04
Dec
2024

BBCC announces accreditation approval for new Bachelor of Applied Science in Behavioral Health Program

MOSES LAKE — On December 3, 2024, Big Bend Community College received accreditation approval from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the last step needed to offer a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Behavioral Health degree to area students.

“There has been interest by BBCC students to pursue a degree like this for quite some time and we are happy to now provide that opportunity,” said BBCC Vice President of Learning and Student Success Dr. Bryce Humpherys.

The BAS in Behavioral Health degree is designed to provide program graduates with the practical knowledge and skills necessary to enter the behavioral health workforce by establishing a strong understanding of human behavior, mental health disorders, and the principles of counseling. The program will be delivered in partnership with Wenatchee Valley College.

Graduates of the program can find employment delivering evidence-based interventions for common behavioral health conditions such as anxiety, depression and substance use disorders. They will work as part of an integrated care team at community health, rural health or hospital centers.

“The BAS in Behavioral Health will help to address the shortage of qualified behavioral health professionals across our service district,” said Dr. Humpherys.

The BAS in Behavioral Health program application opens on Monday, February 3, and the program’s first cohort will begin in Fall 2025.

The program builds on most associate degrees, by adding junior and senior-level courses focused on behavioral health. Students graduating from associate degree programs in criminal justice, early childhood education, and medical assistance are encouraged to apply.

Upcoming information sessions will be held via zoom on December 11 and January 8 at 6 pm and on January 22 at noon. These sessions can be accessed at https://bigbend.zoom.us/j/5097932120.

For more information about the program contact Melissa Husebye at melissahu@bigbend.edu, (509)793-2120 or visit the BAS-BH page at: https://www.bigbend.edu/academics/bas-in-behavioral-health/

A woman smiles as she appears to talk to a man that is out of frame. Image says "Join the frontlines of care in our community! Bachelor of Applied Science Behavioral Health" at bottom of image. Big Bend Community College logo located at top right side of image.