RICHLAND, Wash. – In response to a growing need for mental health providers in the Mid-Columbia region and across the state, Washington State University Tri-Cities' Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program will welcome its first cohort of undergraduate students in fall 2025.
Backed by $1.6 million per biennium from the Washington state legislature, the program's development marks WSU Tri-Cities' initial steps toward establishing both undergraduate and graduate social work programs. This initiative aims to address critical shortages of trained social work professionals, particularly in rural areas, with an ultimate goal of increasing the number of healthcare professionals who can represent and advocate for clients from diverse backgrounds.
“Evidence shows that communities, families and individuals in need of support and services trust and utilize services recommended or provided by health professionals representative of their culture and backgrounds,” said Daniel Cavanaugh, director of the bachelor’s of social work program at WSU Tri-Cities. “Therefore, 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.”
The undergraduate program will equip students with foundational skills in social work practice settings and prepare them for advanced study, including Master of Social Work degree programs that lead to clinical, macro, or specialized careers. Graduates will be positioned for roles in social service offices, educational institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and healthcare facilities.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that social work will grow "faster than average," with an estimated 67,300 additional jobs needed annually nationwide over the next decade to meet increased behavioral health and social service demands.
Housed within the WSU College of Nursing, students will enter the program in their junior year, joining a dedicated cohort that will complete the program together. Part of the program’s signature pedagogy includes a 400-hour field placement in the students' final year, giving them hands-on experience in generalist social work roles in the community.
“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.
With applications opening in March, prospective students must complete their first two years of undergraduate study, fulfill the social work program prerequisite courses, and submit additional materials including transcripts and a personal essay. Admission also requires a signed attestation to the National Association of Social Workers’ Ethical Practice standards.
For more information about the program and application requirements, visit the program’s website.
RICHLAND, WA – A unique partnership between the Washington State University Tri-Cities College of Education and two elementary schools in Pasco will give student teachers exposure to more classrooms and teaching styles during their practicum. Maya Angelou Elementary and Rosalind Franklin STEM Elementary were each designated as a “WSU Tri-Cities College of Education Teaching Laboratory School” during separate ceremonies on Monday, Nov. 4.
Teaching Laboratory Schools provide a rich and meaningful early practicum experience for teacher candidates. Unlike traditional practicums that place student teachers in one classroom, WSU Tri-Cities teacher candidates placed in Laboratory Schools observe multiple classrooms focused on specific topics about teaching and learning. After observing, candidates then volunteer in specific classrooms to support and apply teaching techniques.
"The official designation as a WSU Tri-Cities College of Education Laboratory School is a profound honor and a transformative opportunity for our students and community," said Diana Cissne, Principal of Maya Angelou Elementary School in Pasco. "This partnership not only enhances our educational practices through innovative teaching strategies and resources, but also enriches the learning experiences of our students, preparing them for a bright future. Together, we are fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence, empowering both our future educators and our young learners to thrive in an ever-evolving world."
This partnership offers student teachers a unique chance to engage in dual-language classroom environments within the Pasco School District, which proudly hosts the largest dual-language program in Washington State. With this immersive experience, teacher candidates gain valuable skills in supporting bilingual education and multilanguage learning—a critical component of Pasco’s educational approach. This focus on dual-language instruction, combined with STEM education, provides future educators with a well-rounded practicum experience that reflects Pasco’s commitment to preparing students for a diverse and interconnected world.
Rosalind Franklin STEM Elementary Principal, Jennifer Melendrez says this partnership will lead to endless possibilities for teachers and students. "We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate the innovative partnership between Rosalind Franklin STEM Elementary and WSU Tri-Cities,” she said. “This collaboration is truly transformative, blending higher education with elementary education to elevate teacher preparation. Through this hands-on experience in our dynamic STEM environment, future educators are developing creativity, critical thinking, and a passion for learning. Together, we are not only enriching the education of today, but also inspiring the next generation of students to explore the exciting possibilities of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.”
John Mancinelli, the Field Services Director at WSU Tri-Cities, stated that creating impactful future educators benefits the community for decades. “Approximately eighty-five percent of WSU Tri-Cities students stay in our region,” he said. “These partnerships allow all our candidates to gain valuable insights into teaching and learning from exemplary mentor teachers, enhancing the significance of their education and the skills they develop to become educators. We are grateful for this partnership.”
Richland and Kennewick School Districts have also volunteered to initiate the Laboratory School partnership. Tapteal Elementary in West Richland was designated as a “WSU Tri-Cities College of Education Teaching Laboratory School” in October. The Kennewick School District is working to identify their partner schools.
WSU Tri-Cities Field Services places teacher candidates in regional schools for three types of practica: Early, Pre-Internship, and Student Teaching. All teacher candidates combined spend about 45,000 hours each academic year in 33 different school districts located in the Columbia Basin including Walla Walla, Goldendale, Yakima, Wenatchee, Moses Lake, and the Tri-Cities.
The WSU Tri-Cities College of Education offers multiple routes for individuals interested in earning a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in education, as well as certification programs for principals, program administrators and superintendents. Visit https://tricities.wsu.edu/education/ for more details.