Applied Behavioral Science

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers a BA and BGS, as well as a MA, PhD, and a joint PhD-MPH in Applied Behavioral Science, which prepares students for careers in such fields and setting such as early childhood education; early childhood intervention programs; community programs for children, youth, and adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities; delinquency, juvenile justice, and law enforcement programs; public health and health care settings; and community-based and nongovernmental organizations. Many careers are enhanced by or require graduate study or professional training.

Applied Behavioral Science Department website

Sample of Related Skills

Interconnect personal, interpersonal, institutional, and community change
Evaluate and try to overcome barriers to healthy development and well-being at all levels of life
Strategize and develop policies that promote well-being in individuals, families, and communities
Research and develop preventive and strengths-promoting strategies as applied to complex, multicultural systems
Address social problems within communities
Better the lives of people with disabilities and youth and/or juvenile offenders

Popular Career Paths

Social and Human Services: Involves providing personal care services to special populations such as lower SES, youth at-risk or people with disabilities as well as community outreach and education.

Counseling/Therapy Services: Includes participating in programs that emphasize client empowerment, advocating for policies that promote the well-being of specialty populations, and providing counsel.

Gerontology: Entails providing personal care, health care, advocacy, and personal counseling to older adults in a variety of settings.

Health Professions: This path involves many outlets to expand on personal interests in a wide range of health occupations such as nursing, occupational therapy, and speech pathology.

Education: Embodies working with children and adolescents in an educational setting while focusing on their development.

Explore More Career Paths

American Association of Family and Consumer Services - resource for students and professionals from multiple practice settings and content areas
Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services - career paths and job listings with SRS
National Association for the Education of Young Children - national organization dedicated to improving the well-being of all young children
National Council on Family Relations - information for students and new professionals regarding a concentration on the family system
Health and Human Services of Lawrence - a local social services agency in the Lawrence area
The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science - professional publication containing articles concerning research in the field of applied behavioral science

Jobs to Consider

Places to Seek Employment

Adoption Agencies
Child Development Centers
Child Welfare Agencies
Criminal Justice Settings
Research Institutes
Policy/Advocacy Organizations
Hospices
Hospitals
Human Rights Organizations
Military Family Support Services
Non-profit Organizations
Head Start Programs
Victim/Witness Support Services
State and Local Health Departments
Senior Day Program Centers
Schools
Employee Assistance Programs

Job and Internship Search Resources

Children's Defense Fund - internships to help in the advancement of children's rights and standard of living
Internships USA - Lists of internships by industry including The Human Rights Internship Book and Internships in Community and Social Service Agencies
Non-Profit Connect - local non-profit job and internship opportunities as well as non-profit career resources