Applied Behavioral Science

Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas is a multidisciplinary program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and influence human behavior in various settings. This comprehensive curriculum integrates principles from psychology, sociology, anthropology, and organizational behavior to provide a holistic understanding of how individuals and groups behave and interact. Students in this program gain insights into behavioral analysis, intervention strategies, and data-driven decision-making, preparing them for careers in diverse fields such as healthcare, education, organizational development, and community service. The program emphasizes practical application through internships, research projects, and collaborative coursework, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. With a strong foundation in behavioral theories and quantitative methods, graduates are well-prepared to design effective interventions, evaluate programs, and contribute to policy development aimed at improving social outcomes. The Applied Behavioral Science program also encourages ethical practice and cultural competence, ensuring students are equipped to work effectively in diverse environments. Through its faculty of experienced researchers and practitioners, the program offers mentorship and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Whether students aspire to work in behavioral health, social services, consulting, or academia, the University of Kansas’ Applied Behavioral Science program provides a rigorous and supportive environment to develop the expertise necessary for meaningful impact in society.

Coursework:

Appendix A contains a Master’s degree checklist for the courses you are required to take -- and the sequence in which they should be taken -- in order to earn your degree. You are required to be continuously enrolled from the time you are admitted until the time you earn your Master’s degree. The Master’s degree requires at least 30 credit hours generally numbered 700 and above taken while classified as a graduate student, including credit hours enrolled in thesis credit, ABSC 899. You are expected to be enrolled full time – 9 credit hours -- each spring and fall semester until you have completed the course requirements. The College requires that you maintain full-time enrollment in the summer as well (6 hours).

Practica:

In addition to your courses, Master’s degree students are required to complete at least two semesters of a research or intervention practicum. Speak to your advisor each semester to determine the section (course number) in which you should enroll. Most students complete their practicum requirement with their advisor, but some will complete it under the supervision of other ABS regular, adjunct, and courtesy faculty members. You should talk to your advisor about what opportunities are available and who is available to supervise your activities. 

The application materials that each candidate must submit are:

• Statement of Academic Objectives, including a clear plan for graduate research in a specific field of study
• Curriculum Vitae
• Writing Sample demonstrating independent historical research and analysis (20-25 pages maximum)
  • Submit a writing sample that best represents your scholarly abilities: The Department is interested in reviewing your well-crafted, persuasively argued sample. Such papers are often derived from an upper-level undergraduate history class in which you conducted independent research and employed both primary and secondary sources. If you have an MA in history, the writing sample should be taken from your thesis or a major paper written in a graduate seminar.
• GRE Scores, conveyed from ETS to the University of Kansas (School Code 6871)
• Official Transcript from each institution that has granted you a degree, or at which you are currently enrolled

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

While it is not guaranteed, the department does its best to provide funding in the form of Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) appointments to all incoming graduate students.  GTA appointments are awarded for the academic year and come with:

• a competitive academic year (9 month) salary
• a 100% tuition waiver for all courses at KU
• payment of up to 3 hours of student fees
• optional University-subsidized group health insurance 

The appointments are guaranteed based on performance for up to 3 years for M.A. students, and 6 years for students who receive both an M.A. and a Ph.D. at The University of Kansas.  GTAs in the department receive thorough training in language instruction, close mentoring, and the opportunity to teach French at a variety of levels, providing them with a strong base of teaching experience upon entering the job market. Additional information about teaching for the department is available on the Graduate Funding page of our departmental website.

Post-comprehensive students completing their dissertations are also eligible to apply for 1 of the the departmental Max Kade Dissertation Fellowships.

Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas offers students an interdisciplinary approach to understanding human behavior and applying this knowledge to real-world problems. The program integrates principles from psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, and other social sciences to provide a comprehensive understanding of individual and organizational behavior. It prepares students for careers in areas such as community development, policy analysis, human resources, nonprofit management, and behavioral consulting. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, including data analysis, program evaluation, and strategic communication. Students have opportunities to participate in internships, research projects, and community engagement activities, which enhance their ability to analyze complex social issues and develop effective solutions. The program aims to equip graduates with critical thinking skills, ethical reasoning, and a strong understanding of behavioral change theories. It also emphasizes the importance of cultural competence and ethical practice in all areas of applied behavioral work. Graduates of the program are well-positioned to pursue advanced degrees in related fields or to enter the workforce in roles that require expertise in behavioral analysis, program implementation, and community engagement. The faculty comprises experienced researchers and practitioners dedicated to mentoring students and advancing knowledge in applied behavioral science. Overall, the University of Kansas’s Applied Behavioral Science program prepares students to make positive impacts in diverse community settings by applying scientific methods to promote social and organizational improvements.