Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of General Studies in Applied Behavioral Science
Career Opportunities
The department prepares students for careers in their specialties, as well as for graduate school and professional training. Careers include work in such fields and settings as early childhood education; early childhood intervention programs; community programs for children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities; public health and health care; community-based and nongovernmental organizations; and behavioral consulting, management, human services, and business. Students enter graduate and professional schools in such areas as applied behavior analysis, applied developmental psychology, behavior analysis, clinical and counseling psychology, community development, gerontology, law, medicine, organizational behavior management, public health, social welfare, and special education.
Preparation and Advising
To graduate with the major in 4 years, prospective majors should enroll in Introduction to Applied Behavioral Science (ABSC 100 or ABSC 101) and Principles and Procedures of Behavior Modification and Therapy (ABSC 304) during the first 2 years. The content of these 2 courses will give students a basic understanding of the field of Applied Behavioral Science and help students decide whether they would like to apply to be admitted to the major. By the end of the second year, they should have consulted with an undergraduate advisor about degree requirements, concentrations, and career opportunities. By the end of the third year, they should have taken the prerequisite courses for the fourth-year practicum, which meets KU's capstone requirement.
Undergraduate Admission
Admission to KU
All students applying for admission must send high school and college transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Prospective first-year students should be aware that KU has qualified admission requirements that all new first-year students must meet to be admitted. Consult the Office of Admissions for application deadlines and specific admission requirements.
Visit the International Support Services for information about international admissions.
Students considering transferring to KU may see how their college-level course work will transfer on the Office of the University Registrar website.
Requirements for the B.A. or B.G.S. Major
A student must complete ABSC 100 or ABSC 101 with a C or better to enroll in ABSC 304. A student must complete ABSC 304 with a C or better to enroll in ABSC 308 or ABSC 509.
All majors must complete the introductory and core course work as well choose from 1 of the following concentration area options. Concentrations include practicum courses that count toward the required capstone.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core 34 General Education | 34 | |
| The KU Core 34 is comprised of 34-35 credit hours typically completed during the first two years of study. The Core 34 consists of the following requirements: English (6), Communications (3), Math & Statistics (3), Natural & Physical Sciences with lab (4-5), Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 in two different disciplines), Arts & Humanities (6 in two different disciplines), US Culture (3), and Global Culture (3) | ||
ABSC 100 is a required course of the major. Students are strongly advised to satsify 3 credits of their Core 34 Social and Behavioral Sciences by taking this course. | ||
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) Degree Requirements | 16-21 | |
| Students will follow the BA or BGS degree specific requirements based on their degree selection. BA students will demonstrate proficiency in a Non-English Language, complete a Quantitative Literacy course, a Laboratory or Field Experience, and two semesters of Writing. BGS students will complete a minor, two certificates, or a second major and a Career Preparation Course. Please see the College's undergraduate tab for more detailed information on these requirements. | ||
1 credit hour of a Laboratory of Field Experience, 6 credit hours of Writing, and 3 credit hours of Quantitative Literacy are required for all BA students. These requirements will be met through the completion of the KU Core 34. | ||
| Prerequisite Knowledge | ||
| ABSC 100 | Introduction to Applied Behavioral Science | 3 |
| or ABSC 101 | Introduction to Applied Behavioral Science, Honors | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Majors must complete each of the following: | ||
| ABSC 304 | Principles and Procedures of Behavioral Interventions | 3 |
| ABSC 308 | Research Methods and Application | 4 |
| ABSC 317 | Experimental Analysis of Behavior | 3 |
| ABSC 441 | Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Applied Behavioral Science | 3 |
| Concentration Coursework | 15-19 | |
| General Electives | 36-27 | |
| Students will need to complete additional general elective credits to reach the required 120 hours. | ||
| Capstone | ||
| ABSC 509 | Contemporary Behavioral Science: Historical, Conceptual, and Comparative Foundations | 3 |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Applied Behavioral Science Major Hours & Major GPA
While completing all required courses, majors must also meet each of the following hour and grade point average minimum standards:
Major Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major.
Major Junior/Senior (300+) Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 12 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.
Major Junior/Senior (300+) Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.
Double Majors
The department encourages double majors and minors in other departments. Double majors are especially appropriate for students planning to attend graduate school or enter professional programs (e.g., psychology, law, medicine). Any of the College’s other majors may be appropriate, but among the more common are psychology, human biology, sociology, political science, and speech-language-hearing.
Adults with Disabilities Concentration
This option is for students interested in working with people with developmental disabilities and in the development of supportive teaching programs in the community for people with developmental disabilities. The courses teach observing and defining behavior, increasing appropriate and decreasing inappropriate behavior, developing relationships, counseling, legal and ethical issues, and experimental design. The course sequence culminates in practicum work in a community-based residential service agency or day treatment program for adults with developmental disabilities.
Graduates of this concentration are excellent candidates for positions in residential treatment programs, community human service agencies, and vocational and pre-vocational teaching programs for people with disabilities. Many students also pursue graduate studies in applied behavior analysis, special education, and psychology.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Concentration Area Course | ||
| Satisfied by the following: | ||
| ABSC 380 | Applied Behavior Analysis in Early Childhood Education & Intervention | 3 |
| Concentration Area Electives | ||
| Satisfied by completing at least 6 hours of any ABSC courses, except those already required as introductory, core knowledge, and required concentration area courses, including ABSC 100, ABSC 304, ABSC 308, ABSC 317, ABSC 441, ABSC 380. Additionally, at least 3 hours of coursework must be at the junior/senior level. Practicum courses (ABSC 675 -ABSC 699) do not count toward concentration area elective hours. Please see concentration area advisors for more specific recommendations. | 6 | |
| Practicum I & II | 6-10 | |
| Two semesters are required. The courses are offered for 5 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters, and for 3 credit hours during the summer session. ABSC 304 and ABSC 380 must be taken prior to enrollment in ABSC 685. | ||
| Practicum in Community-Based Services for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities | ||
| Total Hours | 15-19 | |
Basic Research and Conceptual Foundations Concentration
Students pursuing the basic research and conceptual foundations concentration learn about behavioral processes and research methods, and acquire skills in the experimental analysis of behavior. Students completing this option complete a 2-semester hands-on practicum in which they assist in the conduct of research on human or nonhuman behavioral processes. Students are involved in all aspects of the research endeavor, from conceptualization of problems to data collection, analysis, and presentation. Students pursuing this option are required to complete an introductory course in statistics.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Concentration Area Courses | ||
| Satisfied by the following: | ||
| PSYC 104 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 210 | Statistics in Psychological Research | 3 |
| Concentration Area Electives | ||
| Satisfied by completing at least 3 hours of any junior/senior-level ABSC courses, except those already required as introductory and core knowledge courses (ABSC 304, ABSC 308, ABSC 317, ABSC 441, ABSC 509). Additionally, practicum courses (ABSC 675-ABSC 699) do not count toward concentration area elective hours. Please see a concentration area advisor for recommendations. | 3 | |
| Practicum I & II | 6 | |
| Two semesters of practicum are required. Practicum courses are offered for 3-6 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters, and 3 hours during the summer session. | ||
| Practicum in Basic Research and Conceptual Foundations | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Child Life Specialty Concentration
This option is for students interested in pursuing careers as Child Life Specialists (CLS)—professionals who address the developmental impact of illness, injury, and major life transitions on children and families. Students who choose this option are required to take a two semester-long practicum that provides students with direct experiences working with Certified Child Life Specialists in hospital settings.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Concentration Area Course | ||
| Satisfied by the following: | ||
| ABSC 160 | Introduction to Child Behavior and Development | 3 |
| ABSC 309 | Child Life: Introduction to Theory and Practice | 3 |
| ABSC 529 | Pediatric Health and Health Promotion | 3 |
| ABSC 626 | Adolescent Behavior and Development | 3 |
| Concentration Area Electives | ||
| Satisfied by completing 6 hours of any junior/senior-level ABSC courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Therapeutic Benefits of Play | ||
| Applied Behavior Analysis in Early Childhood Education & Intervention | ||
| Family Systems | ||
| Special Topics in: _____ | ||
| Directed Research in: _____ | ||
| Psychological Aspects of Death and Dying | ||
| Developmental Psychopathology | ||
| Advanced Child Behavior and Development | ||
| Practicum I & II | 6-10 | |
| This practicum requires a two-semester commitment; one of which must be ABSC 683 and can be taken in any order. Space may be limited and enrollment may depend on the date of indication of interest. | ||
| NOTE: some courses may require additional prerequisites. | ||
| Practicum in Child Life Specialty | ||
| Practicum in Infant-Toddler Care and Early Intervention I | ||
or ABSC 677 | Practicum in Preschool Education and Intervention I | |
| Total Hours | 24-28 | |
Community Health & Development Concentration
This option is for students interested in building healthy and well-functioning communities. They may do so through public service (e.g., AmeriCorps, Peace Corps) or in a career following graduate study in an appropriate field such as public health, public policy, law, rehabilitation, psychology, social welfare, or medicine. It provides opportunities to better understand and make a difference with important community problems and goals (e.g., substance abuse, violence, education, child and youth development, independent living of people with disabilities, well-being of older adults).
Course work and practicum experiences focus on (a) intervention methods used to address community problems and goals (e.g., strategic planning, intervention, advocacy) and (b) research methods used to study the effects of community initiatives for health and development (e.g., community assessment, evaluation). The course sequence culminates in a 2-semester practicum arranged with faculty members and representatives of community organizations or governmental agencies (e.g., in public health, child advocacy, independent living, youth development, community development).
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Concentration Area Courses | ||
| Satisfied by the following: | ||
| ABSC 150 | Community Leadership | 3 |
| or ABSC 151 | Community Leadership, Honors | |
| ABSC 310 | Building Healthy Communities | 3 |
| or ABSC 311 | Building Healthy Communities, Honors | |
| Concentration Area Electives | ||
| Satisfied by completing at least 3 hours of any junior/senior-level ABSC courses, except those already required as introductory, core knowledge, and required concentration courses (including ABSC 304, ABSC 308, ABSC 310/ABSC 311, ABSC 317, ABSC 441, and ABSC 509). Additionally, practicum courses (ABSC 675-ABSC 699) do not count as concentration area electives. Please see concentration area advisors for recommendations. | 3 | |
| Practicum I & II | 6 | |
| Two semesters of practicum (ABSC 690/ABSC 691) are required (3 hours in both fall and spring semesters). Note: ABSC 310/ABSC 311 must be taken prior to, or concurrently with, enrollment in the practicum courses. | ||
| Practicum in Community Health and Development | ||
or ABSC 691 | Practicum in Community Health and Development, Honors | |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Early Childhood Autism Intervention Concentration
This option is for students interested in conducting intervention procedures to address language and social skill development of children with autism in home and school settings. Students who choose this option are required to take a preparatory course and practica focusing on children with autism.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Concentration Area Courses | ||
| Satisfied by the following: | ||
| ABSC 160 | Introduction to Child Behavior and Development (Students may substitute PSYC 333 Child Psychology for ABSC 160. The credit hours for PSYC 333, however, do not count toward the required ABSC major hours or toward the 15 required junior/senior ABSC hours.) | 3 |
| ABSC 370 | Practicum Preparation for Behavioral Treatment for Children with Autism | 3 |
| Concentration Area Electives | ||
| Satisfied by completing at least 3 hours of any junior/senior-level ABSC courses, except those already required as core knowledge and required concentration area courses (which include ABSC 304, ABSC 308, ABSC 317, ABSC 441, ABSC 370, and ABSC 509). Additionally, practicum courses (ABSC 675-ABSC 680) do not count toward concentration area elective hours. Please see concentration area advisors for recommendations. | 3 | |
| Practicum I and II | ||
| Two semesters are required. The courses are offered for 5 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters, and for 3 hours during the summer session. Students must complete at least 1 semester of ABSC 680 (although 2 semesters are encouraged). However, for the other required semester, students may also select from ABSC 675-678. Note: ABSC 370 must be taken 2 semesters prior to enrollment in ABSC 680. | 6-10 | |
| Practicum in Advanced Laboratory in the Development of Behavioral Treatments for Children with Autsm (Note: ABSC 370 must be taken 2 semesters prior to enrollment in ABSC 680.) | ||
| Practicum II in Advanced Laboratory in Development of Behavioral Treatment for Children with Autism | ||
| Total Hours | 15-19 | |
Early Childhood Education & Intervention Concentration
This option is for students interested in understanding typical and atypical child development and learning to promote healthy development in young children (ages 0-6 years). Students who choose this option are required to participate in practica in classrooms that serve toddlers and preschool children.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Concentration Area Courses | ||
| Satisfied by the following: | ||
| ABSC 160 | Introduction to Child Behavior and Development (Students may substitute PYSC 333 Child Psychology for ABSC 160. The credit hours for PYSC 333, however, do not count toward the required ABSC major hours or toward the 15 required junior/senior ABSC hours.) | 3 |
| ABSC 380 | Applied Behavior Analysis in Early Childhood Education & Intervention | 3 |
| Concentration Area Electives | ||
| Satisfied by completing at least 3 hours of any junior/senior-level ABSC courses except those already required as core knowledge and required concentration courses, which include ABSC 304, ABSC 308, ABSC 317, ABSC 380, ABSC 441, and ABSC 509. Additionally, practicum courses (ABSC 675-ABSC 699) do not count toward concentration area elective hours. Please see concentration area advisors for recommendations. | 3 | |
| Practicum I & II | ||
| Two semesters are required. The courses are offered for 5 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters, and for 3 hours during the summer session. Students must select at least two of the courses listed below. Note: ABSC 380 must be taken prior to, or concurrently with, enrollment in ABSC 675 and ABSC 677. | 6-10 | |
| Practicum in Infant-Toddler Care and Early Intervention I (for students new to the Toddler Care Practicum) | ||
| Practicum in Infant-Toddler Care and Early Intervention II (for students who completed ABSC 675) | ||
| Practicum in Preschool Education and Intervention I (for students new to the Preschool Education Practicum) | ||
| Practicum in Preschool Education and Intervention II (for students who completed ABSC 677) | ||
| For the other required semester, students may also select | ||
| Practicum in Advanced Laboratory in the Development of Behavioral Treatments for Children with Autsm (Requires completion of ABSC 370 at least 2 semesters prior to enrollment.) | ||
| Total Hours | 15-19 | |
Early Childhood Research Concentration
This option is for students interested in gaining research experience in early childhood possibly as preparation for graduate school or employment in educational and clinical research centers. Students who choose this option will enroll in research-oriented practica. Interested students would consult the department.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Concentration Area Courses | ||
| Satisfied by the following: | ||
| ABSC 160 | Introduction to Child Behavior and Development (Students may substitute PYSC 333 for ABSC 160. The credit hours for PSYC 333 do not count toward the 34 required ABSC major hours.) | 3 |
| Concentration Area Electives | ||
| Satisfied by completing 6 hours of any junior/senior-level ABSC courses except those already required as core knowledge and required concentration courses, which include ABSC 304, ABSC 308, ABSC 317, ABSC 441, and ABSC 509. Please see concentration area advisors for recommendations. | 6 | |
| Practicum I & II | ||
| Two semesters are required. The courses are offered for 5 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters, and for 3 hours during the summer session. | ||
| ABSC 679 | Practicum in Behavior Analysis Research in Early Childhood Education (Students must complete at least 1 semester) | 3-5 |
| For the students' other required semester, students may select from the following: | 3-5 | |
| Practicum in Behavior Analysis Research in Early Childhood Education (No more than 6 hours may count toward the ABSC major hours.) | ||
| Practicum in Infant-Toddler Care and Early Intervention I (Requires completion of ABSC 380 either prior to or concurrent with enrollment.) | ||
| Practicum in Preschool Education and Intervention I (Requires completion of ABSC 380 either prior to or concurrent with enrollment.) | ||
| Practicum in Advanced Laboratory in the Development of Behavioral Treatments for Children with Autsm (Requires completion of ABSC 370 at least 2 semesters prior to enrollment.) | ||
| Total Hours | 15-19 | |
Sample 4-year plans for the BA degree in Applied Behavioral Science with the following concentrations can be found below or by using the left-side navigation.
- Adults with Disabilities
- Basic Research and Conceptual Foundations
- Child Life Specialty
- Community Health & Development
- Early Childhood Autism Intervention
- Early Childhood Education & Intervention
- Early Childhood Research
Sample 4-year plans for the BGS degree in Applied Behavioral Science can by found below or by using the left-side navigation.
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- systematically acquire and retain (i.e., understand and remember; Bloom, 1956) knowledge of behavior analytic foundations, concepts, principles, and procedures.
- apply the concepts, principles, and procedures they have learned by crafting a research question considering experimental methodology and research design.
- analyze and evaluate an issue of societal importance by synthesizing and/or critiquing the literature.
- create new or original work and/or develop specialized skills in a specific area of application in behavioral science.
Departmental Honors
The department’s honors program is suited for undergraduates planning to attend graduate school. Students are expected to enroll in two semesters of ABSC 599 for a total of 4 to 8 credit hours. The course combines small-group discussions on advanced topics in applied behavioral science, along with honors thesis supervision of a project of the student’s design. Honors students are invited to attend the ABS graduate proseminar or department colloquium series. Students should meet with the department’s honors advisor by the middle of the junior year to identify a faculty member with whom to complete the project. Prerequisite: Completion of at least 60 hours in the College with a grade-point average of 3.5 in the department.
Study Abroad
The department offers students opportunities to obtain international experience in a program offered jointly with the Office of Study Abroad and research experience with faculty members who teach research courses or a research practicum:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ABSC 499 | Directed Research in: _____ | 1-3 |
| ABSC 599 | Honors and Thesis in Applied Behavioral Science | 1-5 |
| ABSC 679 | Practicum in Behavior Analysis Research in Early Childhood Education | 1-6 |
| ABSC 692 | Practicum in Basic Research and Conceptual Foundations | 3 |
| ABSC 698 | Special Research Practicum in: _____ | 3-6 |
| ABSC 699 | Special Research Practicum in, Honors: _____ | 3-6 |
Research experience is recommended for students planning to attend graduate school. The department also offers some courses that include a service-learning component. Many of these programs, research experiences, and service-learning courses meet university requirements in these areas.