Portland State University’s School of Social Work is currently the only institution in Oregon that offers an online MSW program. The majority of instruction for the program is delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete readings, learning modules and assignments on their own schedule (provided, of course, that they meet all relevant deadlines). At least twice per course, students are required to attend live online sessions to interact in real time with professors and classmates. The program progresses along the traditional cohort model, with students admitted only in the fall and classes offered year-round. Beyond the online coursework, students are also required to visit campus for a three-day intensive at the beginning of each year. Additionally, students must complete their field education at local health services agencies.

Please note: All online MSW programs require students to complete field education at a local health services agency.

The online MSW program at Portland State University offers only a traditional standing track, with an optional concentration in Community and Organizational Practice. The program is 78 credits long and requires students to complete 16 hour/week of field education during years two and three. The program is part time only, to be completed in three years.

In addition to Portland State University, students from Oregon have several out-of-state online MSW options. There are many universities with online MSW programs that accept Oregonians, and the majority of these programs are fully online, meaning they do not require students to visit campus while earning their degrees. Five of these programs do require a limited number of visits, and these may be the ideal medium for students looking for the flexibility of an online program as well as the pleasure of meeting their professors and classmates in person.

Several out-of-state online MSW programs also offer Oregonians the same tuition rate as in-state students, so aspiring social workers should research as many of their options as possible. To learn more about a particular program below, click on the name of the school.

All online MSW programs require field education at a local health services agency. Programs that are 100% online do not require students to visit the campus during the program.

The Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers issues three different social work licenses: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) and Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW). Below are some common steps to become a social worker in Oregon, which you should confirm with Oregon’s board of social workers. Information regarding licensure in Oregon was last retrieved in August 2020.

For more detailed information on becoming a social worker in Oregon, visit the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers. You can also refer to our guides on general requirements for becoming a social worker and becoming an LCSW.

Last updated: September 2020