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' 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 intership 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, adminstrator, 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.
Readmission
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 a 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
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