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.
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. (ABD)
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 or diploma
- Official college transcripts
- Recommendation form
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
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 of 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 | 3 |
| SW-351 | Urban Society and the Welfare State | 3 |
| SW-361 | Social Problems and Public Policy | 3 |
| SW-401 | Foundations of Social Work Practice | 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 | 3 |
Electives
Elective units as needed to meet the Bachelor of Arts minimum. This requirement may be met through allowable college coursework, advanced placement exams, college level examination program, international baccalaureate exams, military or ace credit and prior learning assessment.