The Community Health and Development specialty area in the Department of Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas helps to prepare students interested in building healthy and well-functioning communities. Students and faculty in this specialty area contribute to addressing a myriad of socially important problems and goals in communities (e.g., substance abuse, violence, education, child and youth development, independent living of people with disabilities, well-being of older adults). The premise for social problem solving supported by the faculty and students in this specialty area is that problems don't occur or reside within individuals or groups, but rather in the environment in which individuals or groups behave and operate. Therefore, students in this department are trained to systematically examine problems in communities based on the principles and methods of applied behavioral science.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead
Key specialty area courses include the following: Community Leadership (ABSC 150), Building Healthy Communities (ABSC 310/710), and Community Health and Development Practicum (ABSC 690). The course sequence culminates in a two-semester practicum (ABSC 690) arranged with faculty members and representatives of community organizations or governmental agencies (e.g., in public health, child advocacy, independent living, youth development).
The three principle courses in the Community Health and Development specialty area trains students in community-building skill or competency areas listed below. The practicum provides opportunities for students to apply knowledge and skills with community partner organization and agencies in many of these key competency areas.
1. Creating and Maintaining Coalitions and Partnerships2. Assessing Community Needs and Resources 3. Analyzing Problems and Goals 4. Developing a Framework or Model of Change 5. Developing Strategic and Action Plans 6. Building Leadership 7. Developing an Intervention 8. Increasing Participation and Membership 9. Enhancing Cultural Competence 10. Advocating for Change 11. Influencing Policy Development 12. Evaluating the Initiative 13. Implementing a Social Marketing Effort 14. Writing a Grant Application for Funding 15. Improving Organizational Management and Development 16. Sustaining the Work or Initiative
