Whatcom Community College
Home MenuSocial Work Entry Information
How to enter
Admission to the bachelor of applied science degree in social work (BASSW) is by selective entry application. The core courses start each fall quarter. The application for the fall 2024 BASSW program will open February 1, 2024.
Priority deadline: April 26, 2024
Regular deadline: July 19, 2024
Applicants will hear from the program 4 - 6 weeks after the respective deadline regarding acceptance. Applicants will receive letters regarding acceptance via their WCC student emails.
Financial aid applications typically take several weeks to process (see the WCC financial aid website for more information). Students are strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid as early as possible to allow this processing to get completed before the program starts in the fall.
Selection and admission process
To be eligible to apply, you must have earned or be on track to earn prior to the BASSW program start an associate degree (or higher) 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 following prerequisite courses must also be completed with a C (2.0) or higher prior to program admission.
MATH& 146 Introduction to statistics (5 credits)
PSYC& 100 General psychology (5 credits)
PSYC& 200 Lifespan psychology (5 credits)
PSYC& 220 Abnormal psychology (5 credits)
With careful course selection, you can satisfy most of these prerequisite courses with successful completion of Whatcom’s SUDP associate of applied science degree. Talk with the program faculty lead or an academic advisor for guidance.
As part of your application, you must also provide at least one professional (may include volunteer work) and/or academic letter of reference (e.g., from a current or former supervisor or instructor) and a personal statement addressing the questions and criteria found here.
Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. The initial selection process will involve reviewing submitted applications for completeness, transferrable credits, and minimum qualifications. Qualified applications will then be forwarded to the selection committee for review and acceptance based on the number of seats available.
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.
Steps to apply
You must complete the following steps to be considered for program acceptance.