University of Kansas ABA Programs

The University of Kansas leads the way in behavioral science research and practice with a legacy that goes back more than 50 years. KU started in 1855 and got its official charter in 1863. Today, it is a complete research university that runs one of the country’s most respected applied behavioral science programs.

You’ll find yourself part of a thriving academic community in KU’s Department of Applied Behavioral Science. The department boasts 15 regular faculty members who work with roughly 200 undergraduate majors and 100 graduate students. This size lets you get individual attention while learning from different viewpoints in a well-established program.

The department offers several respected programs to match your career goals:

• An online Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science focused on Applied Behavior Analysis
• A doctoral program in behavioral psychology
• A joint program combining a Master’s in Public Health with a doctorate in behavioral psychology
• An online ABAI-verified course sequence
• A graduate certificate in community health and development

The online Master’s program has achieved remarkable results with a 93% BCBA exam pass rate. This places KU among the top 5 online programs for BCBA exam success. Four faculty members with extensive clinical experience in autism and intellectual developmental disabilities guide your learning journey.

KU designed its applied behavior analysis education with busy professionals and students in mind. You can balance your schedule thanks to a mix of live, recorded, and hybrid classes while maintaining high academic standards. The department also teams up with top clinical sites and BCBA supervisors to give you quality training during your fieldwork supervision.

KU’s membership in the Association of American Universities, an elite group of the nation’s leading research institutions, adds value to your degree. This recognition shows academic excellence and prepares you for success in a field with over 500,000 jobs and 50,000 new positions expected each year.

What ABA programs does University of Kansas offer?

KU has a complete range of Applied Behavior Analysis programs that match different educational needs and career goals. Students can start their experience or advance their expertise through multiple pathways to grow professionally in this field.

The online Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis boasts a 93% BCBA exam pass rate. Students get all educational components the Behavior Analyst Certification Board requires for BCBA certification. Working professionals can typically finish the program in 2-2.5 years. The program combines synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid courses to fit busy schedules.

The on-campus Master’s in Applied Behavioral Science holds accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International. Students meet BACB requirements for the BCBA examination and fulfill educational requirements to get licensed in Kansas and Missouri.

Students who want certification without a full master’s degree can take KU’s online ABAI-verified course sequence. The sequence includes eight graduate-level courses (three credits each). These courses meet the BACB’s required contact hours and take four consecutive semesters to complete. Students need either a master’s degree in psychology/education or current enrollment in such a program. The program prefers a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

KU also offers a Graduate Certificate in Community Health and Development, which takes one year and teaches advanced community work skills. Students learn everything from community assessment to intervention and sustainability.

Newcomers to the field can take the 40-hour online RBT certification preparation course that meets the BACB’s training requirement for RBT certification.

Undergraduates can pursue Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.) degrees in applied behavioral science. Both degrees need 33 credit hours in the major with similar program requirements. Students choose from five concentrations: Adults with Disabilities, Basic Research and Conceptual Foundations, Child Life Specialty, Community Health and Development, or Early Childhood.

KU offers a doctoral degree in behavioral psychology and a joint program combining a master’s in public health with a doctorate in behavioral psychology for research-focused students.

KU’s exceptional faculty brings real-life experience and deep knowledge of behavior analysis, which ensures quality education at every level.

Accreditation

Quality markers help validate academic programs. KU has earned institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which the U.S. Department of Education recognizes. This credential shows KU meets detailed academic, research, and professional standards.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has accredited KU’s on-campus ABA programs. Both the MA in Applied Behavioral Science and PhD in Behavioral Psychology programs will keep their ABAI accreditation through December 31, 2025. This shows these programs meet the field’s highest standards.

KU’s online master’s program hasn’t received ABAI accreditation yet. The program has applied for Tier 1 accreditation and awaits a site visit. All the same, ABAI has verified the online program’s coursework as a “verified course sequence”. Students can use this curriculum to meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s requirements for BCBA certification.

The main difference lies between accreditation and verification. Accreditation looks at every aspect of a program. A verified course sequence only confirms that coursework meets BACB certification requirements. Both options help guarantee quality but with different levels of review.

Programs seeking ABAI accreditation must complete self-studies and host site visits. They pay annual fees and submit reports to stay compliant. KU’s Department of Applied Behavioral Science stands out among behavior analytic graduate programs based on research rankings.

These credentials give students great advantages. Students from accredited programs can move smoothly toward certification and licensure. Yes, it is worth noting that since January 2022, ABAI-accredited programs satisfy BACB’s degree and coursework requirements through Pathway 1 for BCBA and BCaBA certification. Graduates can take certification exams right away without extra coursework verification.

KU’s Department of Applied Behavioral Science remains in the top 10 behavior analytic graduate programs for research output. The mix of academic excellence and proper credentials makes KU a leader in behavior analysis education.

Tuition

Your education investment deserves careful thought, particularly when you’re pursuing a specialized field like Applied Behavior Analysis. A solid grasp of KU’s ABA program costs will help you plan your career journey better.

KU’s Applied Behavior Analysis programs come with specific rates that change based on how you take your classes. The online Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science costs $795 per credit hour whatever your residence status. The same rate applies to the online Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis.

These online rates work differently from KU’s regular tuition structure. The academic year costs for regular graduate programs look like this:

• In-state students: $8,548 tuition plus $1,119 in required fees
• Out-of-state students: $20,108 tuition plus $1,119 in required fees
• Online programs: Flat per-credit-hour rates vary by program whatever your residence

Your total education costs will be more than just tuition. Students typically need $12,031 for housing and food, and $580 for books and materials each year. This brings the yearly total to about $22,278 for in-state students and $33,837 for out-of-state students in traditional programs.

KU recommends setting aside $2,748 for getting around and $3,464 for personal needs. These numbers are just estimates – your real costs depend on your program choice, class load, and living setup.

The Net Price Calculator on KU’s financial aid website helps you get customized cost estimates. Many students find graduate education more affordable through financial aid options.

The Kansas Board of Regents reviews and approves tuition rates yearly. KU keeps students informed about rate changes and how they spend tuition money. Campus fees support student health services, recreation facilities, campus unions, transit, child care, and green initiatives.

Admissions

Students seeking admission to the University of Kansas ABA programs need to prepare their applications carefully. The deadline for fall semester applications is July 1. Students work closely with program directors and faculty in a junior-colleague model that ensures academic success.

You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign university. Your application becomes stronger with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. The admissions committee welcomes explanations about circumstances that might have affected your GPA if it falls below this threshold.

KU’s SLATE system handles all applications online. New users must create an account after clicking “Apply” on the graduate admissions page. The next step involves selecting “Social and Behavioral Sciences” from the Academic Area of Interest and searching for “Applied Behavioral Science (MA)” for the master’s program.

Your complete application package must include:

• Personal statement about your interest in applied behavior analysis and motivation to study at KU
• CV or resume
• Three letters of recommendation for the MA program
• GRE scores (optional but recommended)
• Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions

The online certificate program differs slightly. You should select “Certificate Seeking,” then “Applied Behavioral Science,” and finally “Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis”. This program needs two letters of recommendation instead of three.

Online faculty members form an admissions committee that reviews each application. You’ll receive notification about acceptance or denial after the review. The department responds quickly and typically informs applicants within days of completing the review.

Students with good GRE scores might have an advantage over those who haven’t taken the exam. The department takes a comprehensive view of each application and recognizes that strong candidates might not always have perfect scores.

KU looks for students who have backgrounds in psychology or education with clinical experience and interest in behavioral science. Faculty members and students share responsibility to meet degree requirements on time after admission. This shared approach creates an environment where students thrive in their ABA education.

What sets University of Kansas apart?

KU’s ABA program stands out with several unique features that set it apart from other institutions. Students achieve a remarkable 93% pass rate on the BCBA exam, making it one of the top 5 online programs nationwide. This success comes from faculty members who bring extensive practical experience to their teaching.

The program maintains a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio to ensure each student gets personal attention. Students and instructors work closely in this structured yet intimate setting. KU places special emphasis on supervision, which helps develop professional skills.

The program’s “junior-colleague model” makes it different from other institutions. Students work with advisors on professional activities like research design, manuscript preparation, and responsible research practices. This hands-on guidance prepares them for challenges they’ll face after certification.

KU’s specialized research facilities include:

• Performance Management Laboratory under Dr. Florence DiGennaro Reed’s direction
• The Neidert Lab’s focus on Early Childhood Education Research
• Dozier Lab: Center for Behavioral Support Services

KU’s strategic collaboration with Behavioral Health Holdings, a leading provider of autism spectrum disorder services, creates more value. Students can save time and money through exceptional practicum opportunities while completing their required field experience.

The department’s community health and development program has earned recognition as a World Health Organization Center. KU pioneered the transformation of simple behavioral research into evidence-based practices and established the field’s leading publication—the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis.

The online program lets students earn fieldwork hours through group supervision while enrolled in Clinical Practicum (ABSC 871). Students learn from peers at various clinical agencies and expand their knowledge of behavioral science best practices.

Next steps

Want to advance your ABA education at the University of Kansas? Your path to admission and program completion becomes clearer once you decide to apply.

The fall 2026 semester needs your application by July 1, 2026. You’ll complete your application online through the SLATE system. Certificate program applicants should select “Certificate Seeking,” then “Applied Behavioral Science,” and finally “Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis”. Master’s program candidates need to choose “Social and Behavioral Sciences” followed by “Applied Behavioral Science (MA)”.

You might want to join the virtual Explore Graduate School Week events to learn more about KU’s graduate applied behavioral science programs. The Open House will give you complete details about curriculum, program structure, course schedules, and requirements.

Your application review typically takes just a few days to process. The KU website features an information request form where you can ask about admission, deadlines, tuition, financial aid, and career paths.

Students with an existing master’s degree or those currently enrolled might qualify to waive up to three courses (9 hours) from a similar graduate program. The waiver won’t apply to courses taken six or more years ago, so plan your schedule carefully.

RBT certification candidates can complete the required 40-hour BACB training through our fully online course.