Program Overview

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Introduction to the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work Program

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program at Washington State University Tri-Cities is designed to prepare students for a career in social work. The program focuses on preparing entry-level generalist social workers who can work in a variety of settings, including social service offices, educational institutions, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and healthcare settings.

Program Overview

The BASW program is a four-year program that includes 120 undergraduate credits. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and is designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure as a social worker in the state of Washington.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the BASW program is competitive and is contingent on a number of factors, including:

• A student's GPA (minimum 2.0)
• The completion of the first two years' prerequisite courses
• An application to the Social Work program, which includes:
  • 1-2 page application statement
  • Completed prerequisite course form
  • Completed criminal background statement
  • Signed NASW Code of Ethics statement of agreement
• Other academic accomplishments

Program Requirements

The BASW program requires the completion of 120 undergraduate credits, including:

• 60 credits of general education courses
• 30 credits of social work core courses
• 30 credits of social work elective courses
• A field education experience

Field Education

The field education experience is a critical component of the BASW program. Students will work in a social work setting under the supervision of a licensed social worker to gain practical experience and apply theoretical knowledge.

Tuition and Fees

The tuition and fees for the BASW program vary depending on the student's residency status and the number of credits taken. The estimated tuition and fees for the 2025-2026 academic year are:

• Resident tuition: $5,923 per semester
• Non-resident tuition: $14,202 per semester
• Fees: $215 per semester
• Books and supplies: $381 per semester
• Housing and food: $8,887 per semester (estimated)
• Transportation: $798 per semester (estimated)
• Computer needs: varies (estimated)
• Student organizations: varies (estimated)
• Miscellaneous living expenses: $924 per semester (estimated)

Financial Aid

The university offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Students can apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Program Outcomes

The BASW program is designed to prepare students for a career in social work. The program outcomes include:

• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
• Engage in policy practice
• Assess, intervene, and evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities

Curriculum

The BASW curriculum includes a variety of courses, including:

• Social work core courses
• Social work elective courses
• Field education experience
• General education courses

Social Work Core Courses

The social work core courses include:

• Introduction to Social Work
• Human Behavior and the Social Environment
• Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
• Social Work Practice with Groups and Communities
• Social Policy and Advocacy
• Research Methods in Social Work
• Field Education Experience

Social Work Elective Courses

The social work elective courses include:

• Child Welfare
• Mental Health
• Substance Abuse
• Gerontology
• Social Work with Diverse Populations
• International Social Work

General Education Courses

The general education courses include:

• English Composition
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Science
• Humanities
• Fine Arts

Field Education Experience

The field education experience is a critical component of the BASW program. Students will work in a social work setting under the supervision of a licensed social worker to gain practical experience and apply theoretical knowledge.

Program Faculty

The program faculty includes:

• RoseAnne Droesch, Interim Director of BSW Program, Tri-Cities
• Jill Young-McMurchie, BSW Field Director, Tri-Cities

Conclusion

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program at Washington State University Tri-Cities is designed to prepare students for a career in social work. The program focuses on preparing entry-level generalist social workers who can work in a variety of settings. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and is designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure as a social worker in the state of Washington.