Patricia Salas, MSW
Social Work, Program Director
Clinical Assistant Professor of Social Work
BSW, Program Director
When you commit to a life of service,
the possibilities are endless.
Social work is about empowering individuals and their communities. At Fresno Pacific, you’ll explore the intersection of human development, government and society as you learn to integrate faith and practice.
You’ll complete a set of foundational and advanced courses in human development, social policy, social work methods and research followed by an internship in the field working under the supervision of a master’s-level social worker.
Through the study of social work, you’ll gain an understanding of the relationship between social work and Christian faith. You’ll be inspired to commit to social justice and a life of service.
Program Highlights
- Meet for class one night per week
- Progress through the entire program with a cohort of 12-22 adult students
- Engage diverse classmates from a variety of life stages and cultural backgrounds
- Study under experienced faculty and who assign relevant coursework
- Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation
- For a detailed program brochure, click here
View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure
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Catalog
Program Director: Patricia Salas, MSW
Overview
The social work and social welfare majors prepare students for positions in a variety of social work service careers. The majors integrate theory and practice, instill an understanding of the relationship between social services and Christian faith, and encourage a commitment to social justice and a life of service. It does so in the context of a liberal arts education informed by a Christian worldview. Upon completion of the majors, students will be prepared to seek entry level employment or pursue advanced study in the field per requirements specific to their matriculating institution. Students complete a set of foundational and advanced courses in human development, social policy, social work methods, practice and research.
The social work major prepares students for professions where a social work degree is required, and includes a semester long internship and thesis. Social welfare prepares students for a variety of human services opportunities, but does not include the internship or thesis components. Graduates with degrees in social work and social welfare may be needed in nonprofit agencies, including those that are faith-based, serving community needs. They may also be hired by probation departments, and county human service systems. Graduates may be in demand in community organization and development, work with the elderly, with children, families and the disabled. They may also work in schools, as substance abuse counselors, employment counselors or in a variety of special programs designed to help people and communities.
Students declare their major program prior to starting their major coursework. Students who wish to change their program after matriculation must submit their final degree intention to their advisor and the program director no later than the first day of Semester 3, Session 2 so that internships may be arranged.
Accreditation Status
Fresno Pacific University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education's Commission on Accreditation.
Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master's social work program by the Council on Social Work Education's Commission on Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Commission on Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.
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.
Admissions Process and Requirements
Admission to the Fresno Pacific University Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (Degree Completion) program is based on a review of each applicant's academic achievements, work experience, and personal statement, by the admission committee. Two years of post-secondary experience is required.
Application Process
To be considered for admission to the BA in Social Work program, please submit the following items:
- Completed Application for Admission. There is no application fee.
- Fpu.edu/applydc
- Completed Social Work Application for Admission
- Official college/university transcript(s) from each college or university attended as well as verification of high school graduation.
- Transfer students with an AA/AS degree are not required to submit high school transcripts.
- Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in an enveloped sealed by your institution to:
- Fresno Pacific University
Office of the Registrar
1717 S. Chestnut Ave
Fresno, CA 93702
- Statement of Purpose – Provide a written statement explaining your interest in the BSW program, long-term goals and any experience in the field.
- International applicants must submit additional documentation including English Proficiency Scores (TOEFL=minimum of 550 PBT or 79 iBT, IELTS=6.5), copy of passport, visa information and a statement of financial support.
Notification of acceptance will be sent as soon as all necessary documents are on file and have been reviewed by the admissions committees.
Please view other admission policies and information in the Admissions Policies and Requirements section of the catalog.
View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure at fpu.edu/about/disclosure-documents.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will apply themselves as professional social workers and conduct themselves accordingly.
- Students will apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.
- Students will apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments.
- Students will engage diversity and difference in practice.
- Students will advance human rights and social and economic justice.
- Students will engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
- Students will apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
- Students will engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services.
- Students will respond to contexts that shape practice.
- Students will engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Students will articulate the relationship between social work and the Christian faith in the context of a liberal arts education informed by a Christian worldview and the Fresno Pacific University IDEA.
Credit-Bearing Grades
Students must earn a C- or higher to receive credit for their social work courses. Students will receive credit for BIB 114 and BIB 239, as well as any other general education or elective course, with a D-. A social work major who does not pass SW 220/221, SW400/401, SW 420/421, or SW461, with a C- or higher, cannot continue to the field/thesis courses and internship component.
Program Length/Semester Starts
Social work is a scheduled, 24-month cohort program. For those who choose the social welfare option, the program is a scheduled, 18-month cohort program. Social work and social welfare students take the same academic courses for the first three semesters. Social work majors continue on to the fourth internship/thesis semester.
Locations Offered
North Fresno, Visalia
Degree Pathways
Social Work, B.A. (DC) Two Year Pathway
Social Work, B.A. (DC) ADT Pathway
General Education Requirements
Select at least four of the following (must be taken prior to or during the degree completion program):
- BIOL 100 - Principles of Biology Credits 3
- ECON 103 - Introduction to Economics Credits 3
- PS 121 - American Government Credits 3
- PSY 119 - General Psychology Credits 3
- SOC 121 - Introduction to Sociology Credits 3
Required Courses (51 Units)
The following units must be earned at Fresno Pacific University:
- BIB 114 - Jesus and the Christian Community Credits 3
- BIB 239 - Biblical Perspectives for Social Justice Credits 3
- PSY 411 - Abnormal Psychology Credits 3
- SW 221 - Helping People: Introduction to Social Work Credits 3
- SW 301 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment Credits 3
- SW 321 - Theory and Practice with Families Credits 3
- SW 331 - Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice Credits 3
- SW 351 - Urban Society and the Welfare State Credits 3
- SW 401 - Foundations of Social Work Practice Credits 3
- SW 411 - Working with Groups Credits 3
- SW 421 - Becoming a Change Agent Credits 3
- SW 441 - Social Problems and Public Policy Credits 3
- SW 390 - Chemical Dependency Intervention Credits 3 or
- SW 395 - Studies in Domestic Violence Credits 3
- SW 472 - Senior Seminar in Social Work I Credits 1.5
- SW 473 - Senior Seminar in Social Work II Credits 1.5
- SW 474 - Senior Seminar in Social Work III Credits 1.5
- SW 475 - Senior Seminar in Social Work IV Credits 1.5
- SW 476 - Thesis I Credits 1.5
- SW 477 - Thesis II Credits 1.5
- SW 478 - Thesis III Credits 1.5
- SW 479 - Thesis IV Credits 1.5
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.
Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education
You already have a lot going on in your life, which is why our degree completion programs are designed to meet you where you are. You'll be surrounded by other students who will support and encourage you, by faculty mentors who are invested in your success, by opportunities to connect what you learn in the classroom to the real world, and by connections to the employers who will help you move forward in your career.
First Steps to Admission
- Submit an application for admission (online)
* Admission applications are free, no discount codes required. - Request official transcripts from previously attended colleges, universities and high schools and send electronically to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu
- GED Transcripts OR any AA, AS, AS-T, AA-T from an accredited College or University as proof of High School graduation
- This includes any military transcripts you may have, along with your military release forms (DD214).
- Complete the FAFSA as early as October 1. (FAFSA Code: 001253)
Enroll in the minimum number of units per semester to qualify for loans. - Schedule an appointment with your Student Financial Services Advisor 559-453-2041 sfs@fresno.edu
Requirements
-
University Admission Prerequisites
- Minimum 6 transferable baccalaureate-level units
- Minimum 2.4 GPA
- 2 years post-secondary experience
-
Program Admission Prerequisites
- 60 transferable baccalaureate-level units
- Minimum 2.4 GPA
- 2 years post-secondary experience
Program Requirements
- Complete a second application for Social Work
- Interview with the Program Director
Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Information
Social Work and Human Services (AS-T) to Social Work, 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.
Transfer Agreements
The following guidelines are used when considering transfer credit:
- Courses completed at a regionally or ABHE, ATS, TRACS, or AARTS accredited institution
- Baccalaureate-level courses
- Grade of C- or better
- Courses are not duplicate to credit already received
- All GE and major courses must be taken for a letter grade, not pass/fail
- No lab is required for Area 5 Physical & Biological Sciences
- Some majors have lower division prerequisites. Select an institution below to see the school's general education and lower division major requirements
View full transfer policy Find agreements for your school
*Transfer Agreements are only a tool. Transfer work is not considered official until it has been evaluated by the FPU Registrar’s Office.
Non-traditional Admission
Cost & Financial Aid
The below listed prices reflect the current and upcoming Fall and Spring semesters and do not include any financial aid. Paying for college can be an overwhelming step in your education journey. We can help you find all the possible opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.
Tuition & Financial Aid
* This is an estimate. Costs subject to change. Cost of attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected tuition and fees for the coming academic year. Actual tuition rates are approved by the Board of Trustees and may vary.
Types of aid
Financial aid can refer to scholarships, grants and loans, which are available to you from the government, the university or outside sources. Aid types vary depending on the type of student you are.
Alexandra Green
Mathematics
The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend FPU. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but FPU helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.
Career Opportunities
With a degree in social work, you’ll be qualified to work in government or non-profit agencies and programs designed to the elderly, children and families, and the disabled.
Career Possibilities
- Social worker
- Counselor
- Probation officer
- Victim advocate
- Non-profit director
- Family and child welfare specialist
Career Development Happens Here
The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.
- Resume writing classes
- Career assessments, exploration & planning
- Job search and networking opportunities
- and much more