sources. UNT also recycles a lot of waste.

Famous People from UNT

Alumni

As of 2020, about 448,000 people have graduated from UNT. More than 304,000 of them live in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex area.

Faculty

See also

In Spanish: Universidad del Norte de Texas para niños