Master of Social Work | MSW

Pacific University’s unique CSWE-accredited master of social work (MSW) program features educational experiences designed to prepare students to work as successful professionals in the social work field.

The Pacific University Master of Social Work program offers an advanced practice degree based on the purpose of the social work profession: to promote human and community well being. A low student-faculty ratio allows for individualized instruction and mentoring. Practical field education is designed to promote the application of social work values and ethics, theory, and skills to practice, and provides opportunities to explore social work practice in rural and urban settings.

To make a positive, lasting impact, a social worker must possess knowledge, values, skills and competencies. It takes more than a good heart and a desire to help. At Pacific University, we provide our students with the tools they will need to become professional social workers. Together, we will work toward creating a better world.

Earn Your MSW in Oregon, Serve Internationally

The Pacific University Master of Social Work program is offered on Pacific’s Forest Grove Campus, with online classes available to local students. Students build their skills and community connections with field experiences throughout the greater Portland area, as well as statewide with a. diversity of rural and urban experiences.

Each year, students also have the opportunity to participate in travel courses that expand their knowledge and experience of international social work opportunities. Travel courses alternate annually between New Zealand and Uganda.
 

Flexible Master’s Program

The Pacific University MSW program is a 64-credit course of study focused on a generalist curriculum with coursework in health, wellness, Latino families and culture, and racism, oppression and power in social work practice. Course are offered on Pacific’s Forest Grove Campus. 

Fieldwork experiences are embedded throughout the program, with students working with local and regional organizations under the supervision of a field instructor.

Open to students who have completed a four-year undergraduate degree in any major, the full MSW program may be completed in two years (full time), or students can choose to take courses part-time while they continue to work.

Advanced Standing Track

Students who have earned a bachelor of social work (BSW) from Pacific University or another CSWE-accredited program in the past five years may apply for advanced standing.

In the advanced standing track, students start with a one-credit “tune up” course, followed by 32 credits of coursework and field placements. Students may choose to take the program full time (two years) or take courses part-time while they continue to work.

The advanced standing track is available on the Forest Grove Campus. Students in Oregon and southwest Washington also can choose to take their classes online, but fieldwork placements are currently only offered in person in the Oregon and southwest Washington region.

Accreditation

The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Our listing in CSWE's directory is available online. Pacific's Master of Social Work is part of the Claire Argow Social Work Program, along with the Bachelor of Social Work.

In compliance with the Department of Education, 34 CFR 668.43, Pacific University’s Department of Social Work has reviewed the social work licensure laws for all 50 states. Our MSW program has been accredited by the CSWE since 2014. The MSW degree is one prerequisite designed to meet the educational requirements for applying for licensure in all 50 States to practice as a licensed social worker.

MSW Program Handbook (pdf) | Assessment Results (pdf)