The social welfare program will prepare you for positions in a variety of social work or service careers. The program integrates theory and practice; instills an understanding of the relationship between social work and Christian faith; and encourages a commitment to social justice and a life of service. You will complete a set of foundational and advanced courses in human development, social policy, social work methods, practice and research. Upon completion of the major, you will be prepared to seek professional employment or pursue advanced study in the field. Learn more about our Social Work programs here.

Highlights

Career opportunities

With a degree in social welfare, you will be qualified to work in non-profit agencies serving community needs, as well as probation departments, county human service systems and hospitals. Social workers are in demand in community organization and development, as well as work with the elderly, children and families and the disabled. You may also work in schools, or as a substance abuse counselor, employment counselor or in a variety of special programs designed to help people and communities.

Program director

Jon Clark D.S.W.

Associate Professor, Program Co-Director, Social Work & Social Welfare

Admission requirements

• 60 transferable baccalaureate-level units 
• Minimum 2.4 GPA
• Two years post-secondary experience
• Application form
• $40 fee (fee is waived for those attending an information meeting)
• Official high school transcripts
• GED or AA/AS degree
• Official college transcripts

Prerequisites

• 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.

Course listing

General Education Requirements

Select at least four of the following (must be taken prior to or during the degree completion program). Contact your program representative about transferring equivalent courses from your community college.

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.

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 393, SW 394, SW 395 and SW 396).

Required Courses (39 Units)

Complete all the courses required for the social work program, except for SW 493, SW 494, SW 495 and SW 496

The following units must be earned at Fresno Pacific University