RICHLAND, Wash.-Washington State University Tri-Cities will offer a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program starting in the fall of 2025.
The new program aims to address the shortage of social workers, especially in rural areas, with the goal of increasing the number of healthcare professionals who can represent and advocate for clients from diverse backgrounds, according to WSU.
“A program that draws from students in Tri-Cities, the Yakima valley, and the Mid-Columbia region could greatly enrich the services available in eastern Washington,” said Daniel Cavanaugh, director of the bachelor’s of social work program at WSU Tri-Cities.
The social work program at WSU Tri-Cities is being funded by the Washington State Legislature, which has allocated $1.6 million per biennium, according to a press release announcing the program.
The new social work program will be part of WSU’s College of Nursing, with students joining the program their junior year of school.
According to WSU, the social work program will include a 400-hour field placement in the students’ final year, giving them hands-on experience in social work roles in the community.
Applications for the WSU Tri-Cities social work program are expected to open in March and more information about the program and the application process is available online.
“The addition of a social work program will not only meet a critical community need but will further our campus goal of supporting students’ academic and personal success in their pursuit of health and social sciences degrees,” said Kate McAteer, vice chancellor of academic and student affairs.
