4 CSWE-Accredited Oregon MSW Programs
Looking to take your social work career to the next level with an Oregon MSW program? The field just needs skilled social work professionals right now, which makes this the perfect time to earn your master’s degree in this meaningful field.
Oregon has MSW programs of all types that align with your career goals and educational priorities. Students can choose from several options. The advanced-standing Master of Social Work programs take only two semesters to complete, while other flexible part-time formats let you study at your own pace. Portland State MSW leads the way as the state’s only school with an online program. George Fox MSW brings something special to the table with its advanced-standing program – students complete it in two semesters through an Advanced Generalist curriculum. The three major schools also provide advanced standing tracks specifically designed for students who have Bachelor of Social Work degrees accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
These four Oregon programs give you different paths to reach your social work career goals. This applies whether you’re fresh out of your BSW program and want to get your master’s degree quickly, or you’re already working and want to improve your professional credentials.
George Fox University MSW Program
George Fox University runs one of Oregon’s leading MSW programs that blends Christian faith with professional social work practice. Students learn to work in public and private social welfare settings across Oregon and beyond.
Accreditation and reputation
George Fox University’s Master of Social Work program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) through October 2028. This professional accreditation helps students get licensed and ensures high program quality. The university has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1959.
The program boasts a 90.5% first-time clinical licensure exam pass rate. The U.S. government and the states of Oregon and Idaho have approved George Fox to educate veterans. The U.S. attorney general has also cleared it to admit international students. The university takes part in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements that sets national standards for distance education courses.
George Fox’s MSW program stands out from other Oregon programs because it weaves Christian faith into social work practice. The program uses a bio-psycho-social-spiritual model that creates an all-encompassing approach to understanding communities and people.
Program format and duration
Students can choose flexible formats in the MSW program. The traditional MSW program takes two, three, or four years to finish and has 62 credit hours. Students with accredited BSW degrees can pick the Advanced Standing option. This takes eight to 20 months and needs 32 credit hours.
Students take online courses and complete in-person practicum requirements. Working professionals can balance their studies with their jobs. Students can often do their practicum at their current workplace if they work in eligible social work settings.
Students who finished their BSW within five years get preference for Advanced Standing. Those who completed their BSW more than five years ago might still qualify if they show ongoing education and professional social work practice.
Specializations and curriculum
The program follows an Advanced Generalist curriculum that gives students complete training in social work. Students learn both micro-level (individual and family) and macro-level (community and organizational) skills. This makes graduates versatile in their career choices.
Advanced generalist social work practice combines psychological and developmental theories, practice approaches, social policies, and political action. Graduates can work in many settings with different populations.
The curriculum builds on liberal arts basics and helps students gain and blend knowledge, skills, and ethics. Core skills include:
- Ethical and professional behavior
- Human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice
- Anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in practice
- Research-informed models
- Policy practice skills
- Working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
Students can also complete a School Social Work Licensure Preparation Program. This extra training prepares them to work in K-12 schools and meets Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission’s licensure requirements.
Fieldwork and practicum
Fieldwork gives students hands-on agency experience. They practice under qualified supervision in various social service settings.
Advanced Standing students do one eight-month supervised practicum with at least 560 hours. This averages 20 hours weekly over 14 weeks each semester. Traditional MSW students complete two eight-month supervised practicums: Generalist (about 16 hours weekly) and Advanced Generalist (20 hours weekly).
Students can work in:
- State social services
- Community mental health
- School social work
- Medical social work
- Criminal justice
- Veteran services
- Housing and employment initiatives
- Immigration and refugee resettlement
Students join weekly seminars with four to six others, led by experienced social workers. They discuss practicum experiences and apply classroom learning. Evening and online seminars add flexibility.
Students use Tevera, an electronic field education software, to submit practicum applications, resumes, and assignments online. The practicum placement process starts right after admission.
Admission requirements
The program accepts qualified candidates whatever their race, color, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, religion, political affiliation, or sexual orientation.
Traditional program applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school with a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must submit:
- A completed online application with official transcripts
- Two professional and/or academic references
- A professional resume
- A 500-word statement of purpose about graduate work readiness
- A scholarly writing sample
Advanced Standing applicants need a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program with a 3.0 or higher overall GPA and in social work courses. They must have earned at least a B in all practice and field courses.
International applicants with non-U.S. social work degrees must complete the International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service.
Tuition and affordability
Full-time MSW students (8+ credits) pay $12,704 per semester for 2024-2025. The traditional program costs about $50,220 total, while Advanced Standing costs around $25,920.
Other 2024-2025 expenses include:
- Housing: $7,992 per semester
- Food: $3,321 per semester
- Books and supplies: $475 per semester
- Transportation: $920 per semester
- Personal expenses: $1,610 per semester
Full-time students pay a $70 Student Service Fee per semester. Part-time students (1-7.5 credits) pay $35.
The university offers financial aid. George Fox University’s undergraduate students’ median federal loan debt is $24,250. The university meets 86% of student financial aid needs.
Students must buy lifetime Experiential Learning Cloud access for $215 to use the electronic practicum system.
A $240,000 grant funds the BECOME project that mentors minority social work students. This helps students who lack resources and boosts their academic and professional growth.
Pacific University MSW Program
Pacific University’s Claire Argow Social Work Program stands out among Oregon MSW programs. The program creates culturally competent social work professionals through values-based education. Students learn to handle complex social issues in settings of all types.
Accreditation and recognition
Pacific University’s Master of Social Work program has full accreditation through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation helps students qualify for licensure by meeting national standards. The university also maintains accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the WASC Senior College and University Commission since 1949, valid through 2027.
Pacific University’s reputation speaks through its rankings. U.S. News & World Report (2025) ranks it #3 for Best Value in California. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse (2024) places it at #11 for Best Private University in the West, while the Wall Street Journal 2025 ranks it #36 for Social Mobility. The university shares the #7 spot for Ethnic Diversity in California with UC Berkeley and University of Southern California.
Student success remains the university’s priority. Pacific ranks #1 for career earnings among U.S. colleges and universities with the highest percentage of Pell Grant recipients (Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce). Money Magazine gave Pacific 5 out of 5 stars as one of the Best Colleges in America (2023).
Format and flexibility
The MSW degree offers multiple paths that fit different student needs. The full program has 64 credits and runs in-person at the Forest Grove Campus. Students can pick between:
- A full-time path finishing in two years
- A part-time option that lets you keep working while studying
Students with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program completed within five years can take the advanced standing track. This faster option:
- Starts with a one-credit “tune-up” course
- Needs only 32 credits
- Takes just one year for full-time students
- Offers part-time schedules for working professionals
- Runs online for students in Oregon and Southwest Washington
This flexible approach lets students match their education to their life and work needs. Students get both classroom learning and hands-on field experience for a well-rounded education.
Specializations and curriculum
The MSW program builds a generalist approach based on social work values and ethical principles. Key focus areas include:
- Health and wellness
- Latino families and culture
- Racism, oppression, and power in social work practice
This foundation readies students to work in social work settings of all types. Graduates become culturally aware, trauma-informed practitioners who excel at helping marginalized populations.
Learning outcomes match the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (2015) of the Council on Social Work Education. Students master these skills:
- Ethical and professional behavior
- Engaging with diversity and difference
- Advancing human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
- Practice-informed research
- Policy practice
- Working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
The targeted curriculum helps students serve marginalized groups better. Special focus areas come through grant programs too. A two-year $1.8 million grant from the Oregon Health Authority helps MSW students with tuition and stipends to boost diversity in mental health workforce.
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Portland State University MSW Program
Portland State University is Oregon’s only public institution that offers an MSW program. For over 50 years, it has been at the forefront of social work education in the state. The program helps students challenge oppression systems, build racial equity, and become effective social change agents.
Accreditation and rankings
Portland State University’s School of Social Work has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This ensures graduates meet professional standards for licensure and practice. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) provides regional accreditation to the university, proving its academic programs’ quality right.
The program has earned notable national recognition. U.S. News & World Report places the program at #36 among social work programs nationally. The program ranks among the top 12% of Social Work Schools in the United States.
These rankings show the program’s excellence in social work education and its dedication to dismantling oppressive systems while building racial equity. The school’s partnerships with major medical systems, Oregon Department of Human Services, and local public school systems demonstrate its strong reputation.
Online and campus options
Students can choose from several program formats that offer great flexibility:
Portland Campus Option:
- Two-year program (full-time)
- Three-year program (part-time)
- Four-year program (part-time)
Distance Options:
- Eugene Option: Classes held on Fridays at University of Oregon Baker Downtown Center with a three-year curriculum
- Central Oregon Option: Three-year program with Friday classes at Central Oregon Community College in Bend
Online Option:
- Pacific Northwest’s first MSW online option
- Students from 49 states can enroll (except Colorado)
- Complete in two or three years
Working professionals find the online program particularly flexible. Students take 13 credits per term in the two-year option, while the three-year option requires 6 to 10 credits per term. Healthcare practicums might not be available outside Oregon due to regional school/community partnerships.
Students from other accredited MSW programs can transfer to Portland State’s online program. This makes the MSW program available to students with different geographic locations and scheduling needs.
Specializations and tracks
Students can choose from focused specialization options that prepare them for various career paths. The program offers two main advanced concentrations:
- Advanced Macro Practice (MACRO) – Students learn leadership skills in policy-making and community response, using critical race theory and strengths-based practices
- Advanced Clinical Practice (CLIN) – Students develop direct practice skills for working with individuals, families, and groups
These concentrations don’t limit career options. All graduates can apply for Oregon’s clinical social work license regardless of their chosen concentration. Eugene and Central Oregon locations focus only on the clinical concentration.
Portland State also offers specialized tracks and certificate programs:
- School Social Work Licensure Track – Guides students toward Oregon Preliminary School Social Work License for K-12 schools
- Graduate Certificate in Gerontology – Students study across disciplines with the Institute of Aging in the College of Urban and Public Affairs
- Master of Public Health/Master Social Work Dual Degree – A collaboration with OHSU-School of Public Health offering Health Management and Policy or Health Promotion tracks
- Culturally Responsive Child Welfare Education Program – Students get tuition help and educational support if they commit to working in Oregon’s Department of Human Services or tribal Child Welfare after graduation
These options let students customize their education while maintaining essential social work competencies.
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University of Portland MSW Program
The Dorothy Day Social Work Program at University of Portland rounds out Oregon’s premier MSW programs. Students can advance their social work education through the program’s bachelor’s degree foundation.
Accreditation and credibility
The University of Portland Social Work Program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This prestigious credential shows the program meets national standards through rigorous self-studies, site visits, and board reviews. The accreditation helps students gain advanced standing in many MSW programs across the country. Top 5 MSW programs in the United States regularly accept the program’s graduates. Students can complete their graduate degree in just one year instead of two.
Online learning format
The University of Portland emphasizes in-person undergraduate education that prepares students for MSW programs. The university does not offer a standalone online MSW degree at present.
Curriculum and focus areas
The curriculum matches first-year graduate-level social work education. Students learn about social justice, research methods, cultural diversity, human behavior, social policy, and counseling techniques. The program places special emphasis on social justice and diversity throughout the coursework. Students who excel in scholarship and achievement can join the Phi Alpha Society.
Fieldwork and practicum
Senior students complete a minimum 400-hour practicum. They spend 15-20 hours each week for two semesters at selected agencies under professional supervision. A weekly seminar helps merge theory with practice. Students need senior status, completion of all 300-level required courses, and appropriate professional skills to qualify.
Admission requirements
The program requires students to maintain a 2.5 GPA minimum in all major-required courses. Students can start their application through PilotsUP’s “add major” form, which the CAS Advising Office processes.
Tuition and financial aid
University of Portland’s tuition is $58,100. The total cost reaches $75,560 with housing, meals, and other expenses. First-year students receive an average need-based scholarship of $42,574. Need-based aid goes to 76% of students. The university meets 78% of students’ financial needs. Graduates leave with a median federal loan debt of $21,370.
Start your Oregon MSW Program Today
Your social work career in Oregon can advance by a lot when you pick the right MSW program. The four programs each bring something special to match different career goals and situations. George Fox University blends Christian faith with professional practice. Pacific University’s Claire Argow Social Work Program focuses on culturally competent education. Portland State University is Oregon’s only public MSW provider and gives you great flexibility with online, campus-based, and distance options. University of Portland mainly teaches undergraduates but creates a solid path to advanced standing in top MSW programs across the country.
These schools share some key features. They all have CSWE accreditation, so your degree meets national standards for licensure and professional practice. George Fox, Pacific, and Portland State let BSW graduates take advanced standing, which could cut your program time in half. Each program includes extensive fieldwork that gives you vital hands-on experience with professional supervision.
The costs vary by a lot between Portland State’s public pricing and private universities’ higher rates. Every program offers financial aid through scholarships, assistantships, and federal help. This investment pays off since social work professionals are in high demand in healthcare, education, government, and nonprofit sectors.
Your final choice depends on what works best for you – program format, location, specialization interests, and costs. Some students might prefer Portland State’s online flexibility. Others value George Fox’s faith-based approach or Pacific’s focus on cultural competency.
Now you have detailed information about Oregon’s MSW options and can choose a program that fits your professional goals and personal situation. This vital decision starts your trip to becoming a master’s-level social work professional. It shapes your career path and prepares you to help individuals, families, and communities throughout Oregon and beyond.