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 comprehensive 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 Director of Practicum 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 studies.

Pacific University is accredited as an institution by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), a status it has held since 1929, with its most recent reaccreditation awarded in 2024. 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 social workers who don’t have a bachelor’s degree in social work. This 64-credit program is offered in person on the Forest Grove campus. Students can choose a full-time pathway of two years, or study part-time while continuing to work.

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 track begins with a one-credit “tune up” course, followed by 32 credits. Full-time students finish in one year, and a part-time schedule is available for working professionals. The advanced standing track can be taken in person or online.

Students focus on a generalist curriculum, with coursework in:

• Health and wellness
• Latino families and culture
• Racism, oppression, and power in social work practice

Students learn about human rights and social justice while developing skills in culturally responsive services, mental health diagnoses, and advanced therapeutic approaches. Practicum placements run throughout the program, letting students explore the breadth of the social work field as they advance their careers.

Each year, students can also take travel courses that expand their understanding of international social work. These courses alternate annually between New Zealand and Uganda.

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 option is the advanced standing MSW track, which gives BSW graduates the flexibility to earn their master’s while keeping their current commitments. Coursework is completed remotely, with practicum hours arranged in the student’s own community.

The program focuses on preparing you to 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 care through evidence-based approaches.

The online advanced standing track starts with a one-credit “tune up” course followed by 32 credits. Full-time students complete it in one year, and part-time scheduling is available.

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.

Licensed social workers who lead their field will guide you as faculty members throughout your educational experience. “Social Work Wednesday” virtual information meetings run every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon Pacific Time, covering program details, field education, admissions, and the availability of tuition assistance and stipends.

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

Accreditation

Quality assurance at Pacific University’s MSW program starts with accreditation. Pacific’s MSW and BSW programs are both accredited by 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 holds institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), first awarded in 1929. The university’s most recent reaccreditation came in 2024, with the next evaluation scheduled for 2030.

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. In Oregon, the licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) credential requires 3,500 hours of post-MSW experience, 2,000 of which must be with direct clients, plus 100 hours of supervision and a minimum of 24 months of supervised practice. Pacific’s program gives you 920 total hours of field experience under licensed social workers before you graduate.

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.

Students should check whether 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 professional standards. This prepares you for licensure and grounded 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.

Requirements for the MSW program include:

• A completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is strongly desired
• Completed online application through SocialWorkCAS, including short essay questions
• Professional resume or CV
• Two letters of recommendation
• Demonstrated English language proficiency if English is not your first language
• A background check, drug screen, and immunization requirements upon acceptance

The GRE is not required, and test scores submitted through the application system are not considered.

The Admissions Committee uses a holistic review process that weighs your academic record, community service and social work-related experience, communication skills, ability to work as an effective team member, letters of recommendation, and commitment to the profession.

Advanced Standing applicants need a bachelor of social work from Pacific or another CSWE-accredited program earned within the last five years.

Pacific University’s current students can benefit from the Guaranteed Grad School Admission Program. Students may apply as soon as they commit to Pacific as undergraduates or transfer students, or during their junior year. Pacific graduates who complete the application by the early deadline and meet all admission requirements are guaranteed a reserved spot in the upcoming cohort.

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.

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.

Tuition and fees for the 2026-2027 academic year are:

• Two-Year Master’s Program: $30,860 for year one and $32,860 for year two
• One-Year Advanced Standing Track: $33,810
• Online One-Year Program: $33,810

MSW students have access to several scholarship and funding opportunities. The program offers a limited number of competitive single-year scholarships, with award amounts varying, and graduate assistantships are available to outstanding applicants who meet the early application deadline. Assistantships involve working with MSW faculty on research, teaching, or program development.

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. Through the Yellow Ribbon program, 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.

Practicum Education

The practicum experience is at the heart of Pacific University’s MSW program. Students complete 920 practicum hours over the course of the program, split across two years:

• First year: A two-semester practicum from September to May, 14-16 hours per week, totaling 420 hours
• Second year: A two-semester practicum, 18-20 hours per week, totaling 500 hours

Alongside their placements, students attend a weekly seminar class. Seminar is an interactive setting where students connect classroom knowledge with practice and reflect on their placement experiences and professional development.

The majority of practicum experiences take place in Oregon. Students build skills and community connections throughout the greater Portland area, along with rural and urban experiences statewide.

Additional Information

Pacific University helps students succeed beyond the classroom, with academic and personal support available throughout the program. Students have access to the writing center, academic tutoring, research consultations, faculty advising, and career services.

Graduates of Pacific’s MSW can apply for the licensed master of social work (LMSW) credential in Oregon by passing the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam and paying the state licensing fee. An LMSW opens employment across schools, hospice, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence agencies, hospitals, criminal justice settings, child and family services, homeless shelters, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, veterans services, and mental health.

For questions about the program, contact the MSW admissions office at msw@pacificu.edu or visit the Forest Grove campus at 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116.