Social Work, B.A.

School of Humanities, Religion and Social Sciences

Explore Social Work, B.A.

What is possible when you make a career of helping others?
Empowerment.

Social work is about empowering individuals as well as entire communities. Explore the intersection of human development, government and society as you learn to integrate faith and practice in your studies.

As a social work major at Fresno Pacific, you’ll encounter a combination of theoretical learning and hands-on training that will prepare you to address the needs in your community. Travel to  the state legislature to lobby or explore theories of juvenile delinquency and justice.

Our fully-accredited program prepares you professionally in a supportive Christian atmosphere that integrates faith and ethics in ways that will make you highly sought after in the field.

Program Highlights

  • Engage in a field placement coordinated and supported by faculty
  • Intern for a semester with local organizations like the Mexican consulate, emergency response and Fresno County
  • Prepare for graduate school with a research project and final presentation
  • Be transformed in a program that emphasizes an understanding of diversity, social justice and the values and ethics of social work

View State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure

Catalog

Program Director: Sonia Medina Pranger, LCSW, PPSC

Overview

The social work major prepares students 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. It does so in the context of a liberal arts education informed by a Christian/Anabaptist worldview. Upon completion of the major, 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 and a semester-long internship.

Students interested in majoring in social work should complete their prerequisite and foundational courses during their freshmen and sophomore years. Students interested in graduate study should complete PSY 300 - Statistics  prior to graduation.

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.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.

2. Students will engage diversity and difference in practice.

3. Students will enhance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.

4. Students will engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.

5. Students will engage in policy practice.

6. Students will engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

7. Students will assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

8. Students will intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

9. Students will evaluate individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

10. Students will integrate faith into social work practice.

Social Work Program Admission

Applying for admission to the social work degree program is a two-step process. Students must apply and be admitted to the university prior to applying and being admitted to the social work program. Applications for the social work program are done during the student's second year at FPU (45 units must have been completed). Transfers will be considered on a space-available basis if pre-requisites have been met. 

Student applying for admission should demonstrate:

  • Academic Success (Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5/4.0 scale is required)
  • Successful completion of prior low-level social work courses
  • A passion and calling for social work as a career
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the social work profession
  • Personal and professional aptitude
  • Ability to meet all program and internship requirements

Application Steps for the Social Work program:

Please submit the following with your application to be considered for the social work program:

  • Completed and signed Social Work Program application
  • Personal Statement as indicated on the application
  • Resume covering employment, social work/volunteer jobs, and experiences as indicated on the application
  • One letter of recommendation highlighting character, academic history, and career goals. This can be requested from a prior teacher, guidance counselor, administrator, or supervisor. Please make sure to explain to the recommender the purpose of the letter and what should be covered and included in the recommendation. 

Selection and Notification

Completed applications will be reviewed along with any applicable previous academic coursework. A faculty interview will be scheduled with eligible candidates. Decisions will be sent out within three weeks of the completion of the process. 

Re-Admission

Students who have previously started the program and have had to take more than one semester off may elect to submit an application for re-admission to FPU. If a leave of absence was filed and has not expired, a student may enter back into the program. If the leave of absence has expired, the student must reapply to the university and also to the social work program to re-attain admission. 

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

Degree Pathways

Social Work, B.A. Four Year Pathway  

Social Work, B.A. (Social Work and Human Services AS-T Pathway)  

Lower Division Major Prerequisites (12 units)

Select at least four of the following courses:

  • BIOL 100 - Principles of Biology Credits 3
  • ECON 101 - Principles of Microeconomics Credits 3 or
  • ECON 102 - Principles of Macroeconomics Credits 3
  • PS 120 - American Politics and Society Credits 3
  • PSY 120 - General Psychology Credits 3
  • SOC 120 - Introduction to Sociology Credits 3

Required Courses (48 Units)

Foundational Courses

  • SW 120 - Helping People: An Introduction Credits 3

Advanced Courses

  • PSY 410 - Abnormal Psychology Credits 4
  • SW 300 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment Credits 3
  • SW 320 - Marriage and Family Credits 3
  • SW 350 - Urban Society and the Welfare State Credits 3
  • SW 360 - Social Problems and Public Policy Credits 3
  • SW 400 - Foundations of Social Work Practice Credits 3
  • SW 410 - Working with Groups Credits 3
  • SW 420 - Becoming a Change Agent Credits 3
  • SOC 410 - American Ethnicity and Pluralism Credits 3 or
  • SW 431 - Cultural Competence in Professional Practice Credits 3
  • SW 461 - Introduction to Social Science Research Credits 3
  • SW 480 - Senior Seminar in Social Work Credits 3
  • SW 481 - Senior Social Work Thesis Credits 3
  • SW 482 - Field Instruction in Social Work Credits 8

Recommended Elective Courses

  • CRIM 382 - Juvenile Delinquency and Justice Credits 3
  • PSY 300 - Statistics Credits 4
  • SOC 482 - Intercultural Practicum Credits 1
  • SW 100 - Perspectives in Social Work Credits 1
  • SW 110 - Participation in Volunteer Services Credits 1 - 3
  • SW 310 - Social Gerontology Credits 3
  • SW 390 - Chemical Dependency Intervention Credits 3
  • SW 395 - Studies in Domestic Violence Credits 2
  • SW 483 - Mediation Practicum Credits 1

Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education

Whether you're a high school student, transfer student or parent, you'll find all the resources you need including application steps, tuition & financial aid, transfer and orientation information.

First Steps to Admission

  • Submit an application for admission (online or printable mail-in)
    * Admission applications are free, no discount codes required.
  • Send official copies of your transcripts to FPU.
  • Complete the FAFSA. It can be completed starting October 1st. (FAFSA Code: 001253)
Recommended High School Courses for Admission
  • 4 years of college preparatory English
  • 3 years of college preparatory mathematics
  • 2 years of social studies
  • 1 year of laboratory science
  • 1 year of performing art
  • 3 years of the same foreign language with a C- or better
Things to Keep in Mind

Fresno Pacific University’s accepted students have average GPAs of 3.2-3.6. Please speak with an admission counselor to discuss your eligibility.

All application materials should be submitted online or mailed to:

Office of Undergraduate Admission
Fresno Pacific University
1717 S. Chestnut Ave. #2005
Fresno, CA 93702
ugadmis@fresno.edu

Program Requirements

Applying for admission to the social work degree program is a two-step process. Students must apply and be admitted to the university prior to applying and being admitted to the social work program. Applications for the social work program are done during the students second year at FPU (45 units must have been completed). Transfers will be considered on a space-available basis if pre-requisites have been met.

  • Academic Success (Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5/4.0 scale is required)
  • Successful completion of prior lower-level social work courses
  • A passion and calling for social work as a career
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the social work profession
  • Personal and professional aptitude
  • Ability to meet all program and internship requirements

Please complete the below application with your typed personal statement. All components of the admission packet must be submitted in its entirety to be reviewed. Incomplete or handwritten applications will not be accepted.

Please return completed application to:
Fresno Pacific University
Traditional Undergraduate BSW Program
1717 S. Chestnut Ave.
Fresno, Ca. 93702
Att: Sonia Medina Pranger

Application for Social Work Majors

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 100   Principles of Biology (4)
    • ECON 101   Principles of Microeconomics (3)
    • Or ECON 102   Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
    • PSY 120   General Psychology (3)
    • SOC 120   Introduction to Sociology (3)
    • SW 120   Helping People: An Introduction (3)
  • This program is offered as daytime traditional

ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.

Non-traditional Admission

Steps for Re-application

For those students who have applied to FPU’s traditional undergraduate program within the past 2 years and did not attend. Students who applied more than 2 years ago will need to resubmit a full application for admission:

  1. Fill out the re-application form
  2. Submit any missing documents or updated transcripts
Steps for Re-admission

Former FPU students who have not been enrolled in and/or have not submitted a leave of absence form for the previous semester are required to re-apply for admission to FPU:

  1. Fill out the re-admission form
  2. Submit official transcripts from other educational institutions attended during absence from FPU
Steps for Non-matriculated Admission

Students interested in taking classes, usually for personal or professional development, or to transfer to another institution, and is not interested in a degree from FPU. Non-degree students are not eligible for federal, state or institutional aid. Other requirements, class limits and pre-requisites may apply. See the academic catalog for more information:

  1. Fill out the Application for Admission indicating Non Matriculating/Non-Degree status non-matriculation application
  2. Submit proof of high school graduation or equivalent
  3. Some classes may require a pre-requisite course. If required, a college transcript will need to be provided
  4. Personal essays are not required
Auditing a class

Students wishing to audit a class at FPU may apply for audit status. Audit classes are not eligible for financial aid and students will not receive course credit.

  1. Fill out the Application for Admission indicating audit status
  2. Personal essays are not required

Four-Year Graduation Guarantee

Four-year graduation guarantee graphic

Earning a degree in four years allows you to get a head start on achieving your goals of entering the work force or starting graduate school. FPU guarantees graduation within four years in the traditional undergraduate areas of study. We commit to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation. If you fulfill your responsibilities and are unable to graduate in four years, you will receive the needed courses the following semester at no cost in tuition or fees.

Incoming requirements

This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements of 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major with no minor.

  • Where options between courses are available, students are not guaranteed their first choice.
  • This guarantee does not apply to “fifth-year” programs (teacher education credential requirements) or minimum units beyond graduation requirements (CPA qualifications, etc.) beyond the basic four-year bachelor’s degree.
  • The guarantee does not apply to transfer students or to FPU's degree completion programs.
  • Students not able to register for the courses needed within four years must complete the free course(s) within two terms of the end of four years (e.g. a summer and fall for those completing four years in the spring; or spring and summer for those completing four years in the fall).
  • The four-year period may be extended for students required to leave the university for up to one year (see the Leave of Absence section) for medical, military or personal reasons.
Student responsibilities
To qualify for the guarantee students must:
  • Meet with your mentor during the fall semester of the freshman year.
  • Finalize a major and begin prerequisite or lower-division major courses by the second semester of the freshman year and keep that major until graduation.
  • Complete at least 32 units per year (average 16 per semester) with passing grades in each course.
  • Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA and remain in good standing behaviorally with the university.
  • Meet with the mentor each semester for advising before registration opens and take the courses approved by the adviser/mentor that complete general-education and major requirements, in the appropriate sequence and as they become available.
  • Register within the first week of registration every semester to gain a spot in the classes needed.
  • Notify mentor if unable to register for an approved course so that an alternative plan can be made.
  • Apply for financial aid and submit required documents by appropriate deadlines.
  • Keep student account up-to-date. (Accounts not up-to-date may be placed on hold, preventing registration for courses.)
  • Complete required courses successfully (see Academic Policies section for minimum acceptable grades) without dropping required or approved courses during a semester.

Two-Year Transfer Guarantee for ADT Pathways

FPU guarantees a student with an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) from the California Community College system, can complete their degree in just two years. If a student meets the qualification requirements, fulfills the responsibilities under the program, and are unable to complete their major in a 2-year period, FPU will assume all additional tuition costs needed to complete their undergraduate degree at FPU.

Incoming requirements
  • 60 transferable units [grades of C- or better] from the California Community College system with a completed ADT (Associate Degree for Transfer)
  • Selected an ADT matched (similar) pathway from FPU’s undergraduate degree programs
  • Have completed the necessary pre-requisites in the discipline specific to intended major
  • Have at least a 2.4 transfer GPA
Student responsibilities
To qualify for the guarantee students must:
  • Enroll in an average of 15- 18 units per semester; not including repeated courses.
  • Remain in good academic standing by maintaining an institutional grade point average of 2.0 or higher
  • Enroll in the required number of consecutive semesters: 3-4 semesters depending on number of units transferred in
  • Make up units for any failed or withdrawn courses during the guarantee period, which may require you to take more than 15-18 units per semester
    • For TUG you may have to enroll in a summer semester.
  • Fulfill all graduation requirements, including core curriculum, major requirements, and upper division course work requirements.
    • Two Year Guarantee: complete enough upper division courses to have at least 40 upper division units by the end of the 4-semester time frame.
  • Take all required courses during the semester recommended by your Academic Advisor.
  • Register for all upcoming courses during the registration period.
  • Any courses from a Community College with “D+” or lower are non-transferable and require additional courses and semesters to graduate.
  • This guarantee may not apply to students starting in a spring or summer semester start (TUG only).
  • This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements: 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major.

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

2023-2024
Total Cost Item Amount
12-18 units (full time) per year $34,960
Student body fee $598
Total Tuition and Fees $35,548
Room $5,018
Board $5,130
Total Tuition, Fees & Board $45,696
Per-Unit Costs Amount
Per unit / Overload $1,248
Summer Session $500
Private Music Instruction $400
2022-2023
Total Cost Item Amount
12-18 units (full time) per year $33,614
Student body fee $574
Total Tuition and Fees $34,188
Room and Board $8,884
Total Tuition, Fees & Board $43,072
Per-Unit Costs Amount
Per unit / Overload $1,218
Summer Session $400
Private Music Instruction $400
2021-2022
Total Cost Item Amount
12-18 units (full time) per year $32,954
Student body fee $498
Total Tuition and Fees $33,452
Room and Board $8,710
Total Tuition, Fees & Board $42,162
Per-Unit Costs Amount
Per unit / Overload $1,177
Summer Session $300
Private Music Instruction $400

Room & Board Rates

Freshman / Sophmore Housing
Module* Fall Spring
Modules $4,313 $4,313
Jost Modules $4,619 $4,619 

* Full Access Meal Plan Included in Cost (Full Access Required)

Junior / Senior Housing
Suites & Houses Fall Spring
Room only $2,068 $2,068
Room-70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $2,719 $2,719
Room - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,276 $3,276
Room - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $4,400 $4,400
Jost Hall (4 person), Willow Gardens (4 person) & Kriegbaum Apartments (3 person) Fall Spring
Apartment - Room only $2,694 $2,694
Apartment - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,345 $3,345
Apartment - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,902 $3,902
Apartment - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $5,026 $5,026
Willow Gardens & Jost Hall  Apartments: 3 Person Fall Spring
Apartments - Room only $3,306 $3,306
Apartments - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,958 $3,958
Apartments - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $4,514 $4,514
Apartments - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $5,639 $5,639
Stand-Alone Meal Plans Fall Spring
70 Block $651 $651
140 Block $1,208 $1,208
Full Access Meal Plan $2,332 $2,332

* Residents living in the Houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.

Notes about housing
  • For housing placement purposes only, class standing for the fall semester will carry throughout the entire year (both fall and spring semesters).
  • Residents living in the houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
  • Meal plan contract dates will follow the traditional semester.

If you have questions that pertain specifically to housing or what housing you qualify for, please contact Residence Life at (559) 453-5696. Or visit our website at studentlife.fresno.edu/living-campus.

Financial Aid

Freshman Scholarships

Based on a student’s academic GPA. Academic GPA’s are calculated by FPU on a weighted, 4.0 scaled and based on core academic classes in grades 10-12. Renewable if a minimum GPA is maintained.

Name GPA Amount
Paragon   Full Tuition
President's 4.00 GPA and above $18,000
Dean's 3.75-3.99 GPA $15,000
Heritage 3.50-3.75 GPA $14,000
Faculty 3.25-3.49 GPA $12,000
Founder's Below a 3.0 GPA $8,000

Transfer Scholarships 

To be considered for a Transfer Academic Scholarship, you must have 12 or more transferable, post-high school units. GPA’s are based on transferable units and calculated by FPU.

Name GPA Amount
Transfer Scholar 3.50 GPA and above $14,000
Transfer Achievement 3.0-3.49 GPA $10,000
Transfer Academic 2.40-2.99 GPA $7,500
Transfer Partnership Below a 2.4 GPA $6,000

Performance-based Scholarships

Name Amount
Athletic $500 to Full Tuition
Music $400 to $10,000
Theatre Arts $500 to $4,000
Art/Design $500 to $4,000

Other FPU Grants and Scholarships

Name Amount
FPU Possibilities Scholarship Full Tuition
Church Match $500 to $1,500
International Scholarship up to $6,000
Mennonite Brethren Award $4,000
Out of State Student Scholarship $4,000
Other Awards $100 to $10,000

Federal and State Grants

Name Amount
Cal Grant A $9,358
Cal Grant B $1,648
Pell Grants $750 to $7,395
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant $1,000

Federal Loans and Work Study

Name Amount
Federal Direct $3,500 to $7,500
PLUS Loan Up to remaining cost
Workstudy Contingent on employment

Private Scholarships

Alumni, parents, friends, businesses and foundations have generously provided a special set of scholarships available to students attending Fresno Pacific.

View Private Scholarships

Photo of Alexandra Green

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.

Net Price Calculator

Now that you’ve seen the financial aid opportunities available to FPU students, we can estimate what your true cost may be to attend Fresno Pacific. Please keep in mind that this is just a computer generated, general estimate and may not capture all aid available, please work with your FPU Student Financial Services advisor to discover your true net price.

Calculate for First-Time FreshmanCalculate for Transfer

Career Opportunities

A unique feature of FPU's social work major is the hands-on preparation for entry into the profession. During the spring semester of your senior year, you will complete a supervised field placement in which you'll work 32 hours a week under the supervision of a master's level social worker. At the end of the semester, you will have completed 414 hours or more of training, making you a very desirable employee in a range of careers.

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

Visit the Career Development Center