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 ten 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 two-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. Traditional 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.
Admission 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 Online MSW Program: Overview
Department: The Portland State University School of Social Work
Degree Types: Traditional Standing Only
Concentrations: Community and Organizational Practice (Macro) 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 day intensive at the beginning of year one and 1 day at the beginning of year two)
Instruction Methods: Program follows a cohort model with a pre-designed course sequence – students take six to ten credits per term with year-round classes. The majority of classes use asynchronous instruction, however, students will be required to periodically attend live classes to interact with professors and classmates.
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 credit hours
Program Length
- Program Options: Part-time only
- Program Length: Three years
- Program Start Dates: Fall admission only
Admission Requirements
- GPA: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75
- GRE Information: Not Required
Program Information – Advanced Standing Students
Program Overview
- Program Name: Online MSW Program - Advanced Standing Option
- Phone Number: (503) 725-4712
Program Requirements
- Field Education Requirements: 500 hours
- Number of Credits Required: 46 credit hours
Program Length
- Program Options: Full-time
- Program Length: 12 months
- Program Start Dates: Fall admission only
Admission Requirements
- BSW Requirement: Students must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited program
- GPA: Minimum Graduate GPA of 3.0
- GRE Information: Not Required