The Department of Applied Behavioral Science offers a graduate certificate in community health and development through which students learn how to examine and address problems of social importance in communities. Students receive training in the application of behavioral science to improve the human condition through prevention and intervention.

Admission to Graduate Studies

Admission Requirements

• All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy. 

• Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.  

• English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required. There are two bands of English proficiency, including Admission and Full proficiency. For applicants to online programs, Full proficiency is required. 

Application materials and admission requirements can be found on the Graduate Certificate in Community Health and Development page of our departmental website.

For more information on admission to a graduate certificate program at KU, see the policy on Admission to Graduate Study.  Applications may be submitted through Graduate Admissions.

How to Apply

Applicants will submit an application online through the SLATE system. Begin by visiting graduate admissions and select "Apply." Applicants should select the start term and create an account (if a first-time user) or log in (if returning to continue an application).

1. On the application's "Program Information page," select "Social and Behavioral Sciences" from the Academic Area of Interest.
2. Under "Academic Program," search for "Behavioral Psychology (PhD)” if applying to the doctoral program or “Applied Behavioral Science (MA)” if applying to the MA program.

Fill out the online application and attach the required documents. Required documents to attach with the online application minimally include the following:

• Personal statement
• Vita
• 3 letters of Recommendation
• GRE (optional, but recommended)
• Copies of official transcripts. Student advising reports or documents titled “unofficial document/transcript” cannot be accepted for admission review. (Official transcripts with degree conferral will need to be obtained if accepted into the program). Note, former/current KU students are not required to provide copies of KU transcripts for application. If a degree was earned outside of KU, a copy of the official transcript must be provided.
• List of faculty members with whom the prospective student is interested in working

At the completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• understand the processes and methods of promoting community health and development, including drawing on models and methods of related disciplines.
• develop competence in promoting community health and development in the context of classroom exercises.
• demonstrate competence and skills through supported experiences outside the classroom in areas of community health and development.