Social Work/Social Welfare B.A.

Program Director: Sonia Pranger, M.A. 

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 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 if 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.

Admissions Requirements

The social work and social welfare programs require two years postsecondary experience. Prior to admittance into the social work program, candidates must complete an interview with the Program Director.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate knowledge and application of NSAW values and ethics in conjunction with Christian values in coursework and internship.
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of social work history, policies, practices, and their roots in the core values of the profession.
3. Students will demonstrate skill in applying the techniques and practices learned in the classroom with the supervised internship, conferences with field instructor, and case presentation.
4. Students will think critically, write effectively about research findings, assess needs in the community and display skill and leadership of services and collaborative work.
5. Students will participate in culturally diverse activities, show appropriate behavior with diverse client groups, and have written expression which is respectful and understanding of cultural, ethnic, religious, economic and racial diversity.
6.  Students will have appropriate written mechanics in coursework and field assignments (APA style) and use oral communications in class and public presentations.

Locations Offered

North Fresno and Visalia Campuses

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.

Credit-Bearing Grades

Students must earn a C- or higher to receive credit for their social work courses. Students will receive credit for BIB 314  and BIB 449 , as well as any other general education or elective course, with a D-