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EnglishWhat degree programs and training options does the KU Department of Applied Behavioral Science offer?
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The Department of Applied Behavioral Science (ABS) at the University of Kansas offers one undergraduate major and several graduate-level paths: a master's in behavior analysis (both online and on campus), a doctoral degree in behavioral psychology, a joint master's in public health and doctorate in behavioral psychology, an online ABAI-verified course sequence, and a graduate certificate in community health and development. Its master's and doctoral programs are accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. The options below are for prospective students deciding which credential matches their career goal.
Undergraduate training
The department runs a premier undergraduate program with roughly 200 majors and a 50-plus-year history. If you are choosing a major and want a behavioral-science foundation before deciding on graduate study, this is the entry point. The department does not publish separate tracks or concentrations on its homepage, so treat the major as a single program and confirm any internal options with the department.
Graduate degree programs
| Program | Format | Notes from the department |
|---|---|---|
| Master's in behavior analysis | Online and campus | Two delivery options for the same credential |
| Doctoral degree in behavioral psychology | Campus | Accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International |
| Joint master's in public health + doctorate in behavioral psychology | Campus | Combined degree pairing public health with behavioral psychology |
| Online ABAI-verified course sequence | Online | Course sequence, not a full degree |
| Graduate certificate in community health and development | Not specified | Certificate-level credential |
The master's and doctoral programs are accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International, which matters if you need a program that satisfies ABAI recognition for certification or licensure pathways.
How to choose among them
- Want to practice behavior analysis with a master's-level credential: the master's in behavior analysis, choosing online or campus based on whether you need to stay local.
- Want a research or academic career: the doctoral degree in behavioral psychology.
- Want to combine behavioral science with population health: the joint MPH–PhD program.
- Need ABAI coursework but not a full degree: the online ABAI-verified course sequence.
- Focused on community-level work: the graduate certificate in community health and development.
Scale and contacts
The department has 15 regular faculty members and approximately 100 graduate students. For graduate program questions, contact Dr. Michael Amlung, Director of Graduate Studies, at [email protected]. General department contact: [email protected] or 785-864-4840. The department also publishes a Graduate Student Handbook (Fall 2026 version) covering degree requirements and policies.
Verify before applying
The homepage does not list admission requirements, deadlines, tuition, or whether the online options carry different fees. Check the Graduate Handbook and contact the department directly for current requirements, since these details change by term.