As the demand for skilled professionals in social work continues to rise, prospective students are increasingly turning their attention to Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in Oregon. Nestled in the picturesque Pacific Northwest, Oregon offers a diverse array of MSW programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of individuals passionate about making a positive impact on society. From urban hubs to rural communities, these programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experiences necessary to address complex social issues and advocate for marginalized populations. In this article, we delve into the landscape of MSW programs in Oregon, exploring their unique features, academic offerings, and the enriching opportunities they provide for aspiring social workers.

MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in Oregon

Oregon Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements

Unless you have already completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program, you’ll need to enroll in a traditional MSW program to get licensed. To graduate, you must finish 60 credits and commit two years to your education. To apply, collect the following:

  • Bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology or a related area, from a regionally accredited institution
  • Minimum GPA requirement (typically around 3.0)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement or essay
  • Resume or CV outlining relevant experience
  • Completion of prerequisite courses (such as psychology, sociology, or human services)
  • GRE scores (some programs may waive this requirement)
  • Interview (some programs may require an interview as part of the application process)
  • Background check and/or fingerprinting

Oregon Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements

Students with a BSW can enter into a fast-tracked MSW program as long as they have a GPA of 3.5 or higher; all of the same admissions requirements above still stand. Here are a few advanced-standing MSW programs available in Oregon:

RELATED: Learn more about Social Work Salaries

Oregon MSW Program Tuition and Costs

As you can see, Oregon MSW programs aren’t particularly affordable compared to the rest of the country, but they are fairly consistent in their costs. To get a better idea, here are a few of the state’s MSW programs and their respective costs. Keep in mind that there are often lots of hidden expenses involved with the cost of your education, such as room and board and assorted fees.

SchoolTuition (per credit hour)Total CreditsTotal Tuition
Pacific University$85464$54,592
Portland State University$528 (Resident)
$755 (Non-resident)
78$41,128 (Resident)
$58,890 (Non-resident)
George Fox University$79462$49,228

Are Online MSW Programs in Oregon as Good as Campus-Based?

Online MSW programs are great for those who have busy schedules and don’t have time to commute to classes. But for some, in-person courses and access to on-campus resources are important. Either choice will provide the same rigorous coursework delivered by respected faculty. Take a look at the full range of benefits (and drawbacks) of online MSW programs here:

Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in Oregon

Traditional MSW ProgramsOnline MSW Programs
FormatIn-person classesOnline classes with some in-person requirements
FlexibilityLimited scheduling optionsMore flexibility in scheduling, often part-time options
LocationGeographically limitedAccessible from anywhere with internet connectivity
Learning EnvironmentClassroom-basedVirtual classroom, discussion boards, and online resources
NetworkingLocal networking opportunitiesNetworking with students and professionals from diverse locations
CostTuition, commuting, and relocation expensesGenerally lower tuition and flexibility to continue working
Hands-on ExperienceField placements and internshipsVirtual or field placements and internships arranged in the student's local area

To become licensed in Oregon, you must ensure that the program you enroll in is accredited. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is responsible for accrediting all MSW programs in the US. Look for their seal on all program websites, and contact the school’s program director if you have any questions about accreditation.

Learn more about Social Work Degree options:

Getting Your Oregon Social Work License

The final step to becoming a social worker is to get licensed. Each state has different requirements for state licensure. Learn about what you’ll need to get licensed in Oregon in our Social Work Licensure Guide.

Popular Social Work Careers

Discover the specializations available to you within social work. These social work careers can help you work with diverse populations in a variety of environments.

Female social worker talking with elderly female woman

School Social Worker

School social workers provide counseling, support, and advocacy for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop student success strategies, provide crisis intervention, and facilitate support groups.

Healthcare Social Worker

Healthcare social workers assess patients' social, emotional, and practical needs. They provide counseling and support, coordinate care with healthcare providers, advocate for patients' rights, and connect patients and their families with community resources to ensure holistic and comprehensive care.

Court Social Worker

Court social workers assess the needs of individuals involved in court cases. They develop intervention plans, provide counseling and support, monitor progress in court-ordered programs, collaborate with legal professionals, and advocate for clients' best interests in legal proceedings.

List of MSW Degree Programs in Oregon

Portland, OR

Master's Programs
724 SW Harrison
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 725-3000

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

Share This:
LinkedIn
Reddit