Fresno Pacific University’s new Master of Social Work builds on the university’s reputation in the region and field to offer Valley students a new level of education.
Recruiting has begun for the MSW degree program and details are available at Social Work, M.S.W. | Fresno Pacific University
Social workers empower people and communities and at FPU, MSW students will integrate faith and practice in human development, government and society. In addition to foundation courses, advanced classes in behavioral health, organizational leadership and children, youth and family services will be available, along with internships and research opportunities.
Graduates will be prepared to reach out as servant-leaders, according to Program Director Sonia Pranger, MSW, LCSW, PPSC. “The mission of this MSW program is to expand the skills of trained, competent social work professionals to reach the corners of the Central Valley, where many marginalized and underserved people are most disenfranchised. We believe this work is central to God’s calling to mobilize helpers to care for the hurting.”
The program is also designed to serve busy professionals and those with family and other responsibilities. Highlights include:
- Classes that meet two evenings a week during fall and spring semesters
- Complete the program in four semesters—two if eligible for advanced standing
- Cohorts of 12-22 students who progress together for mutual learning and support
- Classmates from diverse backgrounds and stages of life
- Experienced faculty and relevant coursework
- Field internships with advanced practice supervised by a skilled social work professional
The accelerated two-semester format is for students entering with a B.A. in Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work education (CSWE). Those who begin with a bachelor’s in a different subject will take the four-semester curriculum.
MSW classes will be offered first on the main FPU campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno. The program will later grow to the North Fresno Campus, 5 River Park Place West, Suite 303, and the Visalia Campus, 245 N. Plaza Drive.
“Over the past eight years, our BSW graduates have consistently told us they are looking for an MSW option that is rooted in the values and peace tradition of an FPU education. I am thrilled that we can now offer an MSW program for them and so many other regional social workers with such a well-respected faculty team,” said Ron Herms, dean of the School of Humanities, Religion & Social Sciences.
FPU’s B.A. in Social Work, offered in formats for both traditional undergraduate and bachelor’s degree completion students, is also available. That program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation. More at Social Work Programs | Fresno Pacific University
The launch of the Master of Social Work program is funded in part by a $1.5 million grant from the California Department of Health Care Access & Information (HCAI) Social Work Education Capacity Expansion program. The HCAI program serves children and youth through developing and expanding social work education programs that increase the supply of trained behavioral health care staff. The program is supported by the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) and the Workforce for a Healthy California for All package.