Sonia Medina Pranger, Ph.D., LCSW, PPSC
Assistant Professor of Social Work
MSW, Program Director
Social work is about empowering individuals and their communities. At Fresno Pacific, you will explore the intersection of human development, government and society as you learn to integrate faith and practice. You will complete a set of foundational graduate courses and then specialized advanced courses in behavioral health, children, youth, and family services, and community and faith organizational leadership. Graduate students engage in research scholarship as well as an internship in an advanced practice setting, working under the supervision of a master’s-level social worker.
Through the study of social work, you will gain an understanding of the relationship between social work and Christian faith. Students in the program will be inspired to commit to social justice and a life of service.
Program Highlights
- Meet for class two nights per week
- Progress through the entire program with a cohort of 12-22 students
- Engage diverse classmates from a variety of life stages and cultural backgrounds
- Study under experienced faculty and who assign relevant coursework
- Field internship in an advanced practice setting, supervised by a skilled practitioner in the social work profession
- Complete the graduate program in four semesters or two semesters if eligible for advanced standing (Please see MSW Handbook for more details on eligibility)
- Classes held in Fall and Spring semesters
- The program was granted accreditation candidacy status at the June 2024 Board of Accreditation meeting
- For a detailed program brochure click here
* Candidacy
Program has completed at least one year of Candidacy process and is moving toward full accreditation within two years.
Admission and Application
Fall 2025 Deadlines:
January 6th priority
March 3rd Final Deadline
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Catalog
Program Director: Sonia Medina Pranger, LCSW, PPSC, Ph.D. ABD
Overview
The social work program prepares graduate students for positions in a variety of advanced social work and service settings. 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 worldview. Upon completion of the MSW, students will be prepared to seek advanced level employment or pursue advanced graduate studies or licensure.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in advanced practice settings.
- Students will advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice in advanced practice settings.
- Students will engage anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice in advanced practice settings.
- Students will engage in advanced research-informed practice and practice-informed research analysis.
- Students will engage in advanced policy practice.
- Students will engage in advanced practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Students will assess in advanced practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Students will intervene in advanced practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Students will evaluate in advanced practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Students will ethically integrate faith in advanced practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Locations Offered
Main Campus Fresno, North Fresno, Visalia
Required Courses (54 units)- SW 710 - Introduction to Generalist Social Work Credits 3
- SW 711 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment Credits 3
- SW 712 - Social Welfare and Public Policy Credits 3
- SW 713 - Diversity and Social Justice Credits 3
- SW 714 - Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families Credits 3
- SW 715 - Social Work Practice with Groups, Organizations, and Communities Credits 3
- SW 716 - Social Work Research I Credits 3
- SW 717 - Social Work Research II Credits 3
- SW 718 - Ethical Faith Integration and Social Work Practice Credits 3
- SW 719 - Substance Abuse and Dependency Credits 3
- SW 721 - Field Seminar 1 Credits 1.5
- SW 722 - Field Seminar 2 Credits 1.5
- SW 723 - Field Seminar 3 Credits 1.5
- SW 724 - Field Seminar 4 Credits 1.5
- SW 725 - Field Seminar 5 Credits 1.5
- SW 726 - Field Seminar 6 Credits 1.5
- SW 727 - Field Seminar 7 Credits 1.5
- SW 728 - Field Seminar 8 Credits 1.5
- SW 731 - Thesis/Project I Credits 3
- SW 732 - Thesis/Project II Credits 3
- SW 745 - Advanced Clinical Practice Credits 3
- SW 752 - Change Agent and Nonprofit Leadership Credits 3
Choose an Elective (9-12 units):Behavioral Health
- SW 744 - Human Sexuality Credits 3
- SW 746 - Psychopathology and Pharmacology Credits 3
- SW 747 - Domestic Violence Credits 3
Children, Youth, and Families
Behavioral Health
- SW 747 - Domestic Violence Credits 3
- SW 748 - School Social Work Credits 3
- SW 749 - Child Welfare Policy and Practice Credits 3
- SW 750 - Advanced Practice with Children, Youth, and Families Credits 3
Community and Faith Organizational Leadership- SW 751 - Faith and Social Work Practice in Organizations and Communities Credits 3
- SW 753 - Serving Resiliently through Crisis and Trauma Credits 3
- SW 754 - Orientation to Chaplaincy and Grief Counseling Credits 3
Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education
The decision to embark on graduate studies is a big one. Our 40+ graduate programs will equip you to succeed in your career and in your life. You’ll become part of a small community of learners, thrive in a flexible learning environment and be challenged by a rigorous curriculum. Learn how much further you can go at FPU!
For more information, visit our Connect page to schedule a meeting with an admission professional or to find an upcoming information session or registration event.
Ready to take the next step?
To be considered for admission to the Master of Social Work program, please submit the following items:
- Completed Application for Admission and $45 non-refundable application fee.
- Completed Master of Social Work Application for Admission
- Priority Application Deadline is January 6
- Regular Application Deadline is February 3
- Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor’s degree.
- If you are currently finishing up your degree, please submit current transcript.
- A final transcript will need to be submitted before you may enroll in classes.
Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in an envelope sealed by your institution to:
Fresno Pacific University
Office of the Registrar
1717 S. Chestnut Ave.
Fresno, CA 93702
- Reference Form – Two references are required for the M.S.W. program. One reference should attest to your professional qualities and the other to your academic qualifications, noting your ability to complete graduate-level work.
- Statement of Intent – Provide a written statement explaining your interest in the program, long-term goals and your experience in the field.
- Resume – Submit a personal resume detailing your work experience.
View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure here.
Cost & Financial Aid
The below listed prices reflect the current and upcoming Fall and Spring semesters and do not include any financial aid. We can help you find opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.
Types of Aid
Financial aid opportunities are available from the university and outside sources. The Master of Social Work Scholarship will provide a limited number of scholarships, up to full program tuition, to the inaugural class of Fall 2023. Additional aid sources may include Private Loans and Scholarships, depending on student eligibility.
**Please note: Students enrolled in the Master of Social Work are ineligible to receive Title IV Aid.
Tuition & Fees
* This is an estimate. Costs subject to change. Please refer to the Catalog for additional fees. Cost of attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected tuition and fees for the coming academic year. Actual tuition rates are approved by the Board of Trustees and may vary.
Career Opportunities
An MSW degree is a career accelerator, preparing graduates with skills to become practitioners, therapists, administrators, and leaders in organizations and communities. Advanced field placement experiences combined with graduate research analysis, positions graduates to work in a variety of contexts and settings, such as:
- School Social Work
- Mental Health Therapist
- Prisons
- Ministry
- Non-profit Management
- Medical Social Work
- Child Welfare Practitioner
Career Development Happens Here
The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.
- Resume writing classes
- Career assessments, exploration & planning
- Job search and networking opportunities
- and much more