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Social work at Whatcom

New!
Beginning fall 2024, Whatcom Community College will offer a bachelor of applied science (BAS) degree in social work (BASSW), with cohorts starting each fall.

Click here to see the quarter-by-quarter sequence of classes.

This degree prepares students with the competencies and knowledge for generalist practice in social work. Students focus on engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation in practice. With an emphasis on an ecological systems model, social justice, and evidence-based practice, graduates will be prepared to promote the well-being of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in a social work setting and to pursue further education in social work.

Accreditation

Whatcom Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Additionally, the bachelor of applied science in social work program is currently in the discipline-specific accreditation process through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Accreditation through CSWE is a 3- to 4-year peer review process. For more information about the CSWE accreditation process visit CSWE's website.

Apply now!

Students interested in the program must apply through a selective entry application. The application requirements are available on the entry information page. We will continue to accept applications after the July 19 deadline while space permits.

Program eligibility

To be eligible, students need to have an associate degree in behavioral health, human services, social services, or substance use disorder professional (SUDP), or related field with Dean's approval (minimum GPA 2.0).

The BASSW program only accepts field education and practice course transfer credits from other CSWE-accredited or candidacy social work programs.  Additionally, the BASSW program does not grant social work course credit for: 1) life experience, and 2) previous work experience.

Interested students can prepare now by taking any or all of the following lower division general education requirements of the BAS degree. A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required for each of these courses.

BIOL& 100 Survey of biology
or BIOL& 160 General biology with lab
or BIOL& 175 Human biology with lab

CMST& 101 Introduction to communication
or CMST& 210 Interpersonal communication
or CMST& 220 Public speaking
or CMST& 230 Small group communication

CMST& 225 Intercultural communication

ENGL& 101 English composition I

MATH& 146 Introduction to statistics*

PSYC& 100 General psychology*

PSYC& 200 Lifespan psychology*

PSYC& 220 Abnormal psychology*

*Prerequisite courses - must be completed before starting the BASSW program.

Costs

Based on full-time enrollment, costs will average about $2,700 per quarter for Washington state residents, including tuition, books, fees, and supplies.

As costs and information can and will change, be sure to contact an advisor for the most current information for planning the funding of your education.

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