The social work 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 followed by an internship in the field working under the supervision of a master’s-level social worker. Upon completion of the major, you will be prepared to seek professional employment or pursue advanced study.
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 work, 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.
Donna Callahan
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
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 |
| Human Biology (DC option currently unavailable) | ||
| PS 121 | American Government | 3 |
| PSY 121 | Human Learning | 3 |
| SOC 121 | Introduction to Sociology | 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.
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 Social Welfare Degree Option.
Required Courses (51 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 |
| SW 493 | Integrative Field Seminar and Thesis I | 3 |
| SW 494 | Integrative Field Seminar and Thesis II | 3 |
| SW 495 | Integrative Field Seminar and Thesis III | 3 |
| SW 496 | Integrative Field Seminar and Thesis IV | 3 |
Accreditation Status
Fresno Pacific University has achieved Candidacy for Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation.
Candidacy for a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation indicates that it has made progress toward meeting criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. A program that has attained Candidacy has demonstrated a commitment to meeting the compliance standards set by the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, but has not yet demonstrated full compliance.
Students who enter programs that attain Candidacy in or before the academic year in which they begin their program of study will be retroactively recognized as having graduated from a CSWE-accredited program once the program attains Initial Accreditation. Candidacy is typically a three-year process and attaining Candidacy does not guarantee that a program will eventually attain Initial Accreditation. Candidacy 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.
Program details
"I loved coming together with my cohort once a week, encouraging each other, and discussing the ups and downs of the week with them. My cohort became a huge support for me, and each person brought a unique perspective to our discussions."
Gina Blackwell
- Social Work