Online Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science

As a pioneering institution in behavioral research and practice, the University of Kansas is an ideal place to further your studies in this field and prepare you for a career of helping others. The KU Department of Applied Behavioral Science offers an Online Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis. All-online courses are designed for busy professionals and students. You’ll receive high-quality education and training on a schedule that fits your needs, and we are thoroughly committed to training the next generation of behavior analysts. 

Annual reporting period: Calendar year January-December 2024         

•   Number of students whose degrees were conferred by the program:
  • 21                
• Median years until graduation for students whose degrees were conferred by the program:
  • 2.5      
• Number of students enrolled in the program:
  • 50           
• Number of students no longer enrolled for any reason other than conferral of degree:
  • 2
• Number of completed applications received:
  • 51     
• Number of students admitted:
  • 26  

The Online Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science has a pass rate of 93%. BCBA Examination Pass Rates

Program Requirements

We seek students who have backgrounds in psychology or education, with some clinical experience, who are interested in learning about the science of behavior and the field of behavior analysis. The online master’s program will include educational preparation required by the BACB for BCBA certification. A capstone research project is completed via various cumulative assignments imbedded in coursework throughout the program, which was designed to fit the thesis-equivalent requirement for ABAI accreditation. Our online program is seeking ABAI accreditation in Fall 2025. 

For more information, visit our Online Master's profile.

Program Format and Pracitcum Opportunities

Four faculty who have real-world experience and advanced knowledge of behavior analysis teach in the online program. Our online courses are designed to offer personalized attention from faculty that ensure students receive valuable insights and support. Our courses incorporate synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid delivery to offer flexible for busy professionals and students. 

The ABSC Online Program partners with high-caliber clinical sites with BCBA supervisors to ensure students receive a high-quality training experience while gaining fieldwork supervision. ABSC Online graduate students practicing at Approved Clinical Practicum Sites under Approved Clinical Supervisors are eligible to accrue group supervision toward their fieldwork hours while enrolled in Clinical Practicum (ABSC 871). This group supervision experience provides graduate students with formal educational opportunities designed to enhance clinical skills. Students benefit from working with fellow students from a variety of clinical agencies that broaden perspectives and deepen understanding of best practices in behavioral science. This group supervision experience is a unique and rare opportunity only for KU online graduate students in this program. 

Certification and Licensure Information

KU’s licensure programs strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information about the educational requirements for licensure in U.S. states and territories. However, regulations are subject to change and varying interpretations. In addition to possible changes in educational requirements, licensure often includes additional requirements, such as specific examinations and additional training or practicum hours. It is highly recommended that students seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency before beginning an academic program to ensure they know what is needed to obtain the license/certification/registration in the state in which they intend to practice and/or seek licensure.

KU’s Online Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science program provides the educational requirements to meet the Behavior Analysis Certification Board® (BACB) requirements for taking the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA) Examination. Furthermore, the program meets the educational requirements for licensure in various states. The table below outlines whether the KU Online Master’s program meets or does not meet the educational requirements for licensure in each state and territory in the US. It is important to note that some states require some one-time brief training (e.g., human-trafficking training, implicit bias training) or additional exams (e.g., jurisprudence exam to ensure knowledge of the laws and regulations of their field) prior to or within a set period of time to licensure. It is also important to note that some states do not have licensure to date and thus do not have licensure requirements (this is denoted for a particular state or territory by N/A in the table below).