The Master of Social Work degree prepares students for advanced practice in the social work field, with a focus on values and ethics, theory, and field skills. Launched in 2014, the program is based at Pacific’s Eugene Campus but will expand in Fall 2022 to be available on the Forest Grove Campus as well.
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.
It takes more than a good heart and a desire to help. To make a positive, lasting impact, a social worker must possess knowledge, values, skills and competencies. 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.
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 wellbeing. 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.
Admissions Information
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Two-Year Master’s Program
Students complete the 64-credit master of social work program in two years of full-time study focused on a generalist curriculum with coursework in health, wellness, Latino families and culture, and racism, oppression and power in social work practice.
Fieldwork experiences are embedded throughout the two-year program, with students working with local and regional organizations under the supervision of a field instructor.
The program is open to students who have completed a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited university, in any course of study.
One-Year 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.
The advanced standing program starts with a one-credit “tune-up” course and requires one year (32 credits) of full-time study to complete.
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“That was one of my motivations, trying to figure out and address the barriers to care that Latinos have and see how I could help in this field.”
— Daisy Rizo '17, MSW '18
MSW Programs in Oregon
The Pacific University Master of Social Work two-year and advanced standing programs will be exclusively offered on the Forest Grove Campus starting in Fall 2023. Students build their skills and community connections in field experiences throughout the greater Portland area, as well as statewide with a diversity of rural and urban experiences.
Study on an idyllic campus under the oak trees and enjoy the best of the Pacific Northwest. Forest Grove is just a short drive or public transit ride from downtown Portland, and just an hour away from the Oregon Coast or Cascade Mountains.
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)
Headlines
Summers joined the Pacific University Graduate & Professional Admissions team in 2007, supporting the School of Learning & Teaching and Master of Social Work programs on the Eugene Campus.
Khandare is in his fourth year as a faculty member in the Master of Social Work program, where he uses his expertise in caste studies, homelessness and domestic violence to inform coursework and inspire student research.