Pacific University MSW

Pacific University is an essential part of Oregon’s educational landscape with a rich history dating back to 1849. The university sits 23 miles west of Portland in Forest Grove, giving students a perfect blend of small-town charm and city access. Pacific serves as the only detailed university in Washington County, welcoming students in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.

The Forest Grove campus beautifully combines historic brick buildings with modern learning facilities under majestic oak trees. Students find the Master of Social Work program here among other residential undergraduate programs and graduate professional programs in optometry, speech-language pathology, and teaching. The university also has a campus in Hillsboro and an office in Portland to serve the entire region.

Life at Pacific University goes far beyond academics. The campus has:

• A student center, state-of-the-art library, residence halls, and athletic complex
• Old College Hall museum, Kathrin Cawein Gallery of Art, and Boxer Makerspace
• Easy access to the Portland metro area through TriMet mass transit system

Students can find exceptional recreational activities in the surrounding Willamette Valley. The Outdoor Pursuits adventure program lets you spend weekends surfing, skiing, hiking, or rock climbing. The countryside near town showcases forests, farmlands, and vineyards with stunning views of the Cascade Mountains.

The Claire Argow Social Work Program runs Pacific University’s MSW program with faculty experts leading the way. The MSW Program Director leads this program with experienced professionals including the MSW Director of Field Education, associate professors, and assistant professors. Faculty members bring expertise in medical social work, generational historical trauma, and school-based mental health to guide students throughout their educational trip.

The Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the WASC Senior College and University Commission accredits the university through 2027. Pacific’s MSW stands out as one of only three approved pathways to school social work licensure in Oregon, meeting all Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission standards.

With over 3,000 students and a steadfast dedication to enable individuals and communities, Pacific University prepares students to make meaningful contributions as social work professionals.

Programs offered

Pacific University’s Claire Argow Social Work Program provides several paths to become a licensed social worker. Students can choose options that best match their needs and career goals.

The Traditional MSW Program helps aspiring clinical social workers who don’t have a bachelor’s degree in social work. This detailed program needs 55 credit hours and 1,104 field practicum hours. Students can finish in just 16 months with full-time study (four trimesters) or take a part-time route lasting 32 months (eight trimesters). The program starts three times a year (fall, spring, and summer) to fit different schedules. Tuition costs $983 per credit hour, bringing the total to $54,065.

The Hybrid MSW Program blends online learning with classroom sessions. Students in this 55-credit program attend weekly in-person classes to build connections with faculty and classmates while completing 1,104 field practicum hours. The hybrid option begins once yearly (fall) and costs $1,035 per credit hour. The total comes to $56,925 plus wellness and activity fees. Stockton residents might qualify for the Abbott Fund Scholarship, which can cut tuition costs by up to 50%.

The Advanced Standing MSW works best for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program in the last five years. This simplified program requires 32 credit hours and 720 field practicum hours. Students can choose online or hybrid formats. The online version starts three times yearly, while the hybrid format begins in spring. Online students pay $983 per credit hour (total $31,456), and hybrid students pay $1,035 per credit (total $33,120) plus fees.

All MSW programs at Pacific University specialize in:

• Health care
• Behavioral health

Students learn about human rights and social justice while developing skills in culturally responsive services, mental health diagnoses, and advanced therapeutic approaches. Field education practicums happen during foundation and concentration years under MSW field instructors’ supervision.

Pacific University also offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program with CSWE accreditation. This undergraduate program emphasizes diversity, humility, and social justice to prepare students for social work careers. BSW graduates can move directly into Pacific’s advanced standing MSW program.

Pacific’s MSW stands out as one of only three approved programs for school social work licensure in Oregon. This gives graduates an edge when seeking jobs in education.

About the online program

Pacific University’s online MSW program gives you the flexibility to advance your social work education while keeping your current commitments. You can complete all coursework remotely in this 100% online format with no campus visits needed.

The program focuses on clinical social work practice to help you become a change agent who values diversity and delivers excellent client care. Social work aims to improve everyone’s quality of life, so the curriculum will give you the skills to practice in complex environments. You’ll grow into a compassionate professional who provides culturally sensitive clinical care through evidence-based approaches.

Your completion time depends on your chosen path:

• Traditional MSW: The 55-credit hour program takes just 16 months (four trimesters) full-time or 32 months (eight trimesters) part-time
• Advanced Standing MSW: Students with a BSW can finish in 12 months (three trimesters) full-time or 20 months (five trimesters) part-time

Field education plays a vital role in your online experience. A field placement system helps arrange your required practicum hours close to your community. Traditional MSW students must complete 1,104 field practicum hours, while advanced standing students need 720 hours.

Students can start their education at three different times each year (fall, spring, and summer). This flexible program structure works well for both career-changers and working professionals who just need schedule flexibility.

Licensed social workers who lead their field will guide you as faculty members throughout your educational experience. “Social Work Wednesday” virtual information meetings happen weekly to cover program details, field education, admissions processes, and financial assistance options.

The online program offers two specialization tracks:

• Health care
• Behavioral health

These specializations prepare you to practice in high-demand social work areas.

Students should know that field placements have some geographic limits. The advanced standing online track serves students in Oregon and Southwest Washington specifically due to practicum placement requirements.

The distance learning format delivers the same rigorous education and CSWE-accredited curriculum that prepares you for clinical social worker licensure after graduation.

Accreditation

Quality assurance at Pacific University’s MSW program starts with accreditation. The program has full accreditation through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This designation verifies the program’s academic excellence and professional standards.

CSWE accreditation matters for several significant reasons:

• Graduates can apply for social work licensure in all 50 states
• BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs qualify for advanced standing status
• The curriculum meets national standards for social work education

Pacific University has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the WASC Senior College and University Commission since 1949. The latest review happened in 2019, and the current accreditation runs through 2027.

CSWE’s accreditation process looks at curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and institutional resources. Programs can receive different status designations: Fully Accredited, Accredited (Conditional), Accredited (Withdrawal in Progress), Candidacy, or Pre-Candidacy. Pacific’s program has full accreditation status, which shows it meets all standards.

Your path to licensure after graduation depends on this accreditation. Licensed social work practice needs 3,500 hours of clinical experience and observation. The program gives you 920 total hours of field experience with licensed social workers who supervise your progress toward these requirements.

Pacific’s MSW stands out as an approved pathway for school social work licensure in Oregon. Students don’t need additional coursework to meet Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission’s requirements for licensure recommendation.

California students will find the program meets all state licensure requirements. Pacific University designs its educational curriculum to satisfy professional licensing requirements in multiple states.

Students should check if the program meets licensure requirements in their state or territory before enrolling. Pacific determines student location based on the physical address in enrollment applications, with special provisions for military service members.

Pacific University’s MSW program accreditation makes sure your education meets the highest professional standards. This really prepares you for licensure and ground social work practice after graduation.

Admission Requirements

Pacific University’s MSW program admission process ensures your readiness for this challenging field of study. The university takes a comprehensive approach to evaluate your academic and professional background.

The simple requirements for the traditional MSW program include:

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 (though 3.0 is strongly desired)
• Completed online application through SocialWorkCAS
• Professional resume/CV
• Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
• Personal statement
• Successful background check upon admission

Advanced Standing MSW program requirements are more specific. You need a baccalaureate degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program earned in the last five years with a B+ or higher and a 3.3 minimum GPA in the last 60 units.

Students whose first language isn’t English must prove their English language proficiency through approved tests.

Pacific University’s current students can benefit from the Guaranteed Grad School Admission Program. Undergraduates secure their MSW program spot by completing their bachelor’s degree at Pacific with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Pacific’s BSW graduates qualify for Advanced Standing when they maintain the same GPA and apply within five years of graduation.

Enrollment advisors help answer your questions about tuition, admission requirements, field placement, and program details before you submit your application. “Social Work Wednesday” virtual information sessions provide more details about the application process.

Transfer students bring valuable knowledge to Pacific University’s MSW program classroom. Students with approved graduate-level social work courses can transfer credits under these conditions:

• 2-year MSW Program students can transfer up to 32 credit hours earned within five years of the program start date
• Advanced Standing students can transfer up to 16 credit hours earned within seven years

The program maintains professional standards by not granting credit for life experience or previous work experience.

Tuition

Your journey toward becoming a licensed social worker starts with investing in an MSW education at Pacific University. The university bases its tuition rates on your chosen program format and timeline.

The Two-Year Master’s Program tuition and fees for the 2025-2026 academic year come to $29,824 for the first year and $29,924 for the second year. Students in the One-Year Advanced Standing Track will pay $30,842 per year in total tuition and fees.

The online MSW program costs $983 per credit, which brings the traditional track’s total program cost to $54,065. The online advanced standing option costs $31,456 at the same per-credit rate. Students choosing the hybrid format, which blends in-person and online learning, pay $1,035 per credit hour. This amounts to $56,925 for the traditional track and $33,120 for advanced standing, plus wellness and activity fees.

Students should plan their budget to cover these typical yearly expenses:

• Books, equipment, and laptop costs reach $2,300
• Housing expenses including rent, utilities, and internet total $12,700
• Food costs amount to $3,000
• Transportation runs $1,300 plus a $50 annual parking fee

MSW students have access to several valuable scholarship opportunities:

The Abbott Fund Scholarship cuts tuition by up to 50% for students who enroll in the Diabetes Care & Management track. Students must live or work in the Stockton area and commit to working in diabetes care there for two years after graduation. The HealthForce Partners program offers need-based awards of $10,000 to students who plan to practice in behavioral health settings.

Pacific University received a $1.8 million grant from the Oregon Health Authority to provide tuition assistance and stipends to MSW students. This helps boost capacity and diversity in Oregon’s mental health workforce. The university also covers full tuition and fees for eligible veterans and their dependents who enroll under the Department of Veterans Affairs program.

Students applying for financial aid should start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application helps develop a detailed financial aid package.

Additional Information

Pacific University helps students succeed beyond the classroom. The MSW program pairs you with a dedicated Student Success Advisor who will guide your educational trip from day one until graduation. Your advisor provides personal mentorship and helps you stay on track. They assist with tuition questions, course guidance, academic resources, and technical support.

The university’s complete student support system has these specialized academic resources:

• Writing center
• Math hub
• General academic tutoring
• Research consultations
• Faculty advising
• Career services

The Office of Student Support partners with students through the Care Referral Program to help overcome academic and personal challenges. The core team and community members can raise concerns about student’s wellbeing, safety, or academic difficulties, which leads to personalized support.

Pacific’s alumni community welcomes you after graduation. This vibrant network has over 34,000 members across all 50 states and 55 countries. Students qualify for alumni benefits after completing one year (24 credit hours) and leaving in good standing. The non-dues organization hosts more than 150 programs yearly to connect alumni with the university and each other.

The online MSW program delivers the same academic excellence as on-campus programs. Students complete everything online except field practicum hours, making it convenient and flexible.