Sonia Medina Pranger, Ph.D., LCSW, PPSC
Assistant Professor of Social Work
MSW, Program Director
When you commit to lifting others,
THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS.
Social welfare empowers individuals and their communities through meaningful relationships building a positive lasting effect on overall mental, physical and spiritual well-being. At Fresno Pacific, you’ll explore the intersection of human development, government and society as you learn to integrate your field of study through faith and practice.
By majoring in Social Welfare, B.A., you’ll encounter a combination of theoretical learning and hands-on training that will prepare you to address the needs in your community.
Not only will you 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.
Program Highlights
- Engage in a volunteer placement coordinated and supported by faculty
- Volunteer for a semester with local organizations with a social work lens and practicum
- Prepare for graduate school with a research project and final presentation
- Be transformed in a program that emphasizes an understanding of diversity, social justice and the values and ethics of social work
View State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure
Yes! Tell Me More!
Loading...
Catalog
Program Director: Sonia Pranger, LCSW, PPSC
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/Anabaptist 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. Students interested in majoring in social welfare 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.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will identify and demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
- Students will engage with diversity and difference in practice.
- Students will enhance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
- Students will engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
- 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 develop interventions with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Students will evaluate individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Students will explore the integration of faith and social welfare practice.
Locations Offered
Main Campus Fresno
Lower Division Major Prerequisites (12 units)
Select at least four of the following courses:
- BIOL 100 - Principles of Biology Credits 3
- ECON 101 - Principles of Microeconomics Credits 3 or
- ECON 102 - Principles of Macroeconomics Credits 3
- PS 120 - American Politics and Society Credits 3
- PSY 120 - General Psychology Credits 3
- SOC 120 - Introduction to Sociology Credits 3
Required Courses (48 Units)Foundational Courses (5-7 Units)
- SW 100 - Perspectives in Social Work Credits 1
- SW 110 - Participation in Volunteer Services Credits 1 - 3
- SW 120 - Helping People: An Introduction Credits 3
Advanced Courses (31 Units)- PSY 410 - Abnormal Psychology Credits 4
- SW 300 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment Credits 3
- SW 320 - Marriage and Family Credits 3
- SW 350 - Urban Society and the Welfare State Credits 3
- SW 360 - Social Problems and Public Policy Credits 3
- SW 400 - Foundations of Social Work Practice Credits 3
- SW 410 - Working with Groups Credits 3
- SW 420 - Becoming a Change Agent Credits 3
- SW 431 - Cultural Competence in Professional Practice Credits 3
- SW 461 - Introduction to Social Science Research Credits 3
Elective Courses (12 Units)
Take 12 units from the following:
- PSY 300 - Statistics Credits 4
- PSY 376 - Human Sexuality Credits 3
- SW 310 - Social Gerontology Credits 3
- SW 390 - Chemical Dependency Intervention Credits 3
- SW 395 - Studies in Domestic Violence Credits 2
- SOC 345 - Contemporary Issues in Immigration Credits 3
- SOC 346 - Human Trafficking: Perspectives and Interventions Credits 3
- SOC 360 - Sociology of Religion Credits 3
Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education
Whether you're a high school student, transfer student or parent, you'll find all the resources you need including application steps, tuition & financial aid, transfer and orientation information.
First Steps to Admission
- Submit an application for admission (online or printable mail-in)
* Admission applications are free, no discount codes required. - Send official copies of your transcripts to FPU.
- Complete the FAFSA. It can be completed starting October 1st. (FAFSA Code: 001253)
Program Requirements
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 students 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.
- Academic Success (Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5/4.0 scale is required)
- Successful completion of prior lower-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 internship requirements
Please complete the below application with your typed personal statement. All components of the admission packet must be submitted in its entirety to be reviewed. Incomplete or handwritten applications will not be accepted.
Please return completed application to:
Fresno Pacific University
Traditional Undergraduate BSW Program
1717 S. Chestnut Ave.
Fresno, Ca. 93702
Att: Sonia Medina Pranger
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 100 Principles of Biology (4)
- ECON 101 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
- Or ECON 102 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
- PSY 120 General Psychology (3)
- SOC 120 Introduction to Sociology (3)
- SW 120 Helping People: An Introduction (3)
- This program is offered as daytime traditional
ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.
Non-traditional Admission
Four-Year Graduation Guarantee
Earning a degree in four years allows you to get a head start on achieving your goals of entering the work force or starting graduate school. FPU guarantees graduation within four years in the traditional undergraduate areas of study. We commit to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation. If you fulfill your responsibilities and are unable to graduate in four years, you will receive the needed courses the following semester at no cost in tuition or fees.
Cost & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
Room & Board Rates
Financial Aid
Freshman Scholarships
Based on a student’s academic GPA. Academic GPA’s are calculated by FPU on a weighted, 4.0 scaled and based on core academic classes in grades 10-12. Renewable if a minimum GPA is maintained.
| Name | GPA | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Paragon | Full Tuition | |
| President's | 4.00 GPA and above | $18,000 |
| Dean's | 3.75-3.99 GPA | $15,000 |
| Heritage | 3.50-3.75 GPA | $14,000 |
| Faculty | 3.25-3.49 GPA | $12,000 |
| Founder's | Below a 3.0 GPA | $8,000 |
Transfer Scholarships
To be considered for a Transfer Academic Scholarship, you must have 12 or more transferable, post-high school units. GPA’s are based on transferable units and calculated by FPU.
| Name | GPA | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Scholar | 3.50 GPA and above | $14,000 |
| Transfer Achievement | 3.0-3.49 GPA | $10,000 |
| Transfer Academic | 2.40-2.99 GPA | $7,500 |
| Transfer Partnership | Below a 2.4 GPA | $6,000 |
Performance-based Scholarships
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| Athletic | $500 to Full Tuition |
| Music | $400 to $10,000 |
| Theatre Arts | $500 to $4,000 |
| Art/Design | $500 to $4,000 |
Other FPU Grants and Scholarships
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| FPU Possibilities Scholarship | Full Tuition |
| Church Match | $500 to $1,500 |
| International Scholarship | up to $6,000 |
| Mennonite Brethren Award | $4,000 |
| Out of State Student Scholarship | $4,000 |
| Other Awards | $100 to $10,000 |
Federal and State Grants
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cal Grant A | $9,358 |
| Cal Grant B | $1,648 |
| Pell Grants | $750 to $7,395 |
| Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant | $1,000 |
Federal Loans and Work-Study
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| Federal Direct | $3,500 to $7,500 |
| PLUS Loan | Up to remaining cost |
| Work-study | Contingent on employment |
Private Scholarships
Alumni, parents, friends, businesses and foundations have generously provided a special set of scholarships available to students attending Fresno Pacific.
Alexandra Green
Mathematics
The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend FPU. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but FPU helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.
Net Price Calculator
Now that you’ve seen the financial aid opportunities available to FPU students, we can estimate what your true cost may be to attend Fresno Pacific. Please keep in mind that this is just a computer generated, general estimate and may not capture all aid available, please work with your FPU Student Financial Services advisor to discover your true net price.
Career Opportunities
With a degree in social welfare, 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 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