Draft 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Behavioral Health Support Specialist - Bachelor of Applied Science
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Program Description
This program prepares graduates for careers in the behavioral health field with a focus on integrated care. The curriculum emphasizes practical skill-development including assessment, documentation, and brief, evidence-based interventions. Students will learn about mental illness, trauma-informed care, principles of counseling, case management, and care coordination skills. All topics are introduced through a lens of health equity and social justice. Students will also complete two supervised clinical practicum experiences, totaling 300 hours. Graduates will be eligible to apply for Behavioral Health Support Specialist certification through the WA State Department of Health and can also choose to continue on in their education to obtain an advanced degree in the behavioral health field.
Program Eligibility
Acceptance into the BHSS-BAS program is by application only. This is in addition to the Edmonds College admissions process. To view additional information and download application materials, please go to the Behavioral Health Support Specialist-BAS website. A program advisor will work with students to ensure they are able to complete their 2-year degree prior to starting upper division courses or alongside them depending on the student’s individual course background and preparedness.
The BHSS -BAS degree is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 180 credits as outlined.
Advising Note
This program requirement sheet is not a substitute for meeting with an academic advisor. Meeting the requirements to graduate with an Edmonds College degree is ultimately the responsibility of the student.
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Program Prerequisites (47 credits)
Communication Skills (5 credits)
General Education (15 credits)
Complete 15 credits of General Education courses from the list below or from the Humanities, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, or Social Sciences distribution areas. Alternative general education courses completed from an accredited college may be accepted to meet the General Education Requirements through the transcript evaluation process. Proficiency Requirement (27 credits)
Complete 27 credits of professional-technical courses as listed below. Equivalent courses completed from an accredited college may be accepted through the transcript evaluation process. Students should meet with a BHSS-BAS advisor to review their credits. Additional Proficiency Requirements (33 credits)
Complete an additional 33 credits of professional-technical courses in the area of social and human services, addiction studies, family support studies, or a closely related subject area. View a one page proficiency course list. . Students should meet with a BHSS-BAS advisor to complete an academic plan and the transcript evaluation process. General Education Requirements (40 credits)
Alternative general education courses completed from an accredited college may be accepted to meet the General Education Requirements through the transcript evaluation process. Communication Skills (5 credits)
OutcomeCommunicate and interact effectively through a variety of methods appropriate to audience, context, purpose, and field/discipline. Quantitative Analysis/Symbolic Reasoning Skills (5 credits)
OutcomeReason clearly using academic or professional modes of inquiry; using quantitative or symbolic reasoning; and/or using other discipline/field specific methods to explore and create ideas; identify information needs; process, evaluate, and use information; and recognize, analyze and solve problems. Humanities Distribution (10 credits)
OutcomeUse Humanities-based methods to reason, communicate, make meaning, solve problems and/or create or perform cultural works for diverse audiences and purposes. Complete 10 credits from the list below or from the Humanities distribution area list.
Natural Sciences and Mathematics Distribution (10 credits)
OutcomeUse scientific and mathematical methods, modes of inquiry, and terminology to demonstrate knowledge, comprehension, and application of science concepts and insights. Complete 10 credits from the list below or from the Natural Science and Mathematics distribution list. 5 credits must include a lab conponent. Social Sciences Distribution (10 credits)
OutcomeUse Social Science theories and methods to reason, communicate, apply insights, solve problems, and to develop a critical understanding of the diversity and interdependence of peoples and cultures. Complete 10 credits from the list below or from the Social Sciences distribution area list. Upper Division Program Requirements (60 credits)
Program OutcomesUpon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: - Deliver comprehensive case management as part of an interdisciplinary team, supporting clients in fostering sound mental health, developing effective coping strategies, building healthier relationships, and achieving sustainable wellness.
- Utilize evidence-based practices to assess, plan, and implement behavioral health interventions that address the diverse needs of clients and populations.
- 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.
- Identify the structures, functions, and organizations which comprise the local healthcare system with a particular focus on behavioral healthcare organizations.
- Advocate for equitable access to behavioral health services and address social determinants of health to promote well-being across diverse populations.
- 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.
Program Notes
Program CodeThe program code for this degree is SAABHBAS. For financial aid, advising, and other reasons, students should work with their advisor to ensure that this code is properly recorded on their academic record. Admission Notes - Admission into the Behavioral Health Support Specialist - Bachelor of Applied Science degree program is by application only.
- The minimum requirements to begin BHSS courses are:
- Completion of 47 credits of prerequisite courses. Transferable courses will be evaluated by the program manager to determine equivalency.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all college-level courses used to fulfill BHSS-BAS degree requirements at the time of admissions.
- Active math placement at Edmonds College.
- To view additional information including prerequisite course grade requirements and download application materials, please go to the Behavioral Health Support Specialist - BAS website.
- A list of courses that meet the Proficiency Requirements for the Behavioral Health Support Specialist - Bachelor of Applied Science (BHSS-BAS) degree program can be accessed at the identified link.
Minimum Grade Requirement Notes- Students must complete all of the following:
- General Education courses with a grade of 1.0 or higher with the exception of ENGL& 101 which must be completed with a grade of 2.0 or higher.
- Proficiency courses with a grade of 2.0 or higher.
- Upper division program requirements with a grade of 2.0 or higher.
- Certain general education courses might be prerequisites for later courses a student chooses to take. Minimum grades that differ from this standard may be required for course progression.
Course Substitution Notes- Any college-level, transferable math course may be accepted. Students who have already completed an applicable math course upon entry into the program do not need to take the listed course.
- PSYC& 200 - Lifespan Psychology will be accepted as equivalent to SHS 185 - Human Growth and Development.
- PSYC& 220 - Abnormal Psychology will be accepted as equivalent to SHS 218 - Survey of Mental Illness.
Career Notes- Upon successful completion of the Behavioral Health Support Specialist BAS program, students will be eligible to apply for the BHSS Credential with the Washington State Department of Health.
- Special Note: A Washington State background check is required for entrance into this vocation and some limitations are in effect for those with former felony or other convictions. If you have questions about this, please contact a department advisor or the Department of Health directly.
Department Contact InformationDepartment Advisor Faculty Advisor Department Website Bachelor of Applied Sciences General Information
BAS Degree General Description The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree is a 180 credit baccalaureate degree, specifically designed to build on professional-technical associate degrees that provide workplace skills, such as Associate of Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degrees. BAS degrees include a professional core of courses from the AAS-T degree, general education credits and upper division courses. BAS degrees are a pathway to the baccalaureate level with upper-division coursework in an applied field that provide expanded career opportunities for graduates and meet the needs of employers in the community. BAS degrees incorporate more applied, hands-on learning than a traditional bachelor’s degree and allow a student to advance their skills and abilities without requiring the student to follow the traditional direct transfer degree pathway. Graduates with a BAS degree may apply to related master’s degree programs. See a program advisor for details. Program of Study Outcomes Edmonds College’s four General Education Outcomes (Communicate, Act Responsibly, Reason, and Explore) are promoted throughout the college’s programs. Instructional programs of 45 credits or more foster learning in all four General Education Outcomes. Student achievement is assessed in the general and program specific outcomes via the courses and course objectives that align with those outcomes. More information about program outcomes and course objectives can be found on the Using Program Requirement Sheets page. Credit/Grade Requirements A minimum of 60 credits or one-third of the required college-level (100-level or above) credits, whichever is less, must be earned at Edmonds College. Students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all college-level courses. Students Are Advised To: - Consult quarterly with a faculty and/or program manager;
- Plan your schedule several quarters in advance in order to accommodate courses that are offered only once or twice a year;
- Review the college catalog for required course prerequisites and include these in schedule planning
Graduation Application A completed Graduation Application form must be submitted online by the 10th day of the quarter in which the student expects to graduate. Note: Applications for summer quarter are due by the 8th day of the quarter. Transferring to Another University or College - Admission application deadlines vary, students must meet the deadline for the university or college to which they plan to apply for admission to transfer.
- Consultation with the appropriate department or an advisor at the intended transfer school is highly recommended.
Common Course Numbering Please refer to www.edmonds.edu/ccn for more information. Cultural Diversity Requirement All students earning a degree or certificate of 45 credits or more must meet a cultural diversity (CD) requirement by taking at least five (5) credits of CD courses. To learn more, go to Academic Information – Cultural Diversity Requirement in the online academic catalog. College Resources Internal Coding
PLAN/STACK - SAABHBAS
TC - 180
CIP - 51.1501
Last Revision - 2026/03/16 |
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