Program Overview
The behavioral psychology degree at the doctoral level is offered as a Ph.D. in Applied Behavioral Science and is designed to train highly competent researchers in behavior analysis. This intensive research doctorate prepares students to contribute to the science of behavior through experimental, applied, and conceptual scholarship. The program operates on a junior-colleague model, where students work closely with faculty advisors in all aspects of professional development, including designing research, publishing manuscripts, securing grants, and presenting at national and international conferences.
Students learn how to discover, produce, translate, apply, and communicate knowledge in behavioral science to solve problems of societal importance. Through close mentorship and structured research training, students develop the competencies necessary for careers in academia, research institutes, healthcare systems, and public service. While many prospective students search for a PhD in behavioral health or related research-focused doctoral study, this program emphasizes a rigorous scientific foundation grounded in behavior analysis.
The curriculum integrates basic principles of behavior, experimental methods, and conceptual foundations with training in applied and intervention research (e.g., assessment, analysis, intervention, evaluation). Students complete coursework and supervised research experiences that prepare them for advanced scholarly inquiry and professional leadership in the field. For those exploring aba doctoral programs, this degree offers comprehensive preparation in behavior-analytic science within a research-intensive university setting.
The doctoral program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), ensuring alignment with internationally recognized standards in behavior analysis education. The curriculum includes verified course sequences that support eligibility for Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA) and meet coursework requirements for licensure as a behavior analyst in Kansas and Missouri.
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Behavioral Psychology, Ph.D.KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Doctorate in Behavioral Psychology is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Doctoral in Behavioral Psychology Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this doctoral program in applied behavioral science, students will be able to:
- Apply legal and ethical guidelines and professional standards pertinent to behavior research and practice.
- Interpret behavior in terms of the core concepts, principles, and philosophical foundations of behavior analysis.
- Evaluate the social validity and cultural relevance of behavioral interventions and research practices.
- Demonstrate independent scholarship through the design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of original research in basic, applied, or conceptual domains.
- Communicate behavior-analytic science effectively through professional writing, teaching, and conference presentations.
- Critically analyze research methodology, measurement systems, intervention design, and conceptual arguments within behavior analysis.
- Contribute to the advancement of the science through peer review, collaboration, and scholarly leadership.
These outcomes align with expectations for students pursuing advanced research training comparable to a behavioral analysis PhD within accredited academic environments.
What careers are possible with a Doctoral in Behavioral Psychology
Graduates are prepared for careers that involve research, teaching, policy development, and applied practice. Possible career paths include:
- Researcher: Conducting empirical research in academic or private sectors (e.g., community health, disabilities, early childhood).
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): Designing and supervising interventions for individuals with behavioral needs.
- Faculty/Academic: Teaching and conducting research at universities (given the program’s strong focus on training researchers and the junior-colleague mentorship model).
- Clinical Practitioner: Working in clinical settings specializing in behavior analysis (e.g., autism services, developmental disabilities).
- Community Health and Development: Roles addressing broader social issues through behavioral community approaches.
National labor market data from Lightcast indicate strong demand for professionals trained in advanced behavioral science, particularly in healthcare, education, and social assistance sectors.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition rates vary based on residency status and course load. Financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships are available to eligible students. For detailed information, visit the KU Financial Aid Office.Admission Requirements
To be considered for the behavioral psychology degree, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited instituion, including official transcripts.
- For admission with full graduate standing, applicants must complete 12 credit hours of undergraduate or graduate course work in behavior analysis, behavioral science, psychology, education, or related fields, and 6 hours in experimental methods, research design, or statistics
- Personal statement
- Resume/CV
- Three letters of recommendation
- GRE scores (optional, but recommended)
- List of faculty members with whom the prospective student is interested in working
For more details, visit KU Graduate Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
- Mentorship Model: The junior-colleague structure integrates students into faculty research programs from the first semester, including co-authorship, grant development, and collaborative scholarship.
- Research Groups: Students join faculty-led laboratories examining topics such as community health, developmental disabilities, child behavior, systems change, and healthy aging.
- Teaching Development: Doctoral students complete formal teaching preparation, serve as teaching assistants, and gain experience delivering guest lectures and independent instruction.
- Professional Seminars: Participation in departmental pro-seminars and research colloquia provides structured opportunities to present scholarly work and receive peer feedback.
- Editorial and Peer Review Experience: Students develop skills in reviewing empirical manuscripts and conceptual papers, strengthening analytical and scholarly communication abilities.
- Dual-Degree Opportunities: Students may pursue a joint Ph.D.–Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) pathway to expand expertise in population-level behavioral health research.
Doctoral in Behavioral Psychology Sample Courses
The curriculum spans foundational principles, advanced research design, and applied intervention science. Representative courses include:
- Experimental Analysis of Behavior
- Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Applied Behavioral Science
- Functional Behavioral Assessment
- Analysis of Everyday Human Behavior
- Behavioral Community Approaches to Addressing Social Issues
A full list of courses is available in the KU Catalog.
Doctoral in Behavioral Psychology Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications are encouraged to be submitted by our early December deadline for priority financial consideration.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in 4-5 years.