Program Director: Jon Clark, DSW
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' 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 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 application packet and an interview with the Program Director or designated social work faculty member.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
PSLO 1: Students will apply themselves as professional social workers and conduct themselves accordingly.
PSLO 2: Students will apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.
PSLO 3: Students will apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments.
PSLO 4: Students will engage diversity and difference in practice.
PSLO 5: Students will advance human rights and social and economic justice.
PSLO 6: Students will engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
PSLO 7: Students will apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
PSLO 8: Students will engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services.
PSLO 9: Students will respond to contexts that shape practice.
PSLO 10: Students will engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
PSLO 11: 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.
Locations Offered
North Fresno, Visalia, and Merced 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- A social work major who does not pass SW 462, Introduction to Social Science Research, with a C- or higher, cannot continue to SW 493-496, the thesis and internship component.
Return to: