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The Social Work, B.A. program at ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵֱ²¥ is focused on empowering individuals and communities.

You will explore the intersection of human development, government and society while learning to integrate faith and practice.

You’ll complete a set of foundational and advanced courses in human development, social policy, social work methods and research followed by an internship in the field working under the supervision of a master’s-level social worker.

Through the study of social work, you’ll gain an understanding of the relationship between social work and Christian faith. You’ll be inspired to commit to social justice and a life of service.

• Learn more about our Social Work Programs
• Learn about our Learn @ Lunch program

Program Highlights

• Meet for class one night per week
• Progress through the entire program with a cohort of 12–22 adult students
• Engage diverse classmates from a variety of life stages and cultural backgrounds
• Study under experienced faculty and who assign relevant coursework
• Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation
• Click here for a detailed program brochure

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure

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Faculty

Catalog

Program Director: Patricia Salas, MSW

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 year-long internship.

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

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵֱ²¥ 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 ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵֱ²¥ 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:

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵֱ²¥

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 demonstrate ethical and professional behavior. 
2. Students will Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice. 
3. Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice. 
4. Students will Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice. 
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 ethically integrate faith in social work practice.

Credit-Bearing Grades

Students must earn a C- or higher to receive credit for their social work courses. Students may receive credit for any 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. 

Locations Offered

North Fresno, Visalia 

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 (45 Units)

The following units must be earned at ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵֱ²¥:

• 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 401 - Foundations of Social Work Practice Credits 3
• SW 411 - Working with Groups Credits 3
• SW 421 - Becoming a Change Agent Credits 3
• SW 451 - Social Welfare and Public Policy Credits 3
• SW 463 - Field Instruction I Credits 1.5
• SW 465 - Field Instruction II Credits 1.5
• SW 467 - Field Instruction III Credits 1.5
• SW 469 - Field Instruction IV Credits 1.5
• SW 472 - Senior Seminar in Social Work I Credits 1.5
• SW 473 - Senior Seminar in Social Work II Credits 1.5
• SW 474 - Senior Seminar in Social Work III Credits 1.5
• SW 475 - Senior Seminar in Social Work IV Credits 1.5
• SW 485 - Social Science Research I Credits 3
• SW 497 - Social Science Research II Credits 3

Recommended 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.

• SW 390 - Chemical Dependency Intervention Credits 3
• SW 395 - Studies in Domestic Violence Credits 3

Office of Degree Completion Admissions

Phone: 559-453-3690

Email: Degree.Completion@fresno.edu

Program Requirements

• Complete a second application for Social Work
• Interview with the Program Director

Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Information

Social Work and Human Services (AS-T) to Social Work, B.A.

BA courses fulfilled through ADT:

• All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
• BA co-requisites and major courses fulfilled through ADT:
  • BIOL 125   Introduction to Biology (3)
  • PSY 119   General Psychology (3)
  • SOC 121   Introduction to Sociology (3)
  • Economics (3)
• This program is offered as evening accelerated

ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.

Transfer Agreements

Non-traditional Admission

Cost & Financial Aid

Student Financial Services

Phone: 559-453-2041

Fax: 559-453-5595

Cashier: 559-453-5586

Toll free: 866-321-7502

FAFSA code: 001253

Email: sfs@fresno.edu

Tuition & Financial Aid

Alexandra Green

Mathematics

The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵֱ²¥. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵֱ²¥ helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.

Career Opportunities

With a degree in social work, you’ll be qualified to work in government or non-profit agencies and programs designed to the elderly, children and families, and the disabled.

Career Possibilities

• Social worker
• Counselor
• Probation officer
• Victim advocate
• Non-profit director
• Family and child welfare specialist

Career Development Center

Phone: 559-453-2073

Email: career.services@fresno.edu

Career Development Happens Here