Sonia Medina Pranger, Ph.D., LCSW, PPSC
Assistant Professor of Social Work
MSW, Program Director
What is possible when you make a career of helping others?
Empowerment.
Social work is about empowering individuals as well as entire communities. Explore the intersection of human development, government and society as you learn to integrate faith and practice in your studies.
As a social work major at Fresno Pacific, you’ll encounter a combination of theoretical learning and hands-on training that will prepare you to address the needs in your community. Travel to the state legislature to lobby or explore theories of juvenile delinquency and justice.
Our fully-accredited program prepares you professionally in a supportive Christian atmosphere that integrates faith and ethics in ways that will make you highly sought after in the field.
Program Highlights
- Engage in a field placement coordinated and supported by faculty
- Intern for a semester with local organizations like the Mexican consulate, emergency response and Fresno County
- 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
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Faculty
Catalog
Program Director: Sonia Medina Pranger, LCSW, PPSC
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 semester-long internship.
Students interested in majoring in social work 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.
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.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
2. Students will engage diversity and difference in practice.
3. Students will enhance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
4. Students will engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
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 integrate faith into social work practice.
Social Work Program Admission
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 student's 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.
Student applying for admission should demonstrate:
- Academic Success (Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5/4.0 scale is required)
- Successful completion of prior low-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
Application Steps for the Social Work program:
Please submit the following with your application to be considered for the social work program:
- Completed and signed Social Work Program application
- Personal Statement as indicated on the application
- Resume covering employment, social work/volunteer jobs, and experiences as indicated on the application
- One letter of recommendation highlighting character, academic history, and career goals. This can be requested from a prior teacher, guidance counselor, administrator, or supervisor. Please make sure to explain to the recommender the purpose of the letter and what should be covered and included in the recommendation.
Selection and Notification
Completed applications will be reviewed along with any applicable previous academic coursework. A faculty interview will be scheduled with eligible candidates. Decisions will be sent out within three weeks of the completion of the process.
Re-Admission
Students who have previously started the program and have had to take more than one semester off may elect to submit an application for re-admission to FPU. If a leave of absence was filed and has not expired, a student may enter back into the program. If the leave of absence has expired, the student must reapply to the university and also to the social work program to re-attain admission.
Locations Offered
Main Campus Fresno
Degree Pathways
Social Work, B.A. Four Year Pathway
Social Work, B.A. (Social Work and Human Services AS-T Pathway)
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
- SW 120 - Helping People: An Introduction Credits 3
Advanced Courses- 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
- SOC 410 - American Ethnicity and Pluralism Credits 3 or
- SW 431 - Cultural Competence in Professional Practice Credits 3
- SW 461 - Introduction to Social Science Research Credits 3
- SW 480 - Senior Seminar in Social Work Credits 3
- SW 481 - Senior Social Work Thesis Credits 3
- SW 482 - Field Instruction in Social Work Credits 8
Recommended Elective Courses- CRIM 382 - Juvenile Delinquency and Justice Credits 3
- PSY 300 - Statistics Credits 4
- SOC 482 - Intercultural Practicum Credits 1
- SW 100 - Perspectives in Social Work Credits 1
- SW 110 - Participation in Volunteer Services Credits 1 - 3
- SW 310 - Social Gerontology Credits 3
- SW 390 - Chemical Dependency Intervention Credits 3
- SW 395 - Studies in Domestic Violence Credits 2
- CRIM 382 - Juvenile Delinquency and Justice Credits 3
- PSY 300 - Statistics Credits 4
- SOC 482 - Intercultural Practicum Credits 1
- SW 100 - Perspectives in Social Work Credits 1
- SW 110 - Participation in Volunteer Services Credits 1 - 3
- SW 310 - Social Gerontology Credits 3
- SW 390 - Chemical Dependency Intervention Credits 3
- SW 395 - Studies in Domestic Violence Credits 2
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
A unique feature of FPU's social work major is the hands-on preparation for entry into the profession. During the spring semester of your senior year, you will complete a supervised field placement in which you'll work 32 hours a week under the supervision of a master's level social worker. At the end of the semester, you will have completed 414 hours or more of training, making you a very desirable employee in a range of careers.
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