Social Work B.A.

Program Co-Director: Donna Callahan, M.S.W.

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

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. 

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will identify themselves as professional social workers by demonstrating knowledge of the values, ethics, and skills of the Social work profession while incorporating a Christian world view.
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.
4. Students will demonstrate skill in research, change agency and program planning.
5. Students will demonstrate sensitivity and awareness of differences among people.
6. Students will be prepared for employment and advanced study in the field.
7. Students will successfully complete a generalist internship under the supervision of a professional social worker.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno