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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

• MSW Handbook
• MSW Field Manual
• State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure

Admission and Application

Fall 2025 Deadlines:
January 6th priority
March 3rd Final Deadline

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Faculty

Sonia Medina Pranger, Ph.D., LCSW, PPSC

Assistant Professor of Social Work

MSW, Program Director

Edgar Manriquez, DSW

Clinical Assistant Professor of Social Work

Kimberly Lehner, MSW

Clinical Assistant Professor of Social Work

MSW/BSW Field Education, Program Director

Jonathan Clark, DSW

Associate Professor of Social Work

Catalog

Program Director: Sonia Medina Pranger, Ph.D., LCSW, PPSC

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.

Admissions Process and Requirements

Admission to the ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Master of Social Work program is based on a review of each applicant's academic achievements, work experience, and personal statement by the admission committee.

Application Process

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.
  • Fpu.edu/applygrad
• Completed Master of Social Work Application for Admission
  • Fpu.edu/MSW
  • Priority Application Deadline: January 6
  • Regular Application Deadline: February 3
  • Applications received after the regular application deadline will be reviewed on a space available basis.
• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and any post-baccalaureate work.
  • 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 enveloped sealed by your institution to:

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Office of the Registrar

1717 S. Chestnut Ave

Fresno, CA 93702

• If your cumulative GPA for your bachelor's degree is below a 3.0 (4.0 scale), a letter of explanation is required.
• Reference Forms – Two references are required for the MSW program. One reference should attest to your professional qualities and  the other to your academic qualifications, noting your ability to complete graduate-level work.
  • Forms can be found at fpu.edu/graduate-reference
• 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.

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

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.

Advanced Standing

Applicants who have graduated from a Council on Social Work Education (C.S.W.E.) Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) accredited program may be eligible to begin the M.S.W. program in year two of the curriculum. To be considered, you must have completed a verified 400+hour internship and submit verification of the field internship hours and of your B.S.W. final field evaluation.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in advanced practice settings.
2. Students will advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice in advanced practice settings.
3. Students will engage anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice in advanced practice settings.
4. Students will engage in advanced research-informed practice and practice-informed research analysis.
5. Students will engage in advanced policy practice.
6. Students will engage in advanced practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
7. Students will assess in advanced practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
8. Students will intervene in advanced practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
9. Students will evaluate in advanced practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
10. Students will ethically integrate faith in advanced practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Credit-Bearing Grades

As stated in the Registration and Academic Policies  portion of this catalog, students must earn a B- or higher to receive credit for their courses with the exception that students may earn a grade of C- or higher in a maximum of two courses. 

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

Specialized Electives (6 units)

• SW 744 - Human Sexuality Credits 3
• SW 746 - Psychopathology and Pharmacology Credits 3
• 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
• 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 ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ 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 ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥!  

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 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:

    ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥
    Office of the Registrar
    1717 S. Chestnut Ave.
    Fresno, CA 93702

• – 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.

• Private Loans

Tuition & Fees

2025-26

Tuition per Unit	Amount
700 Level	$770
Teacher Education	$770
MBA	$810
MSN and LEAD	$795
KIN	$660

Other Costs	Amount
Student services fee (per semester)	$85
* MBA Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters)	$1,500

2024-25

Tuition per Unit	Amount
700 Level	$750
Teacher Education	$750
MBA	$810
MSN and LEAD	$775
KIN	$610

Other Costs	Amount
Student services fee (per semester)	$70
* MBA Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters)	$1,500

* 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