Social Work, B.A.

Program Director: Patricia Salas, MSW

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's 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 Process and Requirements

Admission to the Fresno Pacific University Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (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.

Application Process

To be considered for admission to the BA in Social Work program, please submit the following items:

• Completed Application for Admission. There is no application fee.
  • Fpu.edu/applydc
• Completed Social Work Application for Admission
• Official college/university transcript(s) from each college or university attended as well as verification of high school graduation.
  • Transfer students with an AA/AS degree are not required to submit high school transcripts.
  • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in an enveloped sealed by your institution to:
  • Fresno Pacific University

Office of the Registrar

1717 S. Chestnut Ave

Fresno, CA 93702

• Statement of Purpose – Provide a written statement explaining your interest in the BSW program, long-term goals and any experience in the field.
•  International applicants must submit additional documentation including English Proficiency Scores (TOEFL=minimum of 550 PBT or 79 iBT, IELTS=6.5), copy of passport, visa information and a statement of financial support.

Notification of acceptance will be sent as soon as all necessary documents are on file and have been reviewed by the admissions committees.

Please view other admission policies and information in the Admissions Policies and Requirements section of the catalog.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure at fpu.edu/about/disclosure-documents.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will apply themselves as professional social workers and conduct themselves accordingly.
2. Students will apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.
3. Students will apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments.
4. Students will engage diversity and difference in practice.
5. Students will advance human rights and social and economic justice.
6. Students will engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
7. Students will apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
8. Students will engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services.
9. Students will respond to contexts that shape practice.
10. Students will engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
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.

Credit-Bearing Grades

Students must earn a C- or higher to receive credit for their social work courses. Students will receive credit for BIB 114 and BIB 239, as well as any other general education or elective course, with a D-. A social work major who does not pass SW 220/221, SW400/401, SW 420/421, or SW461, with a C- or higher, cannot continue to the field/thesis courses and internship component.

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.

Locations Offered

North Fresno, Visalia 

Degree Pathways

Social Work, B.A. (DC) Two Year Pathway 

Social Work, B.A. (DC) ADT Pathway