Colorado Community College System

What you'll study

Students complete 53 credits of upper-division BAS coursework in addition to their AAS. Core themes include advanced behavioral-health theory, treatment approaches, trauma, whole-person care, leadership and applied practicum/internship experience.

• Shared and core courses (examples listed on course page): Social Psychology (PSY 2221); Research Methodology (PSY 2000); Introduction to Addictive Behavior (PSY 2112); Child Abuse and Neglect (PSY 2551); science options (BIO 1005 or BIO 1006); Behavioral Health Practicum (BEH 3088); Treatment of Mental Health Disorders within Existing Systems (BEH 3001); Understanding Trauma and PTSD (BEH 4020); Whole Person Care (BEH 4030); Leadership and Management in Behavioral Healthcare (BEH 4040); Mental Health Internship (BEH 4080) with 225 contact hours.
• Mental Health & Wellness pathway: emphasizes mental-health-focused coursework and a 225-hour mental-health internship (BEH 4080). Electives and counseling skills such as Motivational Interviewing I (CSL 2050) and Addiction Counseling Skills (CSL 2068) are included.
• Addiction Recovery pathway: centers on advanced substance-use treatment concepts, practicum and a 225-contact-hour Addiction Recovery Internship (BEH 4081) that includes test preparation. Relevant courses include Correctional Process (CRJ 1045), Treating Diverse Populations (CSL 3028), Advanced Models in Addiction Treatment (CSL 3030), Advanced Motivational Interviewing (CSL 3050) and Clinical Supervision I & II (CSL 4020/4021).
• Electives (choose approximately 7 credits from options listed): Positive Psychology (PSY 2331), Health Psychology (PSY 2333), Introduction to Forensic Psychology (PSY 2770), Introduction to Criminal Justice (CRJ 1010), Dynamics of Racism and Prejudice (PSY 2220), Psychological Aspects of Abuse in Relationships (PSY 2111), Spanish for the Professional I/II (SPA 1015/2015), Negotiation (COM 2064), Listening in a Workplace Communication Setting (COM 2060).

Entry requirements

The BAS is designed to be completed after an AAS; applicants are expected to have completed an associate of applied science (AAS) relevant to behavioral health. The program advances prior applied coursework and skills into upper-division study and internship placement.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles in residential treatment centers, hospitals, social-service agencies and other behavioral-health clinical environments. Typical positions noted include program manager roles and, for the addiction-recovery track, peer recovery or prevention specialist positions. The addiction track readies graduates to complete remaining requirements for Colorado Certified Addiction Technician credentialing through DORA.

Scholarships & funding angle

Financial support options vary by campus and student eligibility; prospective students should consult college financial-aid and workforce-development offices for BAS-specific scholarships, grants, federal aid eligibility and internship-related funding or stipends.