Department of Applied Behavioral Science 1

ABSC 675 and higher are restricted to majors unless students have the
Department of Applied instructor’s permission.

Behavioral Science Graduate Programs

The department’s graduate programs train scientist-practitioners and
Why study applied behavioral science? researchers in the discovery and production, translation and application,
and communication of knowledge in the behavioral sciences for
The Department of Applied Behavioral Science offers a curriculum understanding and solving problems of individual and social importance,
through which students learn how to examine and address problems of locally and globally. For this, the department offers a Master of Arts
social importance across the lifespan. Students receive training in the degree in applied behavioral science and a Doctor of Philosophy degree
application of behavioral science to improve the human condition through in behavioral psychology. In both degree programs, the department
prevention and intervention. requires a sequence of courses that integrates the basic principles of
behavior, experimental methods and research design, and conceptual
Affiliated Research and Training foundations with training in basic, applied and intervention, and prevention
Programs research. Among the areas of application are adolescence, autism,
community health and development, developmental disabilities, early
For information about the Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies, childhood, family enhancement, organizational behavior management,
Juniper Gardens Children’s Project, the Research and Training Center for and independent living. Other areas are described in the graduate
Independent Living, the Center for Community Health and Development, application materials available from the department and on the website
Cofrin Logan Center for Addiction Research and Treatment, and the (http://www.absc.ku.edu/).
Kansas Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, visit
the KU Life Span Institute (http://www.lsi.ku.edu/). For information about Founded in 1964, the department has played a leading role in developing
Clinical Child Psychology, visit the program's website (https://cdc.ku.edu/). and advancing applications of behavioral science. In 1968, it founded
the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. In 2000, it received the award
For information about the Center for Applied Behavioral Economics, Edna for Enduring Programmatic Contributions to Behavior Analysis from
A. Hill Child Development Center, and the Performance Management the Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis. Our graduate
Laboratory, visit the ABS department website (http://absc.ku.edu/). programs are accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis
International, and our graduate curriculum is approved by the Behavior
Undergraduate Programs Analysis Certification Board (http://www.bacb.com/).
The department teaches undergraduates to understand behavior and
solve societal problems through evidence-based practice and critical Courses
thinking in applied behavioral science. Areas of application include ABSC 100. Introduction to Applied Behavioral Science. 3 Credits.
early childhood education and intervention, developmental disabilities, SI S
substance use, behavioral economics, health promotion and community An introduction to the principles of behavioral science and their application
development, organizational behavior management, basic research, and to problems facing contemporary societies (e.g., autism, public health,
conceptual foundations. education, juvenile delinquency, substance abuse). Students will learn
how behavioral scientists analyze human behavior and how these
Introductory and core courses provide a sequence of instruction in
analyses are used to inform interventions. Students will also learn about
1. The basic principles of behavior; careers in the behavioral sciences and how to pursue them. Course may
be offered in lecture or online format.
2. Applications of these principles for solving problems of individual and
societal importance; ABSC 101. Introduction to Applied Behavioral Science, Honors. 3
3. Rules of evidence for data-based decision-making in solving these Credits. SI S
problems; and This course introduces students to the principles of scientific inquiry in
applied behavioral science: objectivity, definitions, observation, reliability,
4. The conceptual, comparative, and historical foundations of modern
validity, correlation and its limitations, causation, experimental design and
behavioral science.
analysis, and the interpretation of data. These principles are presented in
Specialty area courses instruct students further about the contexts of the context of solving individual and societal problems across the lifespan,
application at the individual, family, and community levels. Recommended for example, in early childhood education, public health, developmental
courses in other departments and schools (e.g., biology, psychology, disabilities (e.g., autism), delinquency, independent living for people with
sociology, political science, social welfare, special education) provide disabilities, educational systems, and gerontology. Open only to students
students with an even broader appreciation for the diversity of society’s in the University Honors Program.
problems and an interdisciplinary perspective on their solutions. A ABSC 110. Applied Behavior Analysis for Practitioners. 3 Credits.
capstone practicum integrates course work with supervised, hands-on
training and opportunities for research experience. Behavior analysis is the study of human and non-human behavior from
a natural science perspective. More specifically, behavior analysis
All 100-level ABSC courses are open to nonmajors. Each fulfills a College
takes an observation-based approach to understanding behavior. This
principal course distribution requirement in the social sciences for either
approach has yielded several technologies of behavior that offer hope
individual behavior or public affairs; ABSC 310/ABSC 311 also fulfills the
for a variety of populations including individuals with disabilities, families,
public affairs requirement. Courses numbered from 200 to 674 are open
organizations, and communities. The services of qualified, nationally
to nonmajors who have the prerequisites. Practicum courses numbered
board-certified behavior analysts are in great demand. This course is
2 Department of Applied Behavioral Science

based on the Registered Behavior Technician Task List, but is offered behavior management, and physical disabilities. The course focuses on
independent of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). This fundamental elements of behavior change and specific behavior-change
course is designed to meet the 40-hour training requirement for the RBT procedures to increase and maintain appropriate behaviors and reduce
credential and also includes additional material. inappropriate behaviors. Issues in design, implementation, measurement,
and evaluation of the effects of behavioral interventions and the ethical
ABSC 150. Community Leadership. 3 Credits. SF S
implications of the use of these interventions are examined. Prerequisite:
An introduction to analysis, intervention, evaluation, and leadership in
ABSC 100 or ABSC 101 with a grade of C or better.
contemporary problems facing local communities. Readings, lectures,
and service-learning activities enable students to understand community ABSC 308. Research Methods and Application. 4 Credits. S
problems and how citizens and professionals can address them. Examines research methods used to identify, describe, understand,
and intervene on socially important problems occurring across the life
ABSC 151. Community Leadership, Honors. 3 Credits. SF S
span (e.g., early childhood, adolescence, elders) and in varied settings
An introduction to analysis, intervention, evaluation, and leadership in
(homes, classrooms, group-care facilities, and communities). Discusses
contemporary problems facing local communities. Readings, lectures,
research methods and concepts (e.g., prediction, experimental control,
and service-learning activities enable students to understand community
reliability, validity) within scientific, psychological, and behavior- analytic
problems and how citizens and professionals can address them. Open
frameworks. Presents strategies and tactics regarding descriptive and
only to students in the University Honors Program.
experimental methods, direct and indirect measurement, graphical
ABSC 160. Introduction to Child Behavior and Development. 3 and statistical analysis, and single-subject and group experimental
Credits. SI S designs. Examines ethics and social responsibility in research. Provides
An introduction to child behavior and development with an emphasis opportunities to read primary and secondary sources, develop research
on the normal developmental range of growth, intelligence, cognition, questions, write and present research proposals, and assist in the
emotion, language, and social skills from birth to adolescence. conduct of research projects. Prerequisite: ABSC 100 or ABSC 101 and
ABSC 177. First Year Seminar: _____. 3 Credits. U ABSC 304 with a grade of C or better in each course.
A limited-enrollment, seminar course for first-time freshmen, addressing ABSC 309. Child Life: Introduction to Theory and Practice. 3
current issues in Applied Behavioral Science. Course is designed to Credits.
meet the critical thinking learning outcome of the KU Core. First-Year Overview of theory and practice issues related to the Child Life Specialty,
Seminar topics are coordinated and approved by the Office of First-Year including history of the profession and its development, foundations of
Experience. Prerequisite: First-time freshman status. family centered care, scope of practice of a child life specialist, regulatory
ABSC 250. Human Development. 3 Credits. S issues within the profession (e.g., ethical code, competencies, standards
This course examines the psychological, social, and physical of practice), and historic and current perspectives on preparation of
development of humans across the lifespan from conception through children for healthcare encounters and life-changing events.
infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and death. The course ABSC 310. Building Healthy Communities. 3 Credits. SF S
will explore the broad array of factors that contribute to development This course teaches knowledge and skills for addressing issues in
including cognitive, emotional, social, neurological, physical, genetic, and community health and development (e.g., substance abuse, adolescent
environmental influences. (Same as PSYC 250.) Prerequisite: PSYC 104 pregnancy, child and youth development, prevention of violence).
or PSYC 105. Students learn core competencies such as analyzing community problems
ABSC 279. Study Abroad Topics in: _____. 1-5 Credits. S and goals, strategic planning, intervention, and evaluation. In a service-
A course designed to enhance international experience in topic areas learning component, students apply these skills to issues that matter to
related to applied behavioral science at the freshman/sophomore level. them and to the communities they serve.
Coursework must be arranged through the Office of KU Study Abroad. ABSC 311. Building Healthy Communities, Honors. 3 Credits. SF S
May be repeated for credit if the content differs. Prerequisite: Department
permission. This course teaches knowledge and skills for addressing issues in
ABSC 302. Behavioral Assessment. 3 Credits. community health and development (e.g., substance abuse, adolescent
The strategies, methods, and ethics of conducting behavioral assessment pregnancy, child and youth development, prevention of violence).
are presented to support the identification and selection of socially Students learn core competencies such as analyzing community problems
significant behavior change goals. The types of behavioral assessment and goals, strategic planning, intervention, and evaluation. In a service-
including indirect, descriptive, and functional assessment approaches learning component, students apply these skills to issues that matter
are reviewed to determine the appropriate conditions and context to them and to the communities they serve. Prerequisite: Open only to
for assessment-based interventions. The selection and use of other students in the University Honors Program.
assessment methods common in Applied Behavior Analysis including ABSC 342. Adult Development and Aging. 3 Credits. S
preference assessments is introduced. The collection, review and An overview of environmental, cultural, and biological influences of adult
interpretation of assessment data are discussed within the context development and aging. Course material is organized in terms of topics,
of identifying behavior change goals and behavior-analytic services. rather than presenting a chronological account. Prerequisite: ABSC 100 or
Prerequisite: ABSC 100 or ABSC 101 with a grade of C or better. ABSC 101, ABSC 150 or ABSC 151, or ABSC 160.
ABSC 304. Principles and Procedures of Behavioral Interventions. 3 ABSC 349. Therapeutic Benefits of Play. 3 Credits. S
Credits. S Overview of therapeutic play activities for children and adolescents with a
An examination of the application of the principles and procedures of range of health issues and needs, with particular attention to classical and
behavior analysis in interventions used to address problems in adolescent contemporary theories on play, play as an essential element for children's
and family life, adult behavioral issues including addictions, childhood growth, development, and learning, and the influence of the environment
autism, community health, early childhood education, intellectual and on children's play. Special emphasis will be placed on the design and
developmental disabilities, language development, organizational
 Department of Applied Behavioral Science 3

implementation of therapeutic play activities in the healthcare setting. ABSC 441. Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Applied
Prerequisite: ABSC 160 or PSYC 333. Behavioral Science. 3 Credits. S
ABSC 350. The Behavioral Treatment of Children with Autism. 3 The course covers ethical and legal issues in the responsible conduct
of basic, applied, intervention and prevention research (e.g., informed
Credits. S
consent and assent with typical and atypical populations); inclusion of
Students learn about methods of teaching children with autism and about
underrepresented groups, participatory action research; bias, fraud, and
evaluating those methods. Topics include: basic methods of teaching
plagiarism, conflict of interest; reporting misconduct; authorship conflict).
as applied to imitation, productive and receptive language, self-help
It also covers professional issues in behavioral consultation and training,
skills, and engagement in community activities, as well as observation
review of the Behavior Analysis Certification Board task list on basic
and measurement of behavior in community settings and evaluating
behavior-analytic skills, client-centered responsibilities, and foundational
consumer satisfaction. The course consists of classroom lectures,
knowledge. This course satisfies the Behavior Analysis Certification Board
discussions, demonstrations, examinations, and completion of laboratory
requirement for 15 classroom contact hours of coursework related to
and observation assignments. Enrollment priority is given to majors
Ethical Considerations in Behavior Analysis needed to take the BACB
who intend to do practicum work with children with autism. Prerequisite:
examination. This course is taught at the 400 and 800 levels, with
ABSC 304 or instructor permission.
additional assignments at the 800-level. Prerequisite ABSC 308.
ABSC 359. Family Systems. 3 Credits.
ABSC 444. Curriculum Development for Young Children. 3 Credits.
This class is designed to provide students with an overview of the
S
theoretical, behavioral, and psychological perspectives of family
A survey of educational materials and activities appropriate for young
systems and family dynamics. Specific topics include the historical
children. Students explore several components of effective curriculum
and contemporary theories related to family structure and functions,
development (e.g., objectives, methods of activity presentation, teaching
family relationships and the dynamics of family life, adaptations in family
strategies) and learn to integrate them to construct curricula for a range
structure and interaction patterns during times of transition, adult-child
of content and skill areas. By focusing on functional components of a
interactions and family roles, broader societal perspectives of diversity
curriculum, students learn to construct, critically evaluate, and modify
and cultural variance, and exploration of current research and theory as it
curricula for typically and atypically developing children. Prerequisite:
applies to family systems. Prerequisite: ABSC 160 or PSYC 333.
ABSC 304 or instructor permission.
ABSC 360. Drugs, Addiction, and Behavior. 3 Credits. S
ABSC 469. Special Topics in: _____. 1-3 Credits. S
This course offers an overview of the basic and applied research in
A course designed for the study of special topics in applied behavioral
behavioral pharmacology and addictions, as well as interventions. Among
science. Course content addresses major topics and specialized issues
the topics it covers are a history of drugs, addiction, and behavior;
in the field. May be repeated for credit if the content differs. Prerequisite:
basic principles of drug action (e.g., pharmacodynamics); behavioral
Instructor permission.
pharmacology testing paradigms (e.g., self-administration); drug action
and effects (e.g., alcohol, nicotine, designer drugs, anti-depressants); ABSC 470. Organizational Behavior Management. 3 Credits. S
behavioral deficits associated with addictions (e.g., memory); addiction This course offers detailed discussion of the organizational behavior
treatment and recovery (e.g., maturing out, contingency management); management (OBM) literature including performance management,
and drugs and society. Prerequisite: ABSC 100. PSYC 104 is also behavioral systems analysis, and behavior-based safety. This course also
recommended. addresses empirically supported staff training procedures and research in
implementation science. Prerequisite: ABSC 100.
ABSC 410. Behavioral Approaches in Working with Adolescents. 3
Credits. S ABSC 486. Issues in Parenting. 3 Credits. S
Addresses some of the basic behavioral techniques used with Theoretical approaches to the study of parenting and parent-child
juveniles who have problems in school, at home, or in the community: relationships, techniques for analyzing common parenting problems,
readings and role-playing sessions covering assessment of problems, designing appropriate interventions, fostering effective communication
relationship development, observing and defining behavior, teaching and skills, understanding issues of diversity, and promoting parent education
contracting techniques, and counseling. Prerequisite: ABSC 304 highly programs. Professional collaboration and support of families and children
recommended. are emphasized throughout. Students develop analytical skills through
reading, discussion, and application of theoretical and empirical concepts.
ABSC 425. Teaching Apprenticeship in Applied Behavioral
Prerequisite: ABSC 160 or equivalent knowledge of child development or
Science. 3 Credits. S
child psychology.
Students read new materials, become more fluent with ABSC 100
content, and acquire tutoring skills. Course may not be repeated. ABSC 489. Directed Readings in: _____. 1-3 Credits. S
Prerequisite: ABSC 100 and consent of the instructor and department A course designed for directed readings in applied behavioral science.
chair. Readings address major topics and specialized issues in the field. May
be repeated for credit if the content differs. Prerequisite: Instructor
ABSC 437. Independent Living and People with Disabilities. 3
permission.
Credits. S
A multi-disciplinary seminar exploring theory, method, research, and ABSC 499. Directed Research in: _____. 1-3 Credits. S
practice in independent living. The course reviews personal and Basic and applied research experience. The course provides training in
environmental factors as they relate to everyday problems affecting research methods, measures, and designs, and the conduct of research,
people with varying disabilities. It also contains service-learning activities in the behavioral sciences. May be repeated for credit if the content
in which students apply skills and knowledge gained in the classroom. differs. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Prerequisite: An introductory course in social sciences or consent of the ABSC 509. Contemporary Behavioral Science: Historical,
instructor. Conceptual, and Comparative Foundations. 3 Credits. S
4 Department of Applied Behavioral Science

This course provides a survey of modern behavioral science and its spring semester. Prerequisite: ABSC 304, ABSC 308, and instructor
applications. It reviews the field's history; integrates its sub-disciplines; permission.
situates it within the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities; ABSC 606. Special Projects in the Community. 1-10 Credits. S
and compares and contrasts it with other perspectives. It covers recent Structured opportunities to develop and apply knowledge and skills
advances in research, their implications for understanding human (e.g., analyzing problems, strategic planning, intervention, evaluation)
behavior, and their application to solving societal problems. And, in a project that addresses a community problem or goal. Prerequisite:
it addresses the ethical implications of applied behavioral science. Instructor permission.
Prerequisite: ABSC 100 or ABSC 101 and ABSC 304 with a grade of C or
better in each course. ABSC 626. Adolescent Behavior and Development. 3 Credits. S
Impact of factors of social environment and physical growth upon
ABSC 519. Psychological Aspects of Death and Dying. 3 Credits. psychological development from puberty to young adulthood. (Same as
Students will be exposed to the historical and current cultural, PSYC 626.) Prerequisite: PSYC 104, PSYC 333, or ABSC 160.
psychological, spiritual/religious, and practical/legal perspectives
of death and dying, with particular attention to how mental health ABSC 632. Advanced Child Behavior and Development. 3 Credits.
professionals interface with systems of care to address loss across S
multiple developmental levels. Additional topics include ambiguous loss, An advanced course in child development that includes a survey of
suicide, transitions, palliative care, self-awareness, and professional self- the field's principles and theoretical approaches, and current issues
care. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. in research and practice. Topics will include: prenatal development,
cognition and language, social-emotional development, socialization
ABSC 529. Pediatric Health and Health Promotion. 3 Credits. influences in childhood, developmental psychopathology, and social
An undergraduate seminar on the application of psychological theory policies. (Same as PSYC 632.) Prerequisite: ABSC 160, PSYC 333, or
and practice to pediatric illness and health promotion. Students will be instructor permission, and senior or graduate status.
exposed to key issues related to the health and health care of children
and adolescents (and their families), with particular attention to how ABSC 675. Practicum in Infant-Toddler Care and Early Intervention
applied psychology interfaces with medicine and allied health to promote I. 3-5 Credits. S
children's health and health care. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. Experience in a classroom-based early intervention and child-care
program serving children younger than 3 years. Students gain practical
ABSC 535. Developmental Psychopathology. 3 Credits. S experience with care-giving and teaching practices appropriate for
A review of contemporary psychological and developmental disorders of typically and atypically developing children. Students learn to develop and
children and youth. Course presents current models of psychopathology, implement individualized curricula based on assessments of children's
classification systems, assessment methods, and treatment approaches skills. Prerequisite: ABSC 444 (or concurrent enrollment) and instructor
designed for the individual, the family, and the community. Specific permission.
attention is given to age, gender, and cultural differences and similarities.
Topics include: anxiety disorders, oppositional behavior disorders, ABSC 676. Practicum in Infant-Toddler Care and Early Intervention
physical/sexual abuse, learning disabilities, depression, chronic physical II. 3-5 Credits. S
illness, and autism. (Same as PSYC 535.) Prerequisite: ABSC 160 or An advanced practicum providing experience in classroom-based early-
PSYC 333, or instructor permission. intervention and child-care program serving children younger than 3
years. Students gain practical experience with care-giving and teaching
ABSC 560. The Juvenile Justice System: A Behavioral and Legal practices appropriate for typically and atypically developing children.
Perspective. 3 Credits. S Students learn to develop and implement individualized curricula based
An overview of the juvenile justice system, including the history, on assessments of children's skills. Prerequisite: ABSC 444, ABSC 675,
development, and current controversy over children's rights in the legal and instructor permission.
system examined in light of relevant principles of behavioral science
and behavioral systems of rehabilitation. Topics include delinquency, ABSC 677. Practicum in Preschool Education and Intervention I. 3-5
miscreancy, status offenses, dependent-neglected children, child abuse, Credits. S
and juvenile court procedures and personnel (e.g., probation officers), and A one-semester practicum providing opportunities for students to assume
rehabilitative programs. Prerequisite: ABSC 100. responsibility for the education and guidance of young children in an early
childhood program. Regularly scheduled individual and staff conferences
ABSC 562. Behavioral Community Approaches to Addressing Social enable students to evaluate personal growth and progress as teachers of
Issues. 3 Credits. S young children. Prerequisite: ABSC 444 (or concurrent enrollment) and
A seminar that provides an overview of the history and origin of behavioral instructor permission. Must also meet special state requirements for child
community approaches to address social issues through the integration care employees and volunteers.
of applied behavior analysis with other disciplines including community
psychology, prevention science, and public health. A multidisciplinary ABSC 678. Practicum in Preschool Education and Intervention
perspective is presented that provides a review of empirically-based II. 3-5 Credits. S
behavioral interventions applied in community settings. The course is A one-semester advanced practicum providing opportunities for students
offered at the 500 and 800 levels with additional assignments required at to assume responsibility for the education and guidance of young children
the 800-level. Not open to students with credit in ABSC 862. Prerequisite: in an early childhood program. Regularly scheduled individual and staff
ABSC 100, or ABSC 150, or ABSC 310, or instructor permission. conferences enable students to evaluate personal growth and progress
as teachers of young children. Prerequisite: ABSC 444, ABSC 677, and
ABSC 599. Honors and Thesis in Applied Behavioral Science. 1-5 instructor permission. Must also meet special state requirements for child
Credits. S care employees and volunteers.
A two-semester course combining small group discussions of selected,
advanced topics in applied behavioral science with honors thesis ABSC 679. Practicum in Behavior Analysis Research in Early
supervision on a project of the student's own design. Students normally Childhood Education. 1-6 Credits. S
enroll for one or two hours in fall semester and three to five hours in
 Department of Applied Behavioral Science 5

A two-semester practicum providing opportunities for supervised training promoting community health and development (e.g., strategic planning,
in one of several ongoing research projects in the field of behavior intervention, evaluation). In weekly group meetings, students prepare
analysis, either basic or applied. Students assist in conducting research for their individual working field settings (e.g., health and human
and participate in individual and group meetings to discuss and evaluate service agencies, research and advocacy organizations, community
research and related methodological issues. Prerequisite: ABSC 308 and organizations). Prerequisite: Open only to students in the University
instructor permission. Honors Program; ABSC 151, ABSC 311 and instructor permission.
ABSC 680. Practicum in Advanced Laboratory in the Development ABSC 692. Practicum in Basic Research. 3 Credits. S
of Behavioral Treatments for Children with Autsm. 1-6 Credits. S Practical supervised training in the laboratory study of human and/or
Students participate in an intensive behavioral treatment program animal behavior. Students assist in conducting basic research, read and
teaching language, social skills, self-help skills, and academic skills to discuss research articles, attend lab meetings, and acquire data analysis
young children with autism. Students learn: to develop and implement and presentation skills. Prerequisite: ABSC 308 (or concurrent enrollment)
treatment programs; design and use of a system of data collection and and permission of the instructor.
analysis; and apply the principles and philosophy of community and ABSC 693. Practicum in Historical and Conceptual Foundations. 3-6
school mainstreaming. Prerequisite: ABSC 350 and instructor permission. Credits. S
ABSC 682. Organizational Behavior Management Practicum. 1-5 Practical supervised training in the historical and conceptual foundations
Credits. S of applied behavioral science (e.g., behavior analysis). Students research
This practicum course is designed to provide training and support practice and read primary source literatures and write papers that advances our
in addressing socially significant problems and goals of community- understanding of the field's foundations (e.g., empirical, theoretical).
based organizations using behavior analysis to guide assessment and Prerequisite: ABSC 100/101, ABSC 304, ABSC 308, and ABSC 509 (or
intervention. Additionally, this course promotes community-university concurrent enrollment), and permission of instructor.
partnerships to support change and improvement in organizations through ABSC 694. Practicum in Juvenile Problems. 3-6 Credits. S
service learning. All practicum students are required to have previously A one-semester practicum providing opportunities for students to aid
completed ABSC 100 and selected applied behavioral science as a major professionals in the development and implementation of behavioral
or minor. treatment plans with adolescents. Regularly scheduled individual
ABSC 683. Practicum in Child Life Specialty. 3 Credits. and group meetings enable the evaluation of the practicum students'
This practicum is designed to provide training and support in the practice progress while working in the rehabilitative process for juveniles who have
of Child Life Specialty (CLS) in a hospital/health care environment. problems that can bring them into contact with the juvenile justice system.
Students will receive supervised experience under the supervision Prerequisite: ABSC 410, and instructor permission.
of certified Child Life Specialists, didactic instruction in professional ABSC 695. Special Practicum in: _____. 3-6 Credits. S
issues related to CLS, and individual advising. Students will create A one or two-semester practicum providing opportunities for supervised,
a clinical portfolio to document their development of specific clinical/ hands-on training outside the existing specialty areas or their options. This
professional competencies over the course of the semester. Individual practicum must be arranged with the prior approval of a faculty advisor
advising focuses on development of the students’ resume/cover letter and and the department's Undergraduate Curriculum Committee. Students
individualized study plans for preparing for the CLS certification exam. should see an advisor about this practicum early in their junior year.
This course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: ABSC 309 Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
and instructor permission. Must also meet special state and/or hospital
requirements for child care employees and volunteers (e.g., criminal ABSC 696. Special Practicum in, Honors: _____. 3-6 Credits. S
background check). A one or two-semester practicum providing opportunities for supervised,
hands-on training outside the existing specialty areas or their options. This
ABSC 685. Practicum in Community-based Residential or Day practicum must be arranged with the prior approval of a faculty advisor
Treatment Programs for Disabled Adults. 3-6 Credits. S and the department's Undergraduate Curriculum Committee. Students
A one or two-semester practicum in which students are provided with the should see an advisor about this practicum early in their junior year.
opportunity to work directly with developmentally disabled adults in either Prerequisite: Open only to students in the University Honors Program and
community-based residential or day treatment programs. Students are instructor permission.
required to read relevant literature, carry out treatment programs, and
participate in weekly meetings to discuss treatment goals and progress. ABSC 698. Special Research Practicum in: _____. 3-6 Credits. S
Prerequisite: ABSC 304, ABSC 410, and instructor permission. A one or two-semester research practicum providing opportunities for
supervised, hands-on research training outside the existing specialty
ABSC 690. Practicum in Community Health and Development. 1-6 areas or their options. This practicum must be arranged with the prior
Credits. U approval of a faculty advisor and the department's Undergraduate
A two-semester practicum in which students engage in structured Curriculum Committee. Students should see an advisor about this
opportunities to practice core competencies related to the work of practicum early in their junior year. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
promoting community health and development (e.g., strategic planning,
intervention, evaluation). In weekly group meetings, students prepare ABSC 699. Special Research Practicum in, Honors: _____. 3-6
for their individual working field settings (e.g., health and human Credits. S
service agencies, research and advocacy organizations, community A one or two-semester research practicum providing opportunities for
organizations). Prerequisite: ABSC 150, ABSC 310, and instructor supervised, hands-on research training outside of the existing specialty
permission. areas or their options. This practicum must be arranged with the prior
approval of a faculty advisor and the department's Undergraduate
ABSC 691. Practicum in Community Health and Development, Curriculum Committee. Students should see an advisor early in their
Honors. 1-6 Credits. U junior year about the practicum and its prerequisites and requirements.
A two-semester practicum in which students engage in structured
opportunities to practice core competencies related to the work of
6 Department of Applied Behavioral Science

Prerequisite: Open only to students in the University Honors Program and original experimental data. No more than 10 hours total. Prerequisite:
instructor permission. Instructor permission.
ABSC 702. Curriculum Development for Young Children. 3 Credits. ABSC 725. Research Methods and Application. 3 Credits.
Surveys research methods used to identify, describe, understand, and
A survey of educational materials and activities that are appropriate for intervene on socially important problems occurring across the life span
young children (birth to age 8). Students explore several components (e.g., early childhood, adolescence, elders) and in varied settings (homes,
of effective curriculum (e.g., objectives, effective methods of activity classrooms, group-care facilities, and communities). Discusses research
presentation, teaching strategies) and learn to combine them to construct methods and concepts (e.g., prediction, control, reliability, validity) within
curriculums for a range of content and skill areas. By focusing on the scientific, psychological, and behavior-analytic frameworks. Presents
functional components of curriculums, students learn to construct, strategies and tactics regarding descriptive and experimental methods,
critically evaluate, and modify them for both typically developing children direct and indirect measurement, graphic and statistical analysis, and
and children with special needs. single-subject and group experimental designs. Examines ethics and
social responsibility in research. Provides opportunities to read secondary
ABSC 704. Research Practicum in Clinical Child Psychology. 3
and primary sources, develop research questions, write and present
Credits.
research proposals. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
This course provides students in the Clinical Child Psychology Program
with the opportunity to enhance and consolidate their research activities ABSC 735. Within Subjects Research Methodology and Direct
by fulfilling one of the elective cluster course requirements. This practicum Observation. 3 Credits.
involves a contract with a research advisor and the program director. The A graduate level introduction to the logic of experimentation, direct
contract includes definable products and dates for completion to prepare observation strategies, and research conducted using individual (e.g.,
research for submission for publication, develop a grant proposal, or single subject) and time series experimental designs. Prerequisite:
conduct additional research project independent of other requirements Graduate standing in applied behavioral science or instructor permission.
in the program. The course is not to be taken as an overload, but is ABSC 746. Introduction to Behavioral Science. 3 Credits.
to be part of a full-time course schedule. May be repeated. (Same as This introductory course promotes knowledge and skill in analyzing
PSYC 704.) Prerequisite: Graduate standing in clinical child psychology behavioral problems across a range of societal issues. Special
and instructor permission. consideration is given to designing interventions, implementing,
ABSC 705. Pediatric Psychology. 3 Credits. managing, and supervising applied projects. Topics include the
Discussion of behavior problems commonly encountered in the identification and selection of problems and target populations, analysis
pediatric population, including reviews of data-based methodologies for of problems and goals, designing measurement systems, developing
remediation. Topics include general child rearing skills, bedtime problems, interventions, and disseminating products from applied behavioral
enuresis, encopresis, toilet training, self-injurious behavior, temper research.
tantrums, behavior in community settings, child abuse, psychotropic drugs ABSC 765. Evaluating and Disseminating Scientific Material I. 1-3
for children, adolescent behavior problems and selection of children's play Credits.
materials. Prerequisite: ABSC 160 or ABSC 632. Intensive training in the evaluation and production of scientific critiques
ABSC 706. Special Topics in Clinical Child Psychology: _____. 3 and reviews of current issues in the analysis of behavior, as disseminated
Credits. through the media. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
A course offering detailed discussion of the literature and research ABSC 770. Within Subjects Research Methodology and Direct
methods of a special topic within clinical child and pediatric psychology. Observation. 3 Credits.
Topic and instructor may change by semester and will be announced A graduate level introduction to the logic of experimentation, direct
in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated. (Same as PSYC 706.) observation strategies, and research conducted using individual (e.g.,
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in clinical child psychology and instructor single subject) and time series experimental designs. Prerequisite:
permission. This course is reserved for students in our online program. If there are
ABSC 710. Community Health and Development. 3 Credits. questions, please contact [email protected].
This course extends knowledge and skills for addressing issues in ABSC 771. Introduction to Applied Behavioral Science. 3 Credits.
community health and development (e.g., substance abuse, adolescent This introductory course promotes knowledge and skill in analyzing
pregnancy, child and youth development, prevention of violence). behavioral problems across a range of societal issues. Special
Students learn core competencies such as analyzing community problems consideration is given to designing interventions, implementing,
and goals, strategic planning, intervention, and evaluation, and then apply managing, and supervising applied projects. Topics include the
these skills to issues that matter to them and to the communities they identification and selection of problems and target populations, analysis
serve. (Same as ISP 871.) of problems and goals, designing measurement systems, developing
ABSC 716. Experimental Problems in Community Settings. 1-5 interventions, and disseminating products from applied behavioral
Credits. research. Prerequisite: This course is reserved for students in our online
Research in the experimental design and analysis of community settings. program. If there are questions, please contact [email protected].
No more than 10 hours total. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. ABSC 772. Conceptual Foundations of Behavior Analysis. 3
ABSC 719. Experimental Field Work in Community Settings. 1-5 Credits.
Credits. An advanced Master's seminar on the theoretical, philosophical, and
Instruction in the methods and techniques of the experimental design conceptual foundations of behavior analysis. It covers the field's history
and analysis of community settings through supervised participation in and purview (e.g., natural science, historical science, applied science);
established research programs. Emphasizes the techniques of gathering its philosophy of science (e.g., empiricism, pragmatism); the nature of
its science (e.g., inductive, experimental, field-theoretic); the products
 Department of Applied Behavioral Science 7

of its science (e.g., principles, concepts, theories); its ethical systems anthropology). It also considers professional issues in, for example, the
(e.g., humanism, naturalized ethics, personal responsibility); its relations ethical conduct of research and practice. Prerequisite: ABSC 799.
with other fields (e.g., biology, psychology, anthropology); its contrasts ABSC 801. Design and Analysis of Community Development
with folk philosophy and folk psychology (e.g., mentalism, free will); Methods. 1-6 Credits.
and its comparisons with like-minded philosophies, psychologies, An examination of principles and practices of community development
and cultural practices (e.g., embodied cognition, secular humanism, and evaluation of methods used to promote community improvement. May
communitarianism.) Prerequisite: ABSC 854 or instructor permission. be repeated if the content differs. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
ABSC 773. Applied Behavior Analysis in Complex Organizations. 3 ABSC 802. Behavior Analysis in Developmental Disabilities. 3
Credits. Credits.
An examination of the theory, principles, and methods of behavior A graduate seminar that includes an overview of the behavioral
analysis and their applications to problems of human behavior in characteristics of various developmental disabilities and examination
complex organizations such as businesses, industries, human service of empirically-supported behavioral approaches to the study and
organizations, and governments. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or treatment of developmental disabilities. Topics will include classification
instructor permission. and etiology, motivation, methods for developing appropriate skills,
ABSC 787. Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Gerontology and assessment and treatment of behavior disorders, staff training, and
Aging. 3 Credits. legal and ethical issues related to treatment. Prerequisite: Instructor
A seminar coordinated by the Gerontology Program. The seminar permission.
explores essential areas of gerontology for researchers and practitioners, ABSC 803. Fundamentals of Psychological Assessment and
providing a multidisciplinary (biology, health services, behavioral and Intervention with Children. 3 Credits.
social sciences,human services) perspective on aging. The seminar Lecture and supervised experience covering the theoretical and
surveys contemporary basic and applied research, service programs, empirical literature on assessment and intervention methods for children,
and policy and management issues in gerontology. (Same as AMS 767, adolescents, and families. Students will learn and demonstrate evidence-
COMS 787, PSYC 787, and SOC 767.) based clinical interviewing skills, behavioral observation techniques,
ABSC 788. Designing Early Education Environments. 3 Credits. risk assessment techniques, therapeutic communication approaches,
This course reviews empirically-supported strategies for designing strategies for providing assessment feedback to families, and ethical
effective and socially valid care and education environments for principles related to the provision of assessment and psychotherapy
young children with and without disabilities. Topics will include: early (including client file and resource management.) The course requires
educational theory, individualized curricula and goal selection strategies, interaction with clinical populations and communication with referral
various instructional typologies (e.g., direct instruction, embedded sources. (Same as PSYC 803.) Prerequisite: Graduate student in clinical
teaching), specific teaching tactics (e.g., prompting, time delay, child psychology program.
differential reinforcement), preventive and assessment-based behavioral ABSC 804. Research in Community Health Promotion. 1-6 Credits.
management strategies, current best practice recommendations for
design of the social and physical environment, and methods for assessing Supervised, original investigations of problems relevant to community
children's, caregivers', and teachers' programmatic preferences. health, such as the prevention of substance abuse or promotion of child
Prerequisite: ABSC 796. outcomes. As appropriate, the course is focused on any combination
ABSC 797. Proseminar in Child Language. 2 Credits. of: literature research, research planning, and preparation conducting
A review and discussion of current issues in children's language research, analyzing data, writing research reports, or preparing oral
acquisition. May be repeated for credit. Graded on a satisfactory/ reports of completed research. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
unsatisfactory basis. (Same as CLDP 799, LING 799, PSYC 799 and ABSC 805. Functional Behavioral Assessment. 3 Credits.
SPLH 799.) The strategies, tactics, and ethics of functional assessment are presented
ABSC 799. Experimental Analysis of Behavior. 3 Credits. in the larger context of behavioral assessment (e.g., nomothetic
This course provides an in-depth description of the basic principles of and idiographic approaches). Research articles relevant to indirect,
operant and respondent conditioning in the context of basic non-human descriptive, and experimental functional assessment approaches and
and human subjects research. Students will learn various theoretical assessment-based interventions are carefully reviewed to determine the
approaches to understanding effects of reinforcement and punishment. appropriate conditions for each type of assessment and intervention.
Special attention will be provided to the role of verbal processes in the Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
learning of verbally competent individuals. Students will gain substantive ABSC 806. Functional Behavioral Assessment Practicum. 1-6
experience with identifying laboratory derived principles present in the Credits.
literature that are relevant to application through assigned projects. This course provides supervised experience in the use of functional
ABSC 800. Conceptual Foundations of Applied Behavioral behavioral assessment in home, clinic, or educational environments with
Science. 3 Credits. young children presenting problem behaviors. Prerequisite: ABSC 805
A master's-level graduate seminar on the field's conceptual foundations, and instructor permission.
with special emphasis on behavior analysis and its application - applied ABSC 807. Design and Evaluation of Community Health Promotion
behavior analysis. The course addresses the field's history, philosophy Methods. 1-6 Credits.
of science, and disciplinary purview; its advanced behavioral principles An examination of the methods used to develop and evaluate community
and processes; its analyses of various content domains in the behavioral, health promotion programs. The course addresses topics of interest to
social, and cognitive sciences (e.g., emotion, language, cognition, participants, such as substance abuse, adolescent pregnancy, or child
culture); and its relation to other disciplines (e.g., biology, psychology, outcomes. May be repeated for credit if the content differs. Prerequisite:
Instructor permission.
8 Department of Applied Behavioral Science

ABSC 809. Professional Issues: Clinical Child Psychology. 1 ABSC 834. Directed Readings in Community Health Promotion. 1-5
Credits. Credits.
Consideration of special problems confronting the child and family Supervised readings in topical areas of community health promotion, such
oriented scientist-practitioner, and in the development of a professional as the prevention of substance abuse and promotion of child outcomes. A
identity. Topics include critical issues, including ethical, legal, cultural, program of study, conferences, and reports is developed by the instructor
empirical, and clinical aspects of research and practice. May be repeated. and student.
(Same as PSYC 809.) Prerequisite: Graduate standing in clinical child ABSC 840. Theoretical Concepts of Human Development and Child
psychology. Care Practice. 3 Credits.
ABSC 810. Introduction to Developmental Assessment. 3 Credits. Basic introduction to treatment concepts and procedures related to child
development and child-care programs. The major goal is to provide a
A course covering the general principles of developmental assessment theoretical framework that is effective in dealing with various types of child
from birth through adulthood, with special emphasis on the history deviancy. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or instructor permission.
and nature of assessment instruments and the criteria for acceptance, ABSC 841. Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Applied
reliability, and stability of results. Selected assessment techniques for Behavioral Science. 3 Credits.
infants, preschool children, elementary school children, adolescents, The course covers ethical and legal issues in (a) the responsible conduct
and adults are reviewed and evaluated for their utility, limitations, and of basic, applied, and intervention research (e.g., informed consent and
applications. A critical analysis of assessment in general and particular assent with typical and atypical populations; inclusion of underrepresented
assessment tools is made. groups; bias, fraud, and plagiarism in data collection and reporting;
ABSC 811. Achievement and Intellectual Assessment in Clinical conflict of interest; reporting misconduct; authorship) and (b) professional
Child Psychology. 3 Credits. issues in teaching, research, and service (e.g., written and presented
Course covers the basic theory, research, administration, and reporting of scientific communication; grant preparation; the journal review process;
psychological assessment of development, intelligence, and achievement cultural competence; teaching; vita preparation). The course will also
for children, adolescents, and adults within cultural and developmental include instruction in the preparation of editorial reviews for manuscripts
contexts. The range of psychological instruments examined includes, for submitted for publication to in peer-reviewed journals, in partial fulfillment
example, WIAT, K-ABC, W-J, S-B, WISC, WAIS, and WPPSI. (Same as of the department's doctoral requirement for preparing editorial reviews.
PSYC 811.) Prerequisite: Graduate student in clinical child psychology. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in applied behavioral science.
ABSC 812. Behavioral and Personality Assessment of Children. 3 ABSC 846. Practicum in Clinical Child Psychology I. 1-3 Credits.
Credits. Introductory practicum experience for the Clinical Child Psychology
Lecture, laboratory, field work, and supervision. Theory and applications Program. Orientation to psychological evaluation and treatment of
in the psychological evaluation of children with standardized assessment children, adolescents, and their families and initial development of
techniques. The administration, scoring, interpretation, and reporting of professional self-assessment skills. Students acquire specific clinical
behavioral and personality functioning in children. (Same as PSYC 812.) competencies through shadowing cases, assisting with interpretation of
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in clinical child psychology. test of intelligence and academic achievement, conducting behavioral
observations in field settings, and performing co-therapy of cases
ABSC 813. Behavioral Science Research Proseminar. 1-3 Credits.
presenting to the KU Child and Family Services Clinic. May be taken in
more than one semester. (Same as PYSC 846.) Prerequisite: Graduate
A master's level professional seminar in which faculty and students
standing in clinical child psychology and instructor permission.
present research proposals; offer formal presentations of completed
empirical research, reviews of the literature, and other areas of ABSC 847. Practicum in Clinical Child Psychology II. 1-3 Credits.
scholarship; and engage discussion about contemporary empirical, Intermediate practicum experience for the Clinical Child Psychology
conceptual, and professional issues in applied behavioral science. May be Program. Development of specific competencies in assessment and
repeated for a total of six credits. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory intervention with children, adolescents, and their families through
basis. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in applied behavioral science or didactics, field experience, and supervision. Students acquire specific
instructor permission. clinical competencies through supervised provision of assessment and
interventions for cases presenting to the KU Child and Family Services
ABSC 825. Social Development. 3 Credits.
Clinic. Students develop ability to identify specific treatment goals and
A lecture and discussion course in social development. It includes such
select therapeutic interventions that are conceptually congruent with
topics as theoretical approaches to the study of social development, as
clients' presenting problems and are based on sound empirical evidence.
well as the literature on family processes, peer relations, aggression and
Students also develop the ability to integrate and synthesize test results,
prosocial behavior, child abuse and neglect, family violence, child care,
interview material, and behavioral observations into coherent case
and the media. (Same as PSYC 825.) Prerequisite: A course in child
conceptualizations. May be taken in more than one semester. (Same as
psychology or development.
PSYC 847.) Prerequisite: Graduate standing in clinical child psychology
ABSC 828. Research in Early Intervention with Children. 3 Credits. and instructor permission.
ABSC 850. Principles of Behavior Analysis. 3 Credits.
A seminar on current issues in assessment and intervention for young
An advanced graduate course on the basic principles of behavior, and
children who are at risk for or who have special needs. Provides
related procedures for producing behavioral change, with both human
foundation for evaluating and understanding research in early
and nonhuman subjects. The principles and procedures are presented as
intervention. Includes historical, conceptual and legislative underpinnings
fundamental elements of behavior change. Prerequisite: This course is
of early intervention, risk factors affecting development, methodological
reserved for students in our online program. If there are questions, please
issues in early intervention research, best practice standards, and
contact [email protected].
applications to social, language, and pre-academic domains.
 Department of Applied Behavioral Science 9

ABSC 851. Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Applied animal model, healthy development and patient studies. The diverse
Behavioral Science. 3 Credits. methods used to assess these biological systems also will be surveyed,
The course covers ethical and legal issues in (a) the responsible conduct including behavioral testing of animal models, neuropsychological
of basic, applied, and intervention research (e.g., informed consent and assessment, biosample analyses, and in vivo imaging approaches.
assent with typical and atypical populations; inclusion of underrepresented Research on altered behavioral and psychological processes will be
groups; bias, fraud, and plagiarism in data collection and reporting; integrated with the aim of better understanding the potential of linking
conflict of interest; reporting misconduct; authorship) and (b) professional knowledge of the biological mechanisms of psychiatric disorders to
issues in teaching, research, and service (e.g., written and presented current clinical practice, as well as critical limitations of current methods
scientific communication; grant preparation; the journal review process; and knowledge. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
cultural competence; teaching; vita preparation). The course will also ABSC 861. Principles of Behavior Analysis. 3 Credits.
include instruction in the preparation of editorial reviews for manuscripts An advanced graduate course on the basic principles of behavior, and
submitted for publication to in peer-reviewed journals, in partial fulfillment related procedures for producing behavioral change, with both human
of the department's doctoral requirement for preparing editorial reviews. and nonhuman subjects. The principles and procedures are presented as
Prerequisite: This course is reserved for students in our online program. If fundamental elements of behavior change.
there are questions, please contact [email protected].
ABSC 862. Behavioral Community Approaches to Addressing Social
ABSC 852. Behavior Analysis in Developmental Disabilities. 3 Issues. 3 Credits.
Credits. A seminar that provides an overview of the history and origin of behavioral
A graduate seminar that includes an overview of the behavioral community approaches to address social issues through the integration
characteristics of various developmental disabilities and examination of applied behavior analysis with other disciplines including community
of empirically-supported behavioral approaches to the study and psychology, prevention science, and public health. A multidisciplinary
treatment of developmental disabilities. Topics will include classification perspective is presented that provides a review of empirically-based
and etiology, motivation, methods for developing appropriate skills, behavioral interventions applied in community settings.The course is
assessment and treatment of behavior disorders, staff training, and offered at the 500 and 800 levels with additional assignments required at
legal and ethical issues related to treatment. Prerequisite: This course is the 800-level. Not open to students with credit in ABSC 562. Prerequisite:
reserved for students in our online program. If there are questions, please Graduate standing or instructor permission.
contact [email protected].
ABSC 865. Applied Behavior Analysis in Complex Organizations. 3
ABSC 853. Behavioral Assessment. 3 Credits. Credits.
The strategies, tactics, and ethics of functional assessment are presented An examination of the theory, principles, and methods of behavior
in the larger context of behavioral assessment (e.g., nomothetic analysis and their applications to problems of human behavior in
and idiographic approaches). Research articles relevant to indirect, complex organizations such as businesses, industries, human service
descriptive, and experimental functional assessment approaches and organizations, and governments. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or
assessment-based interventions are carefully reviewed to determine the instructor permission.
appropriate conditions for each type of assessment and intervention.
Prerequisite: This course is reserved for students in our online program. If ABSC 870. Practicum I in Behavioral Psychology. 1-6 Credits.
there are questions, please contact [email protected]. Instruction and supervised laboratory or field work for master's students.
Practica are offered by different instructors on different topics; may
ABSC 854. Experimental Analysis of Behavior. 3 Credits. be repeated for credit if the content differs. Topics and instructors are
This course provides an in-depth description of the basic principles of announced in the Schedule of Classes. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in
operant and respondent conditioning in the context of basic non-human applied behavioral science or instructor permission.
and human subjects research. Students will learn various theoretical
approaches to understanding effects of reinforcement and punishment. ABSC 871. Practicum I in Behavior Analysis: _____. 1-6 Credits.
Special attention will be provided to the role of verbal processes in the Instruction and supervised laboratory or field work for master's students.
learning of verbally competent individuals. Students will gain substantive Practica are offered by different faculty members on different topics; may
experience with identifying laboratory derived principles present in the be repeated for credit if the content differs. Topics and instructors are
literature that are relevant to application through assigned projects. announced in the Schedule of Classes. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in
applied behavioral science or instructor permission.
ABSC 856. An Interdisciplinary Approach to Intervention with the
Handicapped. 3 Credits. ABSC 872. Practicum I in: _____. 1-6 Credits.
This course surveys knowledge from various disciplines that address Instruction and supervised laboratory or field work for master's students.
developmental disabilities across the life span. Its focus is on designing Practica are offered by different faculty members on different topics; may
strategies for individual intervention and treatment programs by an be repeated for credit if the content is different. Topics and instructors are
interdisciplinary team. Designed for students in social work, speech announced in the Schedule of Classes. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in
pathology, psychology, nutrition, audiology, special education, physical applied behavioral science or instructor permission.
therapy, nursing, child development, behavior analysis, and related fields. ABSC 873. Practicum in Educational Psychological/ Rehabilitative
Prerequisite: A basic course in child development or instructor permission. Services: _____. 3-6 Credits.
ABSC 857. Biological Bases of Behavior. 3 Credits. This course is for students who wish to complete practicum experiences in
This course will examine research and theory on the biological bases of services related to persons with retardation, autism, or physical disabilities
normal and abnormal behavior, including central and peripheral nervous in programs in various settings, such as the Ann Sullivan Center in
system mechanisms of behavioral and psychological functions, and the Lima, Peru and the Algeria School in Paraguay. The course is designed
roles of genetic and epigenetic processes in regulating behavior. The to give interested students opportunities to work with professionals in
course covers biological systems that support sensory processing, motor these programs on a semester or summer basis. The course consists
behavior, emotion, cognition and social behavior through analysis of of participation in professional activities associated with the practicum
10 Department of Applied Behavioral Science

program and a report of these activities to the instructor. Prerequisite: ABSC 886. Developmental Assessment Practicum: _____. 1-6
Instructor permission. Credits.
ABSC 875. Practicum in Community Health Promotion. 1-6 Credits. This course provides direct experience in the developmental assessment
of a selected age group, such as infants, preschool and elementary
children, adolescents, or adults. It may be repeated providing the age
A practicum course designed to provide students with knowledge,
group specification is not repeated. Prerequisite: ABSC 810 or an
background, and practical experience in the implementation of community
equivalent course.
health promotion projects and their evaluation. May be repeated for credit
if the content differs. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. ABSC 887. Clinical Practicum in Pediatric Psychology. 1-6 Credits.
ABSC 876. Practicum in Community Development. 1-6 Credits.
Supervised experience with pediatric patients referred for behavior
A practicum course designed to provide students with knowledge,
problems, including, for example, temper tantrums, enuresis, encopresis,
background, and practical experience in the implementation of community
and hyperactivity. Also includes evaluation and treatment of children with
improvement projects and their evaluation. May be repeated for credit if
commonly encountered behavior problems. In addition, students observe
the content differs. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
pediatric staff performing appropriate physical exams and observe the
ABSC 880. Early Childhood Practicum for Allied Professionals. 1-6 interaction between the medical staff and the pediatric psychologist.
Credits. Prerequisite: ABSC 705 and instructor permission.
Professionals in fields such as journalism, social welfare, and psychology
ABSC 888. Diversity Issues in Clinical Psychology. 3 Credits.
may have career interests that include work with or on behalf of
Review of individual differences pertaining to culture, ethnicity,
young children. This practicum provides students with individualized
race, gender, sexual orientation, age, etc., as these have an impact
opportunities to work with young children in a group setting in order to
upon theory, research, assessment, and treatment issues in clinical
extend their professional skills. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
psychology. (Same as PSYC 888.) Prerequisite: Graduate status in
ABSC 881. Early Childhood Care and Intervention Practicum I. 1-6 clinical psychology, or consent of instructor.
Credits.
ABSC 890. Seminar in: _____. 1-3 Credits.
A course covering the specification of learning goals and the
A seminar for master's level students. It examines basic and applied
implementation and evaluation of curriculum design management of
research literatures in specialized fields of applied behavioral science.
groups of young children. May be repeated for no more than a total of six
May be repeated for credit if the content differs. Prerequisite: Graduate
credit hours. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
standing in applied behavioral science or instructor permission.
ABSC 882. Early Childhood Care and Intervention Practicum II. 1-6
ABSC 891. Research in: _____. 1-6 Credits.
Credits.
Supervised research investigations in basic or applied behavioral science
A course to assess and teach skills in diagnosis and evaluation of
for master's students. The course introduces observational measurement,
particular problems in the developmental process of young children
research methods and designs, and the conduct of research in the
(1-5 years of age), and to design and implement interventions. May be
behavioral sciences. May be repeated for credit if the content is different.
repeated for no more than a total of six credit hours. Prerequisite: ABSC
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or instructor permission.
791 and instructor permission.
ABSC 892. Readings in: _____. 1-3 Credits.
ABSC 883. Early Childhood Administration Practicum. 1-6 Credits.
An individual, supervised study of recent research and scholarship
for master's students. The course emphasizes current scholarship in
Experiences in understanding and developing parent satisfaction with
selected areas of basic and applied behavioral science and its conceptual
care arrangements for their child(ren), providing services to personnel
foundations. Designed for students whose needs cannot be met in other
responsible for care and development of young children, and/or
courses. May be repeated for credit if the content differs. Prerequisite:
maximizing use of available services for young children on their behalf.
Graduate standing or instructor permission.
May be repeated for no more than a total of six credit hours. Prerequisite:
ABSC 791 and instructor permission. ABSC 893. Special Topics in: _____. 1-3 Credits.
A research and readings course for master's students. It allows them
ABSC 884. Early Childhood Early Intervention Practicum. 1-6
to concentrate their studies on selected basic and applied problems
Credits.
in behavioral science and carry out independent research. May be
Laboratory teaching in an early childhood classroom that includes children
repeated for credit if the content differs. Prerequisite: Graduate standing
who are developmentally delayed, demonstrate behavioral or learning
or instructor permission.
difficulties, or have other developmental disabilities. Experience includes
individualized programming for children with special needs, as well as ABSC 894. Study Abroad Topics in: _____. 1-3 Credits.
group management and group curriculum planning. May be repeated A course designed to enhance international experience in topic areas
for no more than a total of six credit hours. Prerequisite: ABSC 791 and related to behavioral science for master's students. May be repeated for
instructor permission. credit if the content differs. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or instructor
permission.
ABSC 885. Early Childhood Teacher Training Practicum. 1-6
Credits. ABSC 897. Master's Thesis in Clinical Child Psychology. 1-10
Experience in supervising staff who work in programs for young Credits.
children. Supervision includes orienting, monitoring, and evaluating Supervised research experience completing thesis leading to master's
staff performance; opportunities for interaction with other professionals; degree. (Same as PSYC 897.)
experience in facilitating staff communication; and consulting on research ABSC 899. Master's Thesis in Applied Behavioral Science. 1-9
projects. Prerequisite: ABSC 791 and instructor permission. Credits.
 Department of Applied Behavioral Science 11

Supervised research experience for the thesis leading to a master's organization, teaching, grading, and office hours or serve as discussion
degree in applied behavioral science. May be repeated. Graded on a section leaders or laboratory course supervisors. They meet regularly with
satisfactory progress/limited progress/no progress basis. Prerequisite: the faculty members they are assisting. Students enroll for 3 hours for
Graduate standing in applied behavioral science or instructor permission. the equivalent of a 25% assistantship and 6 hours for a 50% equivalent.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
ABSC 901. Analysis of Everyday Human Behavior. 3 Credits.
An advanced graduate seminar on the analysis of everyday human ABSC 943. Advanced Practicum in Clinical Child Psychology III. 1-3
behavior, grounded in behavior-analytic principles, concepts, and Credits.
theory. It covers the process and products of, for example, biological Development of advanced competencies in assessment and intervention
and behavioral development; sensation and perception; motivation with children, adolescents, and their families through didactics, field
and emotion; personality and social behavior; language, cognition, and experience, and supervision. Students acquire advanced clinical
creativity; attitudes and beliefs, consciousness and unconsciousness, competencies through supervised provision of assessment and
and purpose, will, and values. Prerequisite: ABSC 800 or instructor interventions for cases presenting to the KU Child and Family Services
permission. Clinic and/or approved external practicum sites, leadership of didactic
components of practicum (i.e., formal case presentation), and modeling
ABSC 905. Psychopathology in Children. 3 Credits.
of clinical competencies for junior students. Students will demonstrate
Diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems in childhood and
the ability to implement empirically derived therapeutic interventions in
adolescence. Preference given to graduate students in child clinical
consideration of individual differences, cultural values, and individual
psychology, school psychology, and counseling psychology. (Same as
preferences. Students in external practicum sites will demonstrate an
PSYC 905.) Prerequisite: Fifteen hours of graduate credit in psychology or
understanding of evidence-based models of consultation and provision of
consent of instructor.
consultation to care providers in professional contexts. May be taken in
ABSC 913. Behavioral Science Research Proseminar. 1-3 Credits. more than one semester. (Same as PSYC 943.) Prerequisite: Graduate
standing in clinical child psychology and instructor permission.
A doctoral level professional seminar in which faculty and students
ABSC 944. Advanced Practicum in Clinical Child Psychology IV. 1-3
present research proposals; offer formal presentations of completed
Credits.
empirical research, reviews of the literature, and other areas of
Demonstration of advanced competencies in assessment, intervention,
scholarship; and engage discussion about contemporary empirical,
and consultation with children, adolescents, and their families through
conceptual, and professional issues in applied behavioral science. May
didactics, field experience, and supervision in the semester(s) prior
be repeated for a total of eight credits. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in
to required clinical internship. Students demonstrate advanced
behavioral psychology or instructor permission.
clinical competencies through supervised provision of assessment
ABSC 931. The Analysis of Verbal Behavior. 3 Credits. and interventions for cases presenting to the KU Child and Family
An advanced graduate seminar on verbal behavior, grounded in behavior- Services Clinic and/or approved external practicum sites, leadership of
analytic principles, concepts, and theory. Although focused on the didactic components of practicum (i.e., integrated case presentation),
verbal behavior of the proficient speaker, it also covers verbal behavior's and modeling of clinical competencies for junior students. Course
evolutionary and biological bases, the development and structure of requirements include the development of portfolios for demonstration of
verbal behavior, the training and remediation of verbal behavior, and clinical competencies and application to clinical internships. May be taken
critiques and rebuttals to the analysis (e.g., Chomsky's.) Prerequisite: in more than one semester. (Same as PSYC 944.) Prerequisite: Graduate
ABSC 800, advanced coursework in psycholinguistics or linguistics, or standing in clinical child psychology and instructor permission.
instructor permission.
ABSC 947. Advanced Practicum in Clinical Child Psychology V. 1-5
ABSC 934. Directed Readings in Clinical Child Psychology. 3-5 Credits.
Credits. Specialized practicum experience for the Clinical Child Psychology
Designed to meet the needs of advanced students whose study in Program. Demonstration of advanced competencies related to supervision
clinical child psychology cannot be met with present courses or for whom and consultation in clinical psychology. With faculty supervision,
advanced work is desired in a specialized area of study. Prerequisite: students will develop and demonstrate the ability to provide effective
Graduate standing in clinical child psychology and instructor permission. supervision to less advanced students in the program in selected cases
ABSC 936. Quantitative Analysis of Behavior. 3 Credits. appropriate to the service setting. Further development of advanced
Advanced experimental course (doctoral-level) that demonstrates the clinical competencies through supervised provision of assessment and
operations of principles of behavior, and the quantitative models that interventions for cases presenting to the KU Child and Family Services
describe them, in the context of basic research. Specific review of the Clinic and/or approved external practicum sites, leadership of didactic
methods to obtain the data necessary to permit a quantitative analysis components of practicum, and modeling of clinical competencies for
of behavior, along with the quantitative analyses themselves, will be junior students. May be taken in more than one semester. (Same as
discussed. Students will learn the advantages and disadvantages of PSYC 947.) Prerequisite: Graduate standing in clinical child psychology
quantitative analyses in the behavioral sciences, along with a behavioral and instructor permission.
perspective on quantitative models of behavior. Students will obtain ABSC 961. Advanced Seminar in Applied Behavior Analysis:
hands-on experience selecting data for a quantitative analysis, reviewing _____. 3 Credits.
whether the data and proposed model meet the requisite assumptions An advanced seminar examining the literature and research methods
of EAB research on quantitative models, and analyzing behavioral data in specialized areas of applied behavior analysis (e.g., developmental
using quantitative models. Prerequisite: ABSC 799. disabilities, community health, organizational development). May be
ABSC 941. Teaching and Conference. 3-6 Credits. repeated for credit if the content differs.
This course is used by graduate students fulfilling the doctoral program ABSC 963. Clinical Child Psychology Internship. 1 Credits.
teaching requirement. Students assist in class preparation and
12 Department of Applied Behavioral Science

Three consecutive enrollments, covering a minimum of eleven months of actual NIH grant application, participating in a mock review panel, and
experience in an approved clinical psychology field setting; supervision developing an actual grant application.
by qualified clinical child psychology faculty and field staff clinicians. ABSC 990. Advanced Seminar in: _____. 3 Credits.
Required of all clinical child psychology program students. An intensive An advanced seminar for doctoral students. It examines basic and applied
guided experience in application of clinical child psychology theory, research literatures in specialized fields of applied behavioral science.
methods, and practices. Integrates scientific and clinical aspects of field. May be repeated for credit if the content differs. Prerequisite: Graduate
(Same as PSYC 963.) Prerequisite: Completion of Ph.D. comprehensive standing in behavioral psychology or instructor permission.
examinations, graduate standing in clinical child psychology, and
permission of clinical child psychology faculty. ABSC 991. Advanced Research in: _____. 1-9 Credits.
Advanced, supervised research in basic or applied behavioral science
ABSC 965. Evaluating and Disseminating Scientific Material II. 1-3 for doctoral students. The course may focus on any combination of a
Credits. literature review, research planning and preparation, conducting research,
Intensive training in the evaluation and production of scientific critiques analyzing data, writing research reports, and preparing oral reports of
and reviews on current issues in the analysis of behavior, as disseminated completed research. May be repeated for credit if the content differs.
through the media. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in behavioral psychology or instructor
ABSC 970. Practicum II in Behavioral Psychology. 1-6 Credits. permission.
Advanced instruction and supervised laboratory or field work for doctoral ABSC 992. Advanced Readings in: _____. 1-6 Credits.
students beyond ABSC 870. May be repeated for credit if the content An advanced individual, supervised study of recent research and
differs. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in behavioral psychology or scholarship for doctoral students. The course emphasizes current
instructor permission. scholarship in selected areas of basic and applied behavioral science and
ABSC 971. Practicum II in Behavior Analysis: _____. 1-6 Credits. its conceptual foundations. Designed for students whose needs cannot
Advanced instruction and supervised laboratory or field work for doctoral be met in other courses. May be repeated for credit if the content differs.
students beyond ABSC 871. May be repeated for credit if the content Prerequisite: Graduate standing in behavioral psychology or instructor
differs. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in behavioral psychology or permission.
instructor permission. ABSC 993. Advanced Special Topics in: _____. 1-3 Credits.
ABSC 972. Practicum II in: _____. 1-6 Credits. An advanced research and readings course for doctoral students. It
Advanced instruction and supervised laboratory or field work for doctoral allows them to concentrate their studies on selected basic and applied
students beyond ABSC 872. May be repeated for credit if the content problems in behavioral science and carry out independent research.
differs. Topic and instructor are announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for credit if the content differs. Prerequisite: Graduate
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in applied behavioral science or instructor standing in behavioral psychology or instructor permission.
permission. ABSC 994. Advanced Study Abroad Topics in: _____. 1-6 Credits.
ABSC 976. Therapeutic Interventions with Children. 3 Credits.
Clinical approaches to the therapeutic treatment of children with special An advanced course designed to enhance international experience in
emphasis on research findings and laboratory (practicum) experience. A topic areas related to behavioral science for doctoral level students.
survey of relationship therapies, operant strategies, system approaches, May be repeated for credit if the content differs. Prerequisite: Graduate
parent education and play therapy by the right therapist for a specific child standing in behavioral psychology or instructor permission.
with a particular problem. (Same as PSYC 976.) Prerequisite: Instructor ABSC 998. Doctoral Dissertation in Clinical Child Psychology. 1-10
permission. Credits.
ABSC 981. History of Behavior Analysis. 3 Credits. Research experience making original contribution to literature in clinical
An advanced graduate seminar on the history of behavior analysis from child psychology. (Same as PSYC 998.)
Greek naturalism to the 21st century. It covers the history and philosophy ABSC 999. Doctoral Dissertation in Behavioral Psychology. 1-9
of science and psychology (e.g., evolution vs. revolutions, ontology, Credits.
epistemology); the long past, short history, and recent origins of behavior Advanced supervised research that makes an original, empirical
analysis in cultural context (e.g., Social Progressivism); historical and contribution to the literature in applied behavioral science leading to a
conceptual relations between behavior analysis and other systems doctoral degree in behavioral psychology. May be repeated. Graded on
(e.g., behaviorism, psychoanalysis, phenomenalism, cognitivism); and a satisfactory progress/limited progress/no progress basis. Prerequisite:
historiographic issues and methods (e.g., great person vs. Zeitgeist Graduate standing in behavioral psychology or instructor permission.
history, presentism vs. historicism.) Prerequisite: ABSC 800 or instructor
permission.
ABSC 989. Methods of Obtaining External Research Funding. 1-3
Credits.
The objective of this course is to demystify this process and prepare
participants to submit their first independent research grant application.
Participants learn about the characteristics of different funding
mechanisms and agencies, the characteristics of successful and
unsuccessful application strategies, how to turn an initial research idea
into a competitive application, ethical issues that influence each stage of
the development and submission process, and the nuts and bolts of grant
development and management. Specific activities include critiquing an