Social Welfare, B.A.

Program Director: Patricia Salas, MSW

Overview

The social welfare major prepares students for positions in a variety of social service careers. The program integrates theory and practice, instills an understanding of the relationship between social welfare 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 worldview. Upon completion of the major, students will be prepared to seek entry-level employment or pursue advanced study in the social services sector, per requirements specific to their matriculating institution. Students complete a set of foundational and advanced courses in human development, social policy, and social science methods.

Accreditation Status

Fresno Pacific University is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

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.

(The Social Welfare Program is not accredited by the Council on Social Work Education)

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the Fresno Pacific University Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (Degree Completion) program is based on a review of each applicant's academic achievements, work experience, and personal statement, by the admission committee. Two years of post-secondary experience is required. See the Admissions Policies and Requirements section of the catalog for additional admission requirements.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate ethical and professional behavior. 
Students will Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice.  
Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice.
Students will Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice. 
Students will engage in policy practice.  
Students will engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Students will assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. 
Students will intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. 
Students will evaluate individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. 
Students will ethically integrate faith in social work practice.

Credit-Bearing Grades

Students must earn a C- or higher to receive credit for their social welfare courses. Students will receive credit for BIB 114 and BIB 239, as well as any other general education or elective course, with a D-.

Program Length/Semester Starts

Social welfare is a scheduled, 18-month cohort program with fall semester start dates.

Locations Offered

Online

General Education Requirements

Select at least four of the following (must be taken prior to or during the degree completion program):

BIOL 100 - Principles of Biology Credits 3
ECON 103 - Introduction to Economics Credits 3
PS 121 - American Government Credits 3
PSY 119 - General Psychology Credits 3
SOC 121 - Introduction to Sociology Credits 3

Required Courses (39 Units)

The following units must be earned at Fresno Pacific University:

BIB 114 - Jesus and the Christian Community Credits 3
BIB 239 - Biblical Perspectives for Social Justice Credits 3
PSY 411 - Abnormal Psychology Credits 3
SW 221 - Helping People: Introduction to Social Work Credits 3
SW 301 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment Credits 3
SW 321 - Theory and Practice with Families Credits 3
SW 331 - Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice Credits 3
SW 351 - Urban Society and the Welfare State Credits 3
SW 401 - Foundations of Social Work Practice Credits 3
SW 411 - Working with Groups Credits 3
SW 421 - Becoming a Change Agent Credits 3
SW 441 - Social Problems and Public Policy Credits 3
SW 462 - Introduction to Social Science Research Practice Credits 3

Electives

Elective units as needed to meet the Bachelor of Arts minimum. This requirement may also be met through allowable college coursework, advanced placement exams, the College Level Examination Program, international baccalaureate exams, and military or ACE credit.