Admission & Program FAQs

When is the application deadline?

For spring admissions, we review and accept applications to the master’s program starting on May 1 and will review applications on a rolling basis until December 15. For fall admissions, we review and accept applications starting on November 1 and will review applications until July 1. To find out if any positions are still available, please contact Liz Barton, Academic Success Coach, at bartonliz@ku.edu. 

Where do I send my application materials?

All of your application materials can be submitted online.

Is the GRE required?

• While students are not required to take the GRE, students who have done well on it may be at an advantage compared with others who have not taken the exam
• The Department considers students who may have less than perfect verbal or quantitative scores and they may still be strong candidates for graduate study. Students scoring less than 500 on both quantitative and verbal are, needless to say, at a competitive disadvantage.

Is there a minimum undergraduate GPA, below which my application will not be considered?

• No, but you must keep in mind that admission to graduate school is a competition.
• The most qualified applicant will be the one accepted. Having said that, we recognize that many students do poorly in their first year or two of undergraduate study.
• We also recognize that students with extensive math and/or physical science coursework on their transcripts may have lower GPA's than more traditionally trained undergraduate psychology majors.
• With respect to your academic record, we tend to look for students who posted a high GPA in their last two years and have taken (and done well in) coursework relevant to behavioral science.

Who reviews my application?

An admissions committee comprised of Departmental faculty review each application.

What happens after I submit my application?

Following submission, the admissions committee will review your application. Based on their review, you may be interviewed or denied. Following the interview, the school of graduate studies will inform you of your admissions status and notify you whether you have been admitted to the program.

When do you typically know if you will be accepted to the program?

Once your application is considered complete, it usually takes a week to know if you will be extended an interview. Following the interview, it may take up to a week for an admissions decision.

Does the graduate program offer funding and/or tuition waivers or reimbursement?

• No except under extreme circumstances.
• While some faculty can offer graduate teaching or research assistantships, the department does not guarantee funding.

How long does it typically take to complete the program?

Generally, students complete all requirements for the MA degree in 2 to 3 years.

Does the ABS department offer courses and supervision that fulfill the requirements of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)?

• The ABS department’s courses meet the BACB’s 5th Edition content hour requirements. You may visit the BACB website for more information regarding eligibility and exam information.
• The ABS online program does not programmatically offer supervision; however, we do offer a practicum opportunity with Behavioral Health Holdings. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Unique Practicum Opportunities section and click on Learn More.

Is the ABS online program accredited through the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)?

KU’s campus programs are currently accredited by ABAI through 2020. The online program is not yet accredited; however, the program will apply for accreditation once we qualify to do. The online program’s coursework has been verified by ABAI to meet specific requirements and is considered a verified course sequence.

My question didn't appear in this list.

Contact Liz Barton, Academic Success Coach at bartonliz@ku.edu with your question.