Learn More: Interview with Lisa Hawash – Coordinator for the Online MSW Program at PSU
“The School of Social Work has a long, successful history (over fifty years!) and is a top-ranked school, nationally.” Read more from Lisa Hawash's interview
Course content for PSU’s online MSW program is identical to that of their on-campus program. PSU uses an online course delivery platform called D2L to deliver its 11-week long classes. Each online course typically requires about six to eight hours of work per week. Students can largely decide when they complete the learning modules in each course, but are also required to participate in synchronous, virtual (via ZOOM) discussions with fellow students and course faculty on at least one to two times each term.
Students must attend one 2-day on-campus intensive every year, in late September (the beginning of the academic year). These on-campus intensives are composed of face-to-face instruction with faculty, discussions and community-building activities with classmates and technology training. Students are required to complete two 500 hour internships for a total of 1000 hours of field education. To determine field placement sites, students and field faculty collaborate to find an optimal agency and supervisor.
Students who are currently employed at a social services agency or organization may wish to explore PSU’s Employed Social Worker Option, which is designed to allow students to complete one of their two internships at their current place of employment (restrictions may apply). Students are expected to spend 16 hours each week at their agency in order to fulfill the number of required hours, and must also participate in a bi-weekly seminar in their second year of the program during which they discuss their experiences with faculty and peers.
AAdmission requirements for PSU’s online MSW program are similar to those of their on-campus program. Applicants are expected to meet certain academic requirements and demonstrate a commitment to social service. Portland State University’s online MSW program is fully accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). PSU is also regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Portland State University’s online MSW program is fully accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). PSU is also regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Portland State University Online MSW Program: Overview
Department: The Portland State University School of Social Work
Degree Types: Traditional Standing Only
Concentrations: Two advanced concentrations: Community and Organizational Practice (Macro practice) and Health Across the Lifespan (Integrated Health)
Program Structure: Online with field education in student’s home community (Note: students must visit the campus for a two (2) day intensive at the beginning of year one and one day at the beginning of year two)
Instruction Methods: Program follows a cohort model with a pre-designed course sequence – students take 6-10 credits per term with year-round classes (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer). The majority of classes use asynchronous instruction, however, students will be required to periodically attend live classes to interact with professors and classmates (at least twice per term).
Program Information – Traditional Standing Students
Program Overview
- Program Name: Online MSW program
- Phone Number: (503) 725-4712
Program Requirements
- Field Education Requirements: 1,000 hours (two internships: 500 hours each at different agencies)
- Number of Credits Required: 78 quarter credit hours required to graduate
Program Length
- Program Options: Part-Time three year OR Advanced Standing Option (12 months/full time, must have a BSW degree from an accredited school)
- Program Length: Program takes three years to complete or one year (advanced standing option)
- Program Start Dates: Fall admission only
Admission Requirements
- GPA: 3.0 GPA - students with a GPA between 2.5-2.74 may be admitted conditionally
- GRE Information: Not Required