Behavioral Health| Bachelor of Applied Science

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in the Behavioral Health program builds upon foundational knowledge to develop advanced practitioners in the field of behavioral health. This program combines in-depth academic coursework with extensive applied training to prepare graduates for leadership roles in diverse behavioral health settings. Students gain advanced skills in developing and implementing complex interventions, evaluating programs, and addressing ethical and policy challenges. The BAS program provides a comprehensive education for those seeking to make a significant impact in behavioral health and offers excellent preparation for graduate studies in related fields.

Students must complete an associate degree before applying for this BAS degree.  Prerequisite and bridge courses are required when the associate degree is not an AAS in Behavioral Health in the same emphasis area as the BAS emphasis. See an advisor or the Bachelor of Applied Science web page for more specifics.

Declaring the Behavioral Health BAS as your major does not mean you’ve been officially admitted to the program yet. Admission to this program is selective and competitive. There are prerequisite classes and additional steps you’ll need to complete before you can apply for program entry to be considered for program acceptance.

To successfully complete this program, students will be required to complete proof of immunization forms for clinical compliance. Additional requirements include: 

  • Current CPR for Healthcare Providers (BLS), American Heart Association (AHA) only
  • PPSC approved criminal background check and drug screen. The background checks and drug screens are an additional cost, paid by the student. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the bachelor’s degree in behavioral health, students should be able to:

  • Integrate advanced theoretical knowledge and evidence-based practices to develop comprehensive behavioral health intervention plans
  • Implement complex behavioral health interventions across diverse populations and settings
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of behavioral health programs and interventions using appropriate research methods
  • Design quality improvement strategies to enhance behavioral health service delivery
  • Apply leadership and management principles to guide teams and organizations in behavioral health settings
  • Formulate client-centered treatment plans incorporating trauma-informed care, cultural competence, and whole-person approaches
  • Analyze complex ethical dilemmas and policy issues in behavioral health
  • Propose solutions to ethical and policy challenges that adhere to professional standards and promote social justice

Emphasis Areas

Mental Health and Wellness

The BAS degree in Behavioral Health with an emphasis on Mental Health and Wellness focuses on advanced skills in mental health assessment, intervention, and program management. Students gain in-depth knowledge of trauma-informed care, whole-person approaches, and leadership in mental health settings.

Addiction Recovery

The BAS degree in Behavioral Health with an emphasis in Addiction Recovery focuses on careers in addiction counseling. Graduates are prepared to complete the remaining requirements to become Certified Addiction Specialists (CAS) through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).