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. (ABD)
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
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 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 |
| 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 |
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.
Accreditation Status
The BSW program at Fresno Pacific University is currently in Pre-Candidacy for Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education's Commission on Accreditation.
Pre-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 submitted an application to be reviewed for Candidacy. A program that has attained Pre-Candidacy has not yet been reviewed by the Commission on Accreditation or been verified to be in compliance with the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. The Council on Social Work Education does not publicly disclose whether programs have currently attained Pre-Candidacy Status until they are granted Candidacy.
Students who enter the program while it is still in Pre-Candidacy will not be recognized as attending a program in Candidacy unless the program attains Candidacy in the academic year in which those students enter. The Candidacy Process is typically a three-year process and there is no guarantee that a program in Pre-Candidacy will eventually attain Candidacy or Initial Accreditation. 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 by the Council on Social Work Education's Commission on 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.