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
- A challenging and supportive academic environment
- Cohorts groups meet face-to-face for class one night per week
- Cohort of 7-20 adults progress through the program together
- Experienced faculty and assignments that apply to everyday life
- Students come from a variety of workplaces and cultural backgrounds
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
Jonathan Clark D.S.W.
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).
Course listing
General Education Requirements
Select at least four of the following (must be taken prior to or during the degree completion program)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 125 | Introduction to Biology | 3 |
| PS 121 | American Government | 3 |
| PSY 119 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 121 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Economics* | ||
| Human Biology* |
*DC option currently unavailable
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)
The following units must be earned at Fresno Pacific University
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIB 314 | Jesus and the Christian Community | 3 |
| BIB 439 | Biblical Perspectives for Social Justice | 3 |
| PSY 411 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| SW 122 | Helping People: Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
| SW 301 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment | 3 |
| SW 321 | Theory and Practice with Families Environment | 3 |
| SW 351 | Urban Society and the Welfare State Environment | 3 |
| SW 361 | Social Problems and Public Policy Environment | 3 |
| SW 401 | Foundations of Social Work Practice Environment | 3 |
| SW 411 | Working with Groups | 3 |
| SW 421 | Becoming a Change Agent | 3 |
| SW 430 | Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SW 462 | Introduction to Social Science Research Practice | 3 |
Program details
Social Welfare
Delivery mode
On campus
Cost per unit
$475
Number of units
39
Locations
Avg completion time
18 months
“Graduating from FPU has given me a secure foundation to gradually build my profession. I have gained confidence and knowledge that will allow me to stretch my understanding of social work and the inner workings of the social work profession.”
Shinoba Pennywell
- Social Work