Social Welfare, B.A.

School of Humanities, Religion and Social Sciences

Explore Social Welfare, B.A.

When you commit to a life of service,
the possibilities are endless.

Social welfare is about empowering individuals and their communities. At Fresno Pacific, you’ll explore the intersection of human development, government and society as you learn to integrate faith and practice.

You’ll complete a set of foundational and advanced courses in human development, social policy, social work methods and research.

Through the study of social work, you’ll gain an understanding of the relationship between social work and Christian faith. You’ll be inspired to commit to social justice and a life of service.

Learn more about our Social Work programs

Program Highlights

  • Program is fully online
  • Meet for class one night per week
  • Progress through the entire program with a cohort of 12-22 adult students
  • Engage diverse classmates from a variety of life stages and cultural backgrounds
  • Study under experienced faculty and who assign relevant coursework

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure

Catalog

The social work and social welfare majors prepare students for positions in a variety of social work service careers. The majors integrate theory and practice, instill an understanding of the relationship between social services and Christian faith, and encourage a commitment to social justice and a life of service. It does so in the context of a liberal arts education informed by a Christian worldview. Upon completion of the majors, students will be prepared to seek entry level employment or pursue advanced study in the field per requirements specific to their matriculating institution. Students complete a set of foundational and advanced courses in human development, social policy, social work methods, practice and research.

The social work major prepares students for professions where a social work degree is required, and includes a semester long internship and thesis. Social welfare prepares students for a variety of human services opportunities, but does not include the internship or thesis components. Graduates with degrees in social work and social welfare may be needed in nonprofit agencies, including those that are faith-based, serving community needs. They may also be hired by probation departments, and county human service systems. Graduates may be in demand in community organization and development, work with the elderly, with children, families and the disabled. They may also work in schools, as substance abuse counselors, employment counselors or in a variety of special programs designed to help people and communities.

Students declare their major program prior to starting their major coursework. Students who wish to change their program after matriculation must submit their final degree intention to their advisor and the program director no later than the first day of Semester 3, Session 2 so that internships may be arranged.

Accreditation Status

Fresno Pacific University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education's Commission on Accreditation.

Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master's social work program by the Council on Social Work Education's Commission on Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Commission on Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.

Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.

Admissions Requirements

The social work and social welfare programs require two years postsecondary experience. Prior to admittance into the social work program, candidates must complete an application packet and an interview with the Program Director or designated social work faculty member.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will apply themselves as professional social workers and conduct themselves accordingly.
  2. Students will apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.
  3. Students will apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments.
  4. Students will engage diversity and difference in practice.
  5. Students will advance human rights and social and economic justice.
  6. Students will engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
  7. Students will apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
  8. Students will engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services.
  9. Students will respond to contexts that shape practice.
  10. Students will engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
  11. Students will articulate the relationship between social work and the Christian faith in the context of a liberal arts education informed by a Christian worldview and the Fresno Pacific University IDEA.

Credit-Bearing Grades

Students must earn a C- or higher to receive credit for their social work courses. Students will receive credit for BIB 314 and BIB 449, as well as any other general education or elective course, with a D- A social work major who does not pass SW 462, Introduction to Social Science Research, with a C- or higher, cannot continue to SW 472-479, the thesis and internship component.

Program Length/Semester Starts

Social work is a scheduled, 24-month cohort program. For those who choose the social welfare option, the program is a scheduled, 18-month cohort program. Social work and social welfare students take the same academic courses for the first three semesters. Social work majors continue on to the fourth internship/thesis semester.

Locations Offered

North Fresno, Visalia, and Merced Campuses

Degree Pathways

  • Social Welfare, B.A. (DC) Two Year Pathway
  • Social Work, B.A. (DC) Two Year Pathway 
  • Social Welfare, B.A. (DC) ADT Pathway 
  • Social Work, B.A. (DC) ADT Pathway 

General Education Requirements

Select at least four of the following (must be taken prior to or during the degree completion program):

  • BIOL 100 - Principles of Biology Credits 3
  • BIOL 100L - Principles of Biology Lab Credits 1
  • PS 121 - American Government Credits 3
  • PSY 119 - General Psychology Credits 3
  • SOC 121 - Introduction to Sociology Credits 3
  • Economics (DC option currently unavailable)

Social Work

Social work degree students must complete their internship requirements within seven semesters of beginning the program in order to maintain academic integrity.

Required Courses (51 Units)

The following units must be earned at Fresno Pacific University:

  • BIB 314 - Jesus and the Christian Community Credits 3
  • BIB 439 - Biblical Perspectives for Social Justice Credits 3
  • PSY 411 - Abnormal Psychology Credits 3
  • SW 122 - Helping People: Introduction to Social Work Credits 3
  • SW 301 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment Credits 3
  • SW 321 - Theory and Practice with Families Credits 3
  • SW 351 - Urban Society and the Welfare State Credits 3
  • SW 361 - Social Problems and Public Policy Credits 3
  • SW 401 - Foundations of Social Work Practice Credits 3
  • SW 411 - Working with Groups Credits 3
  • SW 421 - Becoming a Change Agent Credits 3
  • SW 430 - Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice Credits 3
  • SW 462 - Introduction to Social Science Research Practice Credits 3
  • SW 472 - Senior Seminar in Social Work I 1.5
  • SW 473 - Senior Seminar in Social Work II Credits: 1.5
  • SW 474 - Senior Seminar in Social Work III Credits: 1.5
  • SW 475 - Senior Seminar in Social Work IV Credits: 1.5
  • SW 476 - Thesis I Credits: 1.5
  • SW 477 - Thesis II Credits: 1.5
  • SW 478 - Thesis III Credits: 1.5
  • SW 479 - Thesis IV Credits: 1.5

Social Welfare Option

Near the end of their program, when students apply for their degree and choose the social welfare degree option, the opportunity to pursue a social work degree closes and they are no longer eligible for the integrative field seminar courses scheduled for Semester 4 (SW-472 to SW-479).

Required Courses (39 Units)

Complete all the courses required for the social work program, except for SW-472 through SW-479. 

Electives

Elective units as needed to meet the Bachelor of Arts minimum. This requirement may also be met through allowable college coursework, advanced placement exams, the College Level Examination Program, international baccalaureate exams, and military or ACE credit.

Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education

You already have a lot going on in your life, which is why our degree completion programs are designed to meet you where you are. You'll be surrounded by other students who will support and encourage you, by faculty mentors who are invested in your success, by opportunities to connect what you learn in the classroom to the real world, and by connections to the employers who will help you move forward in your career.

First Steps to Admission

  • Submit an application for admission (online)
    * Admission applications are free, no discount codes required.
  • Request official transcripts from previously attended colleges, universities and high schools and send electronically to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu
    • GED Transcripts OR any AA, AS, AS-T, AA-T from an accredited College or University as proof of High School graduation
    • This includes any military transcripts you may have, along with your military release forms (DD214).​​
  • Complete the FAFSA as early as October 1. (FAFSA Code: 001253)
    Enroll in the minimum number of units per semester to qualify for loans.
  • Schedule an appointment with your Student Financial Services Advisor 559-453-2041 sfs@fresno.edu

Requirements

  • University Admission Prerequisites

    • Minimum 6 transferable baccalaureate-level units
    • Minimum 2.4 GPA
    • 2 years post-secondary experience

  • Program Admission Prerequisites

    • 60 transferable baccalaureate-level units
    • Minimum 2.4 GPA
    • 2 years post-secondary experience 

Program Requirements

  • Introduction to Sociology
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Human Biology
  • Economics
  • Political Science

(4 of 5 co-requisite courses are required for graduation and it is strongly recommended that students complete these courses prior to beginning the cohort).

Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Information

Social Work and Human Services (AS-T) to Social Welfare, B.A.

BA courses fulfilled through ADT:

  • All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
  • BA co-requisites and major courses fulfilled through ADT:
    • BIOL 125   Introduction to Biology (3)
    • PSY 119   General Psychology (3)
    • SOC 121   Introduction to Sociology (3)
    • Economics (3)
  • This program is offered as evening accelerated

ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.

Transfer Agreements

The following guidelines are used when considering transfer credit:

  • Courses completed at a regionally or ABHE, ATS, TRACS, or AARTS accredited institution
  • Baccalaureate-level courses
  • Grade of C- or better
  • Courses are not duplicate to credit already received
  • All GE and major courses must be taken for a letter grade, not pass/fail
  • No lab is required for Area 5 Physical & Biological Sciences
  • Some majors have lower division prerequisites. Select an institution below to see the school's general education and lower division major requirements

View full transfer policy Find agreements for your school 

*Transfer Agreements are only a tool. Transfer work is not considered official until it has been evaluated by the FPU Registrar’s Office.

Non-traditional Admission

Steps for Re-admission

To reenter into the Degree Completion program within 5 years of last enrollment, the student will need to complete the Degree Completion Re-admission Form. An academic advisor will determine if the student may reenter and if any conditions apply for readmission. The student will be charged at the current tuition rate for any course repeated.

*Note: If student is readmitting after 5 years of last enrollment, the student will need to refer to “First Steps to Admission".

Steps for Non-matriculated Admission

The non-matriculated application is for people who are interested in taking baccalaureate classes through the Degree Completion program, but are not seeking to be admitted into that program. Students must complete this Non-matriculated Application Form only once in order to be qualified to take courses. Applicants must also meet the two-year post-secondary experience requirement to take these courses. Financial Aid is not available, and the course limit is six units per semester with a limit of two semesters total.

For more information, or for help filling out this application, please contact Graduate and Degree Completion Admissions at (559) 453-3690.

Two-year Graduation Guarantee

FPU Degree Completion program guarantees you can complete your degree in just two years. If you meet the qualification requirements, fulfill your responsibilities under the program, and are unable to complete your major in a 2-yr. period, FPU will assume all additional tuition costs needed to complete your undergraduate degree.

Incoming requirements
  • Have at least 60 transferable units 
  • Have at least a 2.4 transfer GPA
Student responsibilities
To qualify for the guarantee students must:
  • Have most of your general education courses complete
  • Enroll in an average of 15 units per semester; not including repeated courses.
  • Remain in good academic standing by maintaining an institutional grade point average of 2.0 or higher
  • Enroll in the required number of consecutive semesters: 3-4 semesters depending on number of units transferred in
  • Make up units for any failed courses during the guarantee period, which may require you to take more than 15 units per semester.
  • Fulfill all graduation requirements, including core curriculum, major/minor requirements, and upper division course work requirements.
    • Two Year Guarantee: complete enough upper division courses to have at least 40 upper division units by the end of the 4-semester timeframe.
    • Take all required courses during the semester recommended by your Academic Advisor.
  • Register for all upcoming courses during the registration period.
* If you are transferring to FPU from the California Community College system with an AA-T or AS-T, your FPU lower-division general education [GE] requirements may be fulfilled. 

Two-Year Transfer Guarantee for ADT Pathways

FPU guarantees a student with an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) from the California Community College system, can complete their degree in just two years. If a student meets the qualification requirements, fulfills the responsibilities under the program, and are unable to complete their major in a 2-year period, FPU will assume all additional tuition costs needed to complete their undergraduate degree at FPU.

Incoming requirements
  • 60 transferable units [grades of C- or better] from the California Community College system with a completed ADT (Associate Degree for Transfer)
  • Selected an ADT matched (similar) pathway from FPU’s undergraduate degree programs
  • Have completed the necessary pre-requisites in the discipline specific to intended major
  • Have at least a 2.4 transfer GPA
Student responsibilities
To qualify for the guarantee students must:
  • Enroll in an average of 15- 18 units per semester; not including repeated courses.
  • Remain in good academic standing by maintaining an institutional grade point average of 2.0 or higher
  • Enroll in the required number of consecutive semesters: 3-4 semesters depending on number of units transferred in
  • Make up units for any failed or withdrawn courses during the guarantee period, which may require you to take more than 15-18 units per semester
    • For TUG you may have to enroll in a summer semester.
  • Fulfill all graduation requirements, including core curriculum, major requirements, and upper division course work requirements.
    • Two Year Guarantee: complete enough upper division courses to have at least 40 upper division units by the end of the 4-semester time frame.
  • Take all required courses during the semester recommended by your Academic Advisor.
  • Register for all upcoming courses during the registration period.
  • Any courses from a Community College with “D+” or lower are non-transferable and require additional courses and semesters to graduate.
  • This guarantee may not apply to students starting in a spring or summer semester start (TUG only).
  • This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements: 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major.

Cost & Financial Aid

The below listed prices reflect the current and upcoming Fall and Spring semesters and do not include any financial aid. Paying for college can be an overwhelming step in education your journey. We can help you find all the possible opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.

Tuition & Financial Aid

2023-24
Tuition per Unit Amount
SW, ECD, LA, BM, OL, EMGT, PMGT, HCA $550
RN to BSN, CIS, CRIM, CML $525
General Ed and Electives $550
Other Costs Amount
Student services fee (per semester) $100
2022-23
Tuition per Unit Amount
SW, ECD, LA, BM, OL, EMGT, PMGT $530
HCA, RN to BSN, CIS, CRIM, CML $505
General Ed and Electives $530
Other Costs Amount
Student services fee (per semester) $100

* This is an estimate. Costs subject to change. Cost of attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected tuition and fees for the coming academic year. Actual tuition rates are approved by the Board of Trustees and may vary. 

Types of aid

Financial aid can refer to scholarships, grants and loans, which are available to you from the government, the university or outside sources. Aid types vary depending on the type of student you are.

Photo of Alexandra Green

Alexandra Green

Mathematics

The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend FPU. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but FPU helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.

Career Opportunities

With a degree in social welfare, you’ll be qualified to work in government or non-profit agencies and programs designed to the elderly, children and families, and the disabled.

Career Possibilities

  • Social worker
  • Counselor
  • Probation officer
  • Victim advocate
  • Non-profit director
  • Family and child welfare specialist

Career Development Happens Here

The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.

  • Resume writing classes
  • Career assessments, exploration & planning
  • Job search and networking opportunities
  • and much more

Visit the Career Development Center