George Fox MSW

George Fox University is a unique place where social work education combines professional excellence with spiritual growth. The university sits in Newberg, Oregon, at 414 N. Meridian St. Students find an ideal setting here to nurture their passion for equity, social justice, and service.

The Master of Social Work program shows remarkable results. 90.5% of graduates pass their ASWB clinical licensure exam on their first try. These impressive numbers showcase the high-quality education and preparation students receive during their learning experience.

George Fox takes an integrated approach to social work education. Students learn through the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model while working with communities and individuals. This viewpoint helps students gain a deeper understanding of human needs and intervention strategies that work.

The university’s faculty brings together experts dedicated to guiding students through their social work education. These professionals share their specialized knowledge in early childhood development, grief counseling, geriatric practice, alcohol and drug counseling, crisis intervention, adoption, and child welfare. They help students grow into competent, ethical social workers who value human dignity and promote vulnerable populations’ rights.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited George Fox University through October 2028. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has also accredited the university since 1959. This ensures degrees meet strict educational standards. The U.S. government and Oregon and Idaho states approve George Fox to teach veterans. The U.S. attorney general has also approved international student admissions.

Students join an online community at George Fox that celebrates their heritage and values their contributions. Professors help magnify their passion for service and social justice. Graduates leave with confidence, purpose, and a lasting professional network. The university’s focus on both academic and spiritual growth sets it apart from other social work programs.

George Fox participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, which sets national standards for distance education. Students can trust their online education meets quality measures accepted across many states.

Programs offered

George Fox University helps students build rewarding careers in social work through its nationally recognized programs. Students can choose from undergraduate and graduate social work education paths that align with their career goals and academic background.

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program leads George Fox’s social work offerings with two flexible tracks:

• Traditional MSW Program: Students can complete this detailed program in two, three, or four years based on their schedule. The traditional track needs 62 credit hours and has both generalist and advanced generalist coursework.
• Advanced Standing MSW Program: BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can finish in just eight to 20 months with 32 credit hours. This path saves time for students moving from undergraduate to graduate studies.

Class sizes remain small with only 12-18 students, which ensures individual attention throughout your educational trip. The program also has a specialized concentration in school social work that students can pursue alone or combine with other coursework.

Students benefit from a mix of online courses and ground practicum experiences that provide both flexibility and essential hands-on training. The program requires between 448 and 560 practicum hours each year, which gives students valuable real-life experience under professional supervision.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program prepares students for entry-level positions in a variety of settings. Students move through the curriculum in small groups that encourage meaningful relationships with peers and faculty. BSW graduates can enter the Advanced Standing MSW option and complete their graduate degree in just one additional year.

The program stands out with its integrated approach to social work practice. Students learn how the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model works with communities—a detailed framework that helps understand human needs. This approach sets George Fox apart from other MSW programs that might not include spiritual dimensions in their teaching models.

Social work programs at George Fox maintain full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation helps students qualify for licensure and advance in their careers.

The curriculum uses the Generalist Model of Social Work Practice with four main stages: engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation. This framework helps students develop skills to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities in different settings.

About the online program

George Fox’s online MSW program combines flexibility with practical experience. Students can balance their education among other life commitments. Most classes can be completed on your schedule, but some need live online participation during evening hours. This mix of formats will give a good balance of convenience while you interact meaningfully with professors and peers.

Students need to attend in-person sessions at George Fox University’s Portland Center three Saturdays per semester. All the same, the faculty provides alternative online options if you can’t attend these face-to-face classes. This helps students with different situations and locations.

A key part of the program has 400 hours of in-person practicum experience. You can complete these hours in your local community or at your current workplace. This makes it easier to get field experience while keeping your existing professional commitments.

The program uses Experiential Learning Cloud to manage your practicum experience. This electronic practicum education software system needs a one-time lifetime payment of $215. Your investment continues to provide value after graduation as you can track hours toward licensure.

Experiential Learning Cloud gives you several practical benefits:

• Submit your MSW Practicum Application and preliminary assignments
• Complete practicum placement through the site placement program
• Track practicum hours with digital signatures from supervisors
• Automate assignment submissions and evaluations
• Monitor hours toward graduation and licensure

The online program puts emphasis on flexibility and customized learning. You can take courses at your pace and find ways to complete practicum requirements at your current job. The distance learning format helps you join an online community that honors your heritage and accepts you without conditions.

The program goes beyond academic training to create lasting change. You’ll learn about vulnerable populations’ daily lives and develop culturally informed intervention strategies. Your practicum experiences match your specific interests and goals. This preparation helps you lead positive change in nonprofits, schools, clinical mental health services, or community programs.

Accreditation

Quality social work education’s substance is professional accreditation. The Master of Social Work program at George Fox University has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) through October 2029. Your education meets strict national standards set by the social work profession’s main accrediting body.

CSWE accreditation brings real benefits to your career path. The program must meet high educational standards through regular reviews and evaluations. You become eligible for professional licensure in the United States since most states require graduation from a CSWE-accredited program before granting a license.

George Fox University is one of just three Oregon schools that offer a nationally accredited MSW program. The university is also one of three Christian universities in the Northwest region with such a program. Students who choose George Fox’s MSW program join a small group of institutions that meet these high standards.

George Fox University has managed to keep its institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1959. This regional recognition confirms your degree’s academic quality. On top of that, it has U.S. government and state approval from Oregon and Idaho to educate veterans. The U.S. attorney general has also authorized George Fox to admit international students.

Advanced Standing applicants need a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. No other degrees or life experience can replace this requirement. Students in the School Social Work Program must have an MSW from a CSWE-accredited institution.

The university takes part in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). This organization sets national standards that distance education courses must meet. Your online education will meet quality standards recognized by multiple states, making educational transitions smooth whatever your location.

Of course, if you plan to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), note that Oregon’s licensure requirements need graduation from a CSWE-accredited program. You must also pass the appropriate Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam.

Admission Requirements

The George Fox MSW program has specific admission criteria based on your academic background. The university reviews both your academic preparation and personal fit for the social work profession through a formal application process.

The Traditional MSW Program needs you to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. You should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in your last two years of academic work. Students with lower GPAs might get admission on academic probation. The program also requires you to complete prerequisite coursework, with at least one statistics course.

The Advanced Standing Program sets higher academic standards. You need a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program with a 3.0 or higher overall GPA, and a 3.0 GPA in social work courses. On top of that, you must earn at least a B in all practice and practicum courses. The program favors applicants who finished their BSW in the last five years. Other applicants must show proof of continuing education and professional practice.

A complete application package for either program has:

• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Two professional or academic references (requirements vary based on time since degree completion)
• Professional resume with relevant experience
• Personal statement (500 words) about your readiness for graduate work
• Sample of scholarly writing from your undergraduate studies

George Fox might ask for an interview after you submit these materials to assess your program fit. The admissions committee reviews your potential success in graduate study based on your academic record, experience, writing skills, and how well you match the program’s mission.

The university welcomes qualified applicants whatever their “race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, marital or veteran status, disability, religion, political affiliation or sexual orientation”. The program values applicants who show dedication to social work values and room for growth in advanced practice.

Accepted students can join MSW Ignite, which offers extra interaction with faculty as you begin your experience toward clinical licensure at George Fox University.

Tuition

The financial investment in your MSW education plays a vital role as you plan your professional experience. George Fox University’s Master of Social Work program provides competitive tuition rates that change based on your enrollment status and academic year.

MSW tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year is set at $810 per semester credit hour. Students enrolled full-time (8+ credits) will pay approximately $12,555 per semester. This shows a small increase from the 2024-2025 rate of $794 per semester credit hour, where full-time students paid $12,704 per semester.

You’ll need to submit a $200 enrollment deposit before starting your studies. The university holds this amount until you complete your program, though it’s not a tuition pre-payment.

Your total cost of attendance includes several components beyond tuition:

• Housing: $8,390 per semester (2025-2026)
• Food: $3,448 per semester (2025-2026)
• Books and supplies: $500 per semester (2025-2026)
• Transportation: $980 per semester (2025-2026)
• Personal expenses: $1,690 per semester (2025-2026)

Full-time MSW students should expect student service fees of $70 per semester with 8+ credits or $35 per semester for 4-7 credits. Some courses have additional fees – to cite an instance, SWKG 576 ($40) and SWKG 676 ($65).

Students who file a FAFSA at George Fox qualify for federal funds to help with educational expenses. The university adjusts budgeted tuition based on enrollment: 100% for full-time (8+ credits), 75% for three-quarter time (6-7.5 credits), 50% for half-time (4-5.5 credits), and 25% for less than half-time (3.5 or fewer credits).

Graduate students must enroll in at least four credits per semester for federal loans to disburse. Alternative or Grad PLUS Loans are a great way to get coverage for any remaining balance. Financial aid can help with both direct costs like tuition and fees, and indirect expenses such as food and housing throughout your program.

George Fox makes its programs as affordable as possible through financial aid options of all types.

Additional Information

The George Fox MSW program gives you more than just classroom knowledge – it provides resources you need to grow professionally. MSW graduates find opportunities that reach way beyond traditional roles. They build careers in probation services, mental health, public service, and political leadership.

Social work graduates have many career choices because their training prepares them to work in multiple fields. The value of an MSW in public service is clear – five senators in the 116th U.S. Congress held MSW degrees.

Students get access to complete support services during their educational experience. The university helps through:

• University Health & Counseling Center
• Spiritual Life resources
• Campus support services

George Fox uses Handshake to help students find jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities. Students who graduate can get free career coaching within their first year after finishing their undergraduate program.

Alumni can stay connected with the university community. They serve as Alumni Ambassadors, share internship opportunities, and help with career panels and mock interviews.

The School Social Work Licensure Preparation Program fits seamlessly into your MSW degree without extra time or courses. This program meets every requirement needed to get licensed with the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.

Your MSW from George Fox puts you among professionals who work as mental health providers in settings of all types. These graduates create real change through a variety of career paths.