University of Kansas

What you'll study

The PhD in Behavioral Sciences emphasises rigorous training in research design, quantitative and qualitative methods, and substantive theory drawn from psychology, sociology, public health and education. Core areas of study typically include advanced statistics and data analysis, experimental and quasi-experimental design, behavioural theory and modelling, measurement and psychometrics, and ethics in human research.

• Advanced quantitative methods: multilevel modelling, structural equation modelling, longitudinal analysis and causal inference techniques.
• Qualitative and mixed methods: ethnography, grounded theory, interview and observational approaches and methods to integrate qualitative and quantitative data.
• Substantive seminars: topics may include developmental and lifespan perspectives, social and organisational behaviour, health behaviour, learning and behaviour analysis, and behaviour change interventions.
• Specialist electives: coursework tailored to the student’s research focus—examples include programme evaluation, implementation science, neurobehavioural methods, and policy analysis.
• Practical training: supervised research assistantships, teaching opportunities, practicum placements or partnerships with community and policy organisations.
• Doctoral dissertation: an extended original research project that contributes new knowledge to the field and is defended before a faculty committee.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants typically hold a relevant master’s degree or a strong bachelor’s degree with substantial research experience. Admissions decisions are based on the whole application package rather than a single metric.

• Academic transcripts showing strong performance in relevant undergraduate or graduate coursework.
• Research experience demonstrated through publications, conference presentations or documented research assistant roles; a clear research statement outlining proposed interests and fit with faculty is important.
• Letters of recommendation, usually from academic supervisors or professional researchers who can speak to research potential.
• A curriculum vitae outlining research, teaching and professional experience.
• Proof of English language proficiency for international applicants, where required.
• Standardised tests (such as the GRE) may be optional or considered on a case-by-case basis; applicants should check the programme’s current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Behavioral Sciences pursue a range of careers in research, teaching and applied practice. The programme prepares students for roles that require advanced analytical, methodological and substantive expertise.

• Academic careers: tenure-track and teaching-focused positions in psychology, behavioural science, public health, education and related disciplines.
• Research positions: roles at university research centres, national laboratories, think tanks and non-profit research organisations.
• Applied and translational roles: designing and evaluating behaviour-change programmes in healthcare, education, social services and community organisations.
• Policy and public sector: research and advisory posts in government agencies and international organisations that require evaluation and evidence synthesis skills.
• Industry roles: data science, user research, behavioural design, programme evaluation and consulting in private sector firms that apply behavioural insights.

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers an interdisciplinary environment with faculty whose expertise spans experimental, applied and policy-relevant behavioural science. Doctoral students benefit from close mentorship, collaborative labs and access to specialised research centres.

• Interdisciplinary research infrastructure: opportunities to work with established centres and institutes that support lifespan, health and education research.
• Mentored training: small doctoral cohorts and individualized advising emphasise development of independent researchers.
• Practical engagement: partnerships with community organisations and opportunities for funded research assistantships and teaching experience build professional readiness.
• Methodological strengths: strong emphasis on quantitative and mixed-methods training prepares graduates to handle complex, policy-relevant questions.