Bachelor of Applied Science: Behavioral Healthcare

Earn Your BAS in Behavioral Healthcare

There is a growing need for mental health and substance abuse treatment services. Our Bachelor of Applied Science in Behavioral Healthcare (BASBH) prepares students with the knowledge and skills to support a diverse client base in a variety of human services careers after graduation.

Our fully accredited BAS in Behavioral Healthcare program follows a cohort model that empowers you to pursue a meaningful career providing compassionate, community-based care to those in need support.

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Contact

Grace Jones

Full-Time Faculty

Social Sciences & Humanities (SSH) Division

Email

360-475-6838

Mia Steben

Outreach Coordinator

Social Sciences & Humanities (SSH) Division

Email

360-475-7108

About our Program

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

Analyze behavioral health concepts such as current trends, theories, approaches, and best practices
Recognize institutional and social barriers that impede access, equity, and success for individuals and families within behavioral health systems
Effectively analyze, evaluate, and conduct behavioral health research
Identify the structures, functions, and organizations which comprise the local healthcare system, with a particular focus on behavioral healthcare organizations
Demonstrate the ability to adhere to professional, ethical standards, including confidentiality and sensitivity when working with diverse populations within the behavioral health field
Demonstrate clear, concise, and effective written, electronic, and verbal communication skills with clients, families, and interdisciplinary team members to enhance person-centered care and health outcomes
Complete both brief screenings and biopsychosocial assessments to include co-occurring disorders and develop and monitor client-centered treatment plans in the context of family community, and cultural identities

Student Learning Competencies

Student can expect gain exposure and experience with the following skills, knowledge and abilities upon completion of this program:

Critical Analysis: The student effectively evaluates information and creates solutions through observation, reflection, reasoning, and experience.
Communication: The student effectively conveys information and ideas by adapting their communication style to different situations and audiences when speaking, writing, and listening to others.
Global Awareness & Cultural Competency: The student effectively engages with the multicultural world by studying the practices and perspectives of varying communities and cultures.
Information Literacy: The student effectively engages in a reflective process of inquiry to find, evaluate, use, and ethically create content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What steps should I take if I don’t have my associate's degree but want to join this program?

A: Contact Dr. Cohen (@email) to do an ed plan to map out remaining needed classes.

Q: Is there an application deadline?

A: We are no longer accepting applications for the 2026 BASBH Cohort. The 2027 BASBH application will reopen January 2027. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, and no later than March 31, for the best chance of admission. Applicants who apply after April 1 may be placed on a waitlist if the program is full.

Q. What are the requirements?

A. To be eligible for admission to the BASBH program, students must have a completed associate degree from a regionally accredited institution (90 credits). Acceptance to this program is competitive. Applying students are advised that a cumulative GPA of less than 2.5 is unlikely to result in acceptance to this program. The average entry GPA for this program is 3.25 and above.

An advising appointment and background screening with a faculty advisor are required before an acceptance letter can be offered. Students are encouraged to complete the mandatory advising and background screening appointment before submitting their application to the program.

Q: How do I apply?

A: Applications are now closed.

Q: Can I join the program at any time?

A: The BASBH Program is a two-year cohort model that begins every fall quarter.

Q: Who do I contact for advising for this program?

A: If you already have an associates or bachelors, please contact Dr. Jones (@email); if not, Dr. Cohen will advise.

Q: What does it mean for this program to follow a cohort model?

A: Students begin the program together and progress through all the same classes until graduation.

Q: Can I attend online?

A: No, this is a hybrid program with in-person instruction that occurs one evening per week and homework submitted online.

Q: What is the practicum?

A: It is a course that occurs at a worksite. The BASBH faculty will help you find a placement in your area of interest.

Q: Will this degree prepare me for a master’s program?

A: Yes, we are currently working with local master's degree programs to secure articulations which will make it easier for you to gain entry to master's programs so long as you have the GPA required for the program.

BASBH APPLICATION CHECKLIST

BASBH APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Our application period for the Fall 2026 Cohort has now closed. However, you can review the application checklist to learn about the requirements and steps needed for admission to the BASBH Fall 2027 Cohort.

View Checklist

Compassionate Care Starts Here

Launch a fulfilling career in Behavioral Healthcare as a social worker, substance abuse counselor or one of many other career opportunities. Watch this short video to find out more.

What is an Applied Bachelor's Degree?

Applied bachelor’s degrees fill skills gaps in practical, market-driven fields where job requirements have advanced beyond the associate degree level. They add junior and senior levels to two-year professional technical education. Students build upon their already valuable two-year degrees to land higher-paying jobs and promotions, while employers get rounded skill sets they seek in bachelor’s degrees.

Academic Program

BAS Behavioral Health Sample Courses

BASBH 320: Social & Cultural Diversity in Behavioral Health
BASBH 430: Trauma-Informed Care
BASBH 420: Treatment of Mental Health Disorders
BASBH 455: Behavioral Healthcare in Primary Care
BASBH 450: Advanced Counseling Techniques

BAS Behavioral Healthcare

BASBH FACULTY

DR. JONES

Dr. Cohen

PROFESSOR ROPER

PROFESSOR STARKE

"The support from professors is unmatched. The program helped me to develop not only as a behavioral health professional but also as a human."

Anthony Henderson, 2026 BASBH Graduate

This program helped me understand what makes a mental health career sustainable in the long term, while also acknowledging the high risk of burnout and how to prepare myself for future educational and professional experiences.

Ruby, 2026 BASBH Graduate & Pinning Ceremony Student Speaker

The BASBH program strengthened both my clinical skills and my understanding of behavioral health systems. The program expanded my knowledge of trauma-informed care, health equity, ethics, counseling techniques, case management, and integrated care. It also helped prepare me for future graduate-level education by strengthening my research, writing, critical thinking, and professional communication skills. Most importantly, it reinforced my commitment to serving individuals and communities affected by substance use, mental health challenges, and social inequities.

Curtis Murray, 2026 BASBH Graduate & Pinning Ceremony Student Speaker